Master Radish Carver: Serafin Muñoz

At 64-years-old, Oaxacan born and lifelong resident, Serafin Muñoz, says he is sad and lonely most days lately due to the death of his wife of 40 years just one year ago.

However, he quickly changes the subject, and says, “We have to be better than yesterday,” and as his eyes begin to light up, asks,“What do you think?”

What brings joy to his life now he says is teaching sports to kids, and this time of year, because he gets to make intricate designs out of radishes for La Noche de Rabanos (Night of the Radishes) – a tradition that has been happening in Oaxaca every 23^rd of December, for more than a century.

Muñoz says the tradition started with the carving of lettuce, onions, and radishes in the markets during Christmas time to encourage sales, but with time, it became just radishes. Today, it is a full-blown city-wide contest where the government provides free radishes to all those that register (also free), and the first place winner gets 15,000 pesos.

It has become such a popular event that many people don't even get to see the works of art that are displayed in the zocalo on the 23^rd. The lines are so long, that it's over before they get there, Muñoz says.

He says that he was only about 15-years-old when he began keeping this tradition with his parents. And with almost 40 years of experience in this unique agrarian artistic field, no one has beaten Muñoz' record yet of nine first place wins, two second place wins, and three third place wins.

What sets him apart from the other contestants he says, is that he likes to keep some of the shape of the radishes. He doesn't carve to perfection – he likes his images to still look like it comes from a radish – in this way he keeps it authentic.

 

"I know love, because I love doing this," says Muñoz. "This is how one should love people - from the heart, not through words."

This year, he is repeating a theme he won first place for 35 years ago - a depiction of the first mass that was celebrated in Oaxaca 400 years ago at the bank of the Atoyac River, under a huajes tree (the leaf of which Oaxaca is named after).

It's an anxious time he says, because not only is the work tiring, but it's also nerve-wracking to wait to see who wins.

“One needs a lot of patience,” says Muñoz, while his son sprays water on some of the new radish creations beside me to keep them from dehydrating.

It's been four years since Muñoz last won a contest, but his determination does not falter. He's been carving with four of his six sons for the past four days, and tonight plans to be up till whenever they finish.

“He who doubts fails, and he who decides triumphs,” he tells me. “What do you think of that, eh?”

(Published in the Guadalajara Reporter)

PXM Surf Torneo Bicententario in Puerto Escondido

November 19 – 21, the annual Torneo Bicententario, organized by PXM Surf, took place on Zicatela Beach in Puerto Escondido. Angelo Lozano, Christian Corzo, Cesar Petroni, and Ereberto Ramirez, all from Puerto Escondido were among the favorites expected to win the first place prize of $100,000 mxn. However, PXM Surf virgin, Alex Muñoz, also of Puerto Escondido, surfed the winning wave and is the new champion of the Torneo Bicententario 2010 in Zicatela Beach.

This year's competition had a total of 32 competitors from countries all over the world, including surfers from Australia, the United States, Mexico, Argentina, and Europe.

When this competition started more than 20 years ago, it began as more of a national sport, but within the last three years many foreigners have begun to travel large distances to come to surf Puerto Escondido. Because it's part of the Mexican pipeline, it is known as one of the best beaches in the world for surfing with sand, as opposed to the more deadly coral reef, says Roxelle Perez, treasurer of the Surf Association of the State of Oaxaca.

Starting as early as 7:30 a.m., for three days straight, Zicatela Beach was home base to an international sun tanned crowd. Surfing fans from as far as Germany and Australia came to practice their own surfing, as well as to cheer on this year's competitors - while listening to surf songs from artists such as, Red Hot Chili Peppers and The Rolling Stones blasting in the background of the serene symphony of the crashing waves.

Although, the waves only reached a disappointing three to four ft. this weekend, Zicatela Beach is known for its waves that sometimes reach gargantuan altitudes of 30 to 40 ft.

This is the third year that Mario Alberto Inowe, 21, a surfer from Puerto Escondido has paid the 1,200 pesos to compete in this tournament.

“You need a lot of luck, if a good wave doesn't come, it doesn't come,” says Inowe. “Anybody can win.”

Last year's winner, Feliciano Muñoz, was eliminated in the first round this year.

“It's all a matter of luck,” says Perez. “If God doesn't send you the right one...You can have tactics, but you need the right one.”

The Celebration of Life and Death Continues in Oaxaca

One day, when I think back to the Day of the Dead I spent in Oaxaca, the vivid image of an older woman hugging a large bunch of flowers will come to mind. That one very colorful mental impression sums up the experience. The Mexican tradition of commemorating death, is synonymous with the way the Mexican people view everything in life.
 
Everything is celebrated.
 
While I have been here, I have been told that whether it be a graduation, a birthday, a new job, or a divorce, a party is thrown - even if you are broke and it will put you in debt.
 
From midnight of October 31st through November 2nd, every year, it is a custom dating back to pre-Hispanic times to go to the place where your loved ones are buried, and decorate it with flowers and candles, and sometimes even a tapete or colorful design made out of sand. Entire families sometimes unite to have dinner at the grave. Some play the favorite music of the deceased and may hire a Mariachi band, and some even sleepover to spend the entire night near their deceased loved one - as it is belief that during these days, the souls of the dead return briefly to the earth. Hence, instead of mourning, the people celebrate whole-heartedly.

In addition, to paying homage to the graves, altars are also made at home, and “comparsas” or parades take place from about 5 p.m. until 10 p.m. on November 1st and 2nd. Each neighborhood has a unique version with its own music and theme, but what does not vary is that all ages participate, many dress up in ghoulish, yet bright costumes, and there is much joy and energy that eminates throughout the community.

Some traditionalists are lamenting, because they feel that their ancient tradition is dying out. People say that less and less people are coming to the cemeteries every year, and according to the local newspaper El Imparcial, the sale of candles went down 20 percent from last year.

In the small pueblo of Ayoquesco, about a 40 minute drive from central Oaxaca, a sign was placed on the entrance of the local cemetery saying, “Say no to Halloween.” 

There is fear that the American holiday will taint this very special and ancient holiday for the Mexican community. However, simultaneously the younger generations are embracing Halloween, and blending it with their customary Day of the Dead traditions.

Walking around the cemetery in Xoxocotlan, about a 15 minute drive from the city of Oaxaca, one could see older widows planted by their husbands graves, alone with their colorful shawls and hot chocolate to keep them warm throughout the slightly chilled night. A few graves down, one could see a family with children gathered around in costumes and jack-o-lanterns to help light their loved ones’ grave.

The farther out one goes from the city into the smaller pueblos, the more families and elaborately decorated graves you will find at the cemeteries, but the newer cemeteries closer to the city and where a younger generation resides, are much emptier and darker due to lack of candlelight.

Who knows what will come of this special tradition? Hopefully, it will not die out.

However, when I think about the older woman holding her freshly cut bunch of flowers, and making her way through the crowd to find her loved ones’ grave, it symbolizes the cycle of old traditions blending with new ones, as well as death and the continuation of life. 

So far, it seems as though nothing is ever lost here; it only continues for eternity along with other things added along the way, while of course, being celebrated.

And it is continuing in Oaxaca. It is now November 3rd at 9 p.m., and the dead are long gone, but I still hear the horns blowing and fireworks booming outside my door.

Matador Poster Creating Awareness for Domestic Violence Month

October is domestic violence awareness month. To help raise awareness, artist, Oliver Rios, and singer and spoken word performer, La Bruja, produced this matador poster. This is their interpretation of the abusive behavior that occur within families and relationships today.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, domestic violence is affecting more than 32 million Americans, or over 10 percent of the U.S. population. Domestic violence may or may not constitute a crime, but may include physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, stalking, and even economic deprivation.

For help, or more information about domestic violence, visit or call the New York State Coalition Against Domestic Violence.

Queens Cheers for USA

And the World Cup has begun...

This past Saturday, June 12th, was a full house at Studio Square beer garden in Astoria, Queens. A good 1,000 young Americans came out wearing red, white and blue, waving and wearing their flags, chanting against the Queen and teabags, and even drumming Native American-sounding beats on a bongo drum to support their country in the USA vs. England game.

Amongst the sea of white Caucasians in their 20's and early 30's, and even a few children, the melting pot of Queens was also sprinkled among the masses, including Irish, Bolivian and Ecuadorian immigrants to name just a few. All shared the same cheer that day.

I don't think I've seen such American pride and unity since Obama's election. Check it out for yourselves here.

The game was tied 1:1.

A Trip to La Esquina

I finally made it to the intriguing taqueria, located at the intersection of Kenmare and Cleveland streets, called The Corner (La Esquina in Spanish). I think I passed it for the first time sometime last year, and its old school diner exterior called to me, "Come eat here. Rapido!"

A few months later, I finally made my way back. As one enters La Esquina, it's snug and warm from the sizzling grills that greet you to your left. I save myself the last available stool towards the back of the long counter that lines the window (which by the way is lined with an assortment of hot sauces - I am now officially in heaven), and then order a torta de aguacate con queso (sandwich with avocado, black refried beans, cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, and chipotle mayo), and a Mexican hot mocha.

I went back to my stool, and got a book out to read while I waited for my food, but there was a lot of ear candy going on to really focus on reading. Besides the cool music ranging from 1920's-sounding Latin jazz to modern Mexican cumbia, two different gringo-looking hipsters ordered their food about 10 minutes apart, both giving the name "Pepe" when asked for their name. I found that a little odd. Perhaps they were actors trying out for Mexican roles and both thought coming here for lunch would let them remain in character, or they both wanted to know what it would feel like to be called "Pepe" at least once in their life.

Anyhow, back to the food. It was soothing to the soul and yummy to the tastebuds. The chipotle mayo on the torta added a creamy spicy touch. The Mexican hot mocha tasted homemade - just like my Mexican friend makes from scratch.

La Esquina is like a Mexican getaway in the middle of SoHo. It's warm and cozy, the service friendly, and apparently it makes you want to have a common Mexican name, too. I definitely want to come back to try the tortilla soup which I hear is amazing, as well as platanos machos fritos (plaintains salsa verde, queso fresco) - as I have to try anything with the name "macho" in it.

A Ray of Light in Brooklyn: Anthony Hernandez

On a cold, gray, afternoon in January, I met with the architectural detail designer and sculptor of Architecture Sculpture and Restoration, Inc. (ASR), Anthony Hernandez.

After radiating a warm smile and hug to greet me, the very fit and chisel-faced 44-year-old, showed me the new project in plaster he was working on with eager eyes and the excitement of a little boy.

"I am feeling that I am doing what I love to do," he bursted.

Just three years ago, Hernandez became the owner of his own design company, Fancy Shelters, where he has done work for well-known New York City hot spots such as the Max Mara and Sportmax stores, the Socialista lounge at the Hotel Riverview in the Meatpacking District, the Oscar de La Renta boutique on Madison Avenue, and the Cipriani Hotel on Wall Street. Apart from this, he is contracted for his work at ASR where he has been a crucial foundation for the past 15 years.

Hernandez' innate creativity and artistic ability was born at a young age. His mother would often find him making little dolls out of clay all by himself in his native Caracas,Venezuela. Seeing his natural talent emerge, she immediately enrolled him in Cristobal Rojas Art School.

At 28, Hernandez had a brief stint in the Army where he found himself evangelicizing rather than fighting, as he used to be a Seventh Day Adventist. But a year later, Hernandez moved to San Antonio, Texas, where he went back to his roots and began making a living as a painter. His exhibit, "Recuerdos de mi Madre" ("Memories of My Mother") were displayed in a gallery there, but after two years, he felt he had reached his growth potential and was pulled to try his luck in New York. And so it was that he found himself in Manhattan.

"I didn't know any English," said Hernandez from the kitchen of ASR - the office and workshop of which is now located in Brooklyn. Dressed in his work clothes, smeared with white plaster dust, he reminisced how he would try to find people who could speak Spanish.

"When I was very lost, I would start walking and walking and walking," he said.

One day, he stumbled upon ASR when it was located on Lafayette Street in Manhattan.

He described it as one would have described meeting their other half - love at first sight.

The owner, Euclides Pagan, who usually spent his days working off location at the workshop, happened to be there that day, and also luckily spoke Spanish.

"I told him I was a painter from San Antonio, and Euclides told me he was looking for a mold maker," said Hernandez.

Hernandez took on the challenge, and that was the beginning of a lifelong career and friendship.

Today, Hernandez is no longer a Seventh Day Adventist, but more of a spiritual guru. He speaks enthusiastically about how each project brings a different journey and energy.

"Everything in existence has something to teach you," he said. "You can think, 'Can I do it?', but instead think, 'Wow! What a project!'"

Hernandez is an example of how following your heart can make your biggest dreams come true.

"The dream I had as a child was to be a successful artist and to share - to be bright enough," he said.

As of February, Hernandez is no longer working at ASR, but his mark will live on forever there. He plans on moving on to conquer his next challenge.

Jamaica Snowfall

10 Reflections for the New Year

1. Listen to everything around you - the leaves rustling, the rain falling, strangers talking - they are the beats to your life.
2. Dance with your heart, and feel music with your soul - even if it's not your type.
3. Think about what you would do if you could be doing anything, and do it.
4. Share your thoughts, feelings, and stories because you never know what might touch someone, but also pay attention to the response as you might also learn something.
5. Ask questions as if there was no google.
6. Give as if you didn't have but wish you had enough to give away.
7. Hug as if you were never coming back.
8. Feeling is real living and it makes you grow. So feel every moment instead of running by them.
9. Love like you would want to be loved.
10. Live in the present and revel in it.