Norogachi (2017), Performancear o Morir #8, Norogachi, Chihuahua MX

During my travels for performances, I often pack into my suitcase items that seem random but are, in fact, chosen intuitively. For this special trip to Mexico, I selected stelle filanti, Italian for streamers. They are long, thin strips of coloured paper, tightly rolled up, which unroll in a swift, spectacular arc when tossed into the air. They are traditionally used during year-end and carnival celebrations.

In 2013, while traveling in Nepal, I noticed colourful rectangular cloths strung high on trees and mountain peaks. Each cloth bears a specific color - blue, white, red, green, and yellow - and is printed with mantras and prayers. When the wind blows, their blessings spread far and wide.

The stories of violence I heard from people in Mexico deeply saddened me, all the more so in such a ruggedly beautiful place. Inspired by the vibrant colours of the Tarahumara people and their restless Easter dances, I felt moved to offer my blessing to the land that had welcomed me with open arms.

I chose a stella filante, held it gently to my face, then filled my lungs and blew my breath onto its empty surface. As the paper slowly flew upwards, I silently inscribed my prayer onto its thin, colourful surface. When its flight ended, I hung the streamer on a tree so that the blessing could spread far and wide.

I repeated the ritual several times, then invited my audience to join me, offering them their own stelle filanti. They eagerly followed along, laughter and joyful words filling the air. In those moments, we became children again, and the tree blossomed with colours, love, prayers, and blessings that travelled to the four corners of Mexico and beyond.

Photo 1, 2, 3, 4 Verónica Córdova de la Rosa

Photo 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 Leonardo Martínez

Photo 11, 12 Adriana Ronquillo