Talismans of power

In the heart of Cholula, Puebla, people transform their streets into vibrant venues for celebration, cordoning off neighborhood roads to make way for festivities that mark significant dates (weddings, quinceañeras, christenings, birthdays or patron saint celebration). These events are characterized by the pulsating sounds of cumbia music, which fills the air and becomes a symbol of communal appropriation and joy. This practice speaks to a broader tradition of inclusivity and openness, inviting all who wish to dance, regardless of their familiarity, to join in the communal revelry.

Such reclamation of public spaces for festivity taps into a universal human impulse towards celebration and play, transcending geographic and cultural boundaries. Whether nestled in the remote corners of the Midwest or the bustling heartlands of south-central Mexico, the urge to engage in festivities is a fundamental aspect of human nature.

Our celebrations are governed by specific rules that outline the "correct" way to engage in such activities. Among these, the tradition of wearing masks stands out as an example. These masks can be literal or metaphorical, ranging from physical disguises to altered behaviors and even the immersive experience of music, all serving to unleash our most primal selves.