46. Durango, Mexico

Abstract

Durango holds a special place in the heart of Mexico due to its rich history, culture, and gastronomy. It is the birth place of Mexican revolutionary hero Pancho Villa and is known as the Hollywood of Mexico for the numerous American Western movies that were filmed in the territory. Citizens in Durango continue to participate in traditions that are over 400 years old. Its homemade cuisine is exquisite such as the elaboration of cheese by the Mennonite communities and sweets made from fruits in season. A documentary of Durango is archived in the Penn Museum.

Being a native of Durango I have had the opportunity to visit the area of El Mezquital, Durango since I was 12 years old. Every summer and winter I have been able to observe the people of El Mezquital, Durango, participate in their traditions, and eat the traditional homemade dishes served at weddings and on festive days. My poster represents the way of life of the citizens of El Mezquital. I have brought traditional artifacts from the area including a scorpion clock, handmade jewelry from the indigenous tribes of the mountains, and black and white family photos of a developing Mezquital. Through my poster I wish to share the unique culture of a State and a little town surrounded by the breath taking Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains.