mexico, 23 years later…

I’ve finally decided to take the long-overdue opportunity to visit Mexico and travel to San Marcos. This small town is where my family grew up, and I haven’t been there since I was eight. My grandfather recently moved back there and invited me to join him, and I didn’t hesitate to accept. This year has taken an unexpected turn in my life, and I was looking for any reason to get away for as long as possible. The timing couldn’t be better.

Once we arrived in Mexico City, a six-hour journey to San Marcos awaited us, and it went smoothly for the most part. When we arrived, I was amazed by the vibrant atmosphere of my grandfather's house. The colors, the trees surrounding his home, and the decorations my grandmother (who sadly passed away many years ago) had chosen made it truly feel like the definition of "home." My grandfather has kept everything in place, preserving that warm sense of comfort.

To top it all off, the annual Feria Nacional de San Marcos was just about to begin, and I couldn’t wait to experience how the entire town comes alive through music, food, culture, and celebration. One of the highlights of the week for me was, without a doubt, the Quema de Toritos—the 'Burning of Bulls.' It’s a dazzling tradition where people take turns carrying papier-mâché bulls filled with fireworks, lighting them up and dancing joyfully through the streets. It was thrilling, unforgettable, and unlike anything I’d ever seen.

I took a lot more photos on my film camera. I’m still waiting for them to be developed, but as soon as they are, I’ll upload them here first thing.