Culture, Español

Virgen de Guadalupe

MoKa Hammeken

By MoKa Hammeken (2011) On December 12th, the day of the Virgen de Guadalupe, also known as our Señora of Guadalupe, is celebrated across Mexico. She is the Mexican representation of the Virgin Mary and whose sanctuary may be found in the Basilica of Guadalupe in the northern part of Mexico City. According to legend, la […]

By MoKa Hammeken (2011) On December 12th, the day of the Virgen de Guadalupe, also known as our Señora of Guadalupe, is celebrated across Mexico. She is the Mexican representation of the Virgin Mary and whose sanctuary may be found in the Basilica of Guadalupe in the northern part of Mexico City. According to legend, la Virgen de Guadalupe appeared four times on the hill of Tepeyac to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin, an indigenous man from the area. On the fourth appearance, la Virgen ordered Juan Diego to go before the first Bishop of Mexico, Juan de Zumárraga, and to take him some flowers.  Wrapped in his ayate (traditional indigenous natural cloth woven from fibers of the maguey plant), Juan Diego took roses, as indicated to him by the apparition, that are not native to Mexico (Castillian roses) and that could not survive in the arid lands of the area. When he reached his destination, Juan Diego opened up his cloak before the Bishop and as the roses fell they revealed the image of

the Virgin Mary, yet with dark skin and indigenous traits. These appearances are dated as having taken place in 1531, the last of them on December 12 according to canonical record of the appearances of Tepeyac (though other writers contend the origin was from the 17th century). Yet before continuing to speak of Her, we should learn about why the name “Guadalupe.”  The origin of the name Guadalupe has always been an area of controversy, and many possible explanations have been given. Nevertheless, in this case, we present the clearest theory which is that the name is a result of the translation from Nahuatl to Spanish of the words used by the Virgen during an appearance to Juan Bernardino, the sick uncle of Juan Diego. It is believed that Nuestra Señora used the Nahuatl term coatlaxopeuh, which is pronounced quatlasupe and sounds very similar to the Spanish word Guadalupe. “Coa” means snake, “tla” is…

Culture

Día de Muertos

MoKa Hammeken

Republished from Oct. 2011 To the people of New York, Paris, or London, “death” is a word that is never pronounced because it burns the lips. The Mexican, however, frequents it, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of its favorite toys and most steadfast love. Of course, in […]

Republished from Oct. 2011 To the people of New York, Paris, or London, "death" is a word that is never pronounced because it burns the lips. The Mexican, however, frequents it, jokes about it, caresses it, sleeps with it, celebrates it; it is one of its favorite toys and most steadfast love. Of course, in his attitude perhaps there is as much fear as there is in one of the others; at least he does not hide it; he confronts it face to face with patience, disdain, or irony ~ Octavio Paz, Labyrinth of Solitude In this brief paragraph Octavio Paz almost flawlessly defines the relationship of “the Mexican” with Death throughout history, and at every moment of his/her life (he was indeed a wonderful writer). In particular this describes the symbiosis between humans and earth, as well as the incorporeal and supernatural essence found in the colorful Day of the Dead throughout the width and breadth of the Mexican

Republic. While in other countries death wears mournful hues and includes a certain sense of doom, in Mexico in the full light of the day Death can be observed in vibrant energetic colors, such as orange, blue and pink; it is awaited and preparations for its coming are arranged in advance. It is a day of festivity and coming together. These are days in which the deceased are celebrated not solely as a simple memory or in tribute, but rather that these beings, who come from an unknown place, return to relish in a bit of earthly delights. Therefore the altars, which contain all the favorite dishes of the departed, are also adorned with Cempazúchitl flowers with their strong aroma and brilliant orange color; they are like the lines of a super highway showing spirits the way. There is joy and celebration because loved ones are “coming to visit.” Music, cut-out crepe paper, sweets, candles, incense, bread, drinks, and laughter…

Culture

Yahir Durán in Rocky Point: Concert and Book Presentation

MoKa Hammeken

What: Singer/Songwriter Yahir Durán presentation July 19th 8 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium   Tickets 80 pesos / VIP 150 pesos.  July 20th  Book presentation A few months ago, when Luis Lugo brought David Alguilar to perform in town, I interviewed him a bit. If you recall, he had brought his friend David both as an […]

What: Singer/Songwriter Yahir Durán presentation July 19th 8 p.m. at the Municipal Auditorium   Tickets 80 pesos / VIP 150 pesos.  July 20th  Book presentation A few months ago, when Luis Lugo brought David Alguilar to perform in town, I interviewed him a bit. If you recall, he had brought his friend David both as an excuse to see him as well as to help with his “crowdfund” project Fondeadora (which included a certain amount of concerts and raising a certain amount of funds). Amidst embarrassed laughter, he hinted he liked this whole thing of being a musical promoter. At that time, he told me if all went well he had a number of very talented friends, who deserved to be heard. Now, he’s at it again, and bringing Yahir Durán to Puerto Peñasco where the singer/songwriter will close out his Northern Tour. Yes, our sacred Rocky Point is now on the maps of many. ….(Excerpts of interview with Luis Lugo).... Yahir Durán is coming from Guadalajara. He’s been

living there for twenty-one years though he’s originally from Topolobampo, or rather he’s also from Sinaloa (David Aguilar who played Puerto Peñasco in January is also from Sinaloa though resides in Mexico City). What’s interesting, and what I like a lot about his music, is that he has a very mixed style – from rancheras, cumbia, merengue, trova, one or another sultry song – some with jazz or blues, and almost a little rap. Also, his lyrics are very poetic and encompass a number of topics, he doesn’t just get stuck on one. He is quite educated and has studied literature along with various writers and poets, hence his love for words; Durán has a degree in Sacred Music (just as local musician Germán Esquer, director of the City’s Music School – who actually studied at the same school). He also has material for piano that he’s also going to play here.…

Culture

Día de la Marina June 1st

MoKa Hammeken

[reprinted from 2013] As a port city, and proudly having this fact as part of its name, Puerto Peñasco dearly embraces this special date: el Día de la Marina, or Marine (Naval) Day. This is celebrated with the popular Fiesta de la Marina (now named Marina Fest), crowning of a Queen from among various candidates, civic […]

[reprinted from 2013] As a port city, and proudly having this fact as part of its name, Puerto Peñasco dearly embraces this special date: el Día de la Marina, or Marine (Naval) Day. This is celebrated with the popular Fiesta de la Marina (now named Marina Fest), crowning of a Queen from among various candidates, civic actions such as commemoration of fallen sailors, parades with the participation of schools, and a ceremony with the placement of floral wreaths at the statue of El Pescador (Plaza Gobernadores in the Malecón), to José the fisherman (representing fishermen of Puerto Peñasco), and a wreath at sea in honor of the Mexican Navy. The latter is usually accompanied by two or three boats, which people are able to board if they so wish. Nevertheless, this is a date not solely celebrated in Puerto Peñasco but rather across the nation, instituted in 1942 to honor crews of the Mexican tanker ships the “Potrero del Llano” and “Faja

de Oro” that were torpedoed and sunk by German submarines on May 13th and 20th, 1942. During the months of June and July that same year, the tanker ships “Tuxpan,” “Las Choapas,” “Amatitlán,” and the “Oaxaca” were also attacked and sunk during World War II. These actions took the lives of many Mexican marines. Historically, June 1st was selected as the date to pay homage to Mexican marines as it was on June 1st, 1917 when the “Tabasco”, a Mexican merchant ship, first set sail from the port of Veracruz with the entirety of its crew made up solely by individuals born in Mexico. This was in fulfillment of Article 32 of Mexico’s Political Constitution that had been enacted on February 5th of that same year. This was quite an achievement as prior to when this article went into effect, captains, chief machinists and officials on Mexican ships had all been foreigners.

Culture

A quick sit-down with Jimmy Maldonado. Filmmaker. Photographer.

MoKa Hammeken

I recall news spreading that someone from Rocky Point had won a short-film contest in Cd. Obregon, and it wasn’t until the day I finally met the winner did I recall this – and was introduced to Jimmy Maldonado. I had been speaking with Nina Mier of the Primera Toma (First Take) Film Club about the […]

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Culture

Earth Day April 22nd

MoKa Hammeken

In various parts of the US, Mexico, and across the globe, plans are underway for events to celebrate and commemorate a day that concerns us all: April 22nd – Earth Day. Here in Puerto Peñasco, the Intercultural Center for the Study of Deserts and Oceans (CEDO) is planning their First Family Day for Saturday, April […]

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Culture, Drink & Dine

The Chef Mickey Experience + chiles en nogada

MoKa Hammeken

Honestly, I don’t call myself a person with a virtue for cooking – I’ve been known to burn water for coffee…or bread for sandwiches. That’s why when I was invited to join a cooking class with Chef Mickey (in Plaza del Sol, along Blvd. Fremont), my only thought was “Oh goodness…what did I get myself […]

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Culture

Reflections on the beginning of Spring 2012

MoKa Hammeken

Slacks and a sweater for Spring For days now, the change of season could already be perceived in the air. The typical warmth of  this time of year was beginning to be felt. I was already prepared for a change of wardrobe, and to let myself be seduced by the sun’s rays; nevertheless, this past […]

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Culture

Sonora Reads: Commemorating Padre Kino

MoKa Hammeken

On the morning of March 15th at Plaza del Camarón, as part of the “Sonora Reads” program, a reading event took place in commemoration of the 301 years since the passing of Father Francisco Eusebio Kino. Participants included those from the City administration, the Cultural Institute, and musicians, alongside students from local jr. high and […]

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