Presence
A Great Divide offers a warm and candid glimpse into several beloved community celebrations within Oaxaca, México, where tradition and devotion blend through Catholic and indigenous practices. The zancudos, or mosquitoes in English, are stilt-walking performers who parade and dance through their community, their towering figures and long shadows resembling the slender legs of mosquitoes are excitedly celebrated. The priestly figures of Santo Tomás Jalieza are a rebellious form of adoration pursuing community members to douse with “holy” water and ash. The masquerade and devilish costumes significant to some of these communities lends to more of the mischievous and unexpected. From early afternoon, and late into the sunset, these community members catapult the spirit and energy of pre-Lenten traditions cherished for generations, and igniting the passion to practice it for those yet to come.
