Living in small town Mexico, I wrote this blog three years ago as I longed to find an artists community in Bacalar. Wow have things changed.
Even Frida got in the picture on our Free Walking Tour of Bacalar.
In three years since my post, our sleepy village has grown considerably. New hotels and restaurants pop up daily. There were two articles in the international news this week that mentioned Bacalar as a vacation destination. I cringe. Please stay home.
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Visitors on yesterday’s walking tour were from Spain, Ireland, Australia, and Canada. Rarely do USers come here. It’s too far from Cancun and people do not have enough vacation time.
Yesterday in the Centro there was a Body Painting Festival. It was put on by a group I sketch with on Thursday evenings.
My friend and full-time resident and artista extraordinaria Yolanda
The phases of the moon over the Laguna.
The body as canvas.
So much detail. Very Mayan.
A great time was had by all. I love hanging out with these folks. We make art together. As Bacalar grows, not all things have to be a drain on the community and the environment. People coming together to express love and art has to be a good thing right? DOS TORTAS
You know, public nudity, even if it’s called art, isn’t really an acceptable or appropriate thing to most Mexicans. As a matter of fact, it’s very offensive. That’s why folks from the tourism board of Mexico were handing out flyers at the airports asking all the visitors to not disrobe in public. Take it indoors.
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You are correct Steve, that’s why the space that was used was draped. The pictures were from my personal collection. I am sorry if they offended.
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First of all, Alex, I’m not offended and never said I was, just that it was inappropriate. Second, looking at your pictures I can clearly see people outside the gazebo looking in, so the draping wasn’t working too well. Again, it’s just an inappropriate place for this sort of event.
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Also, it’s called cultural sensitivity. As visitors to this beautiful place, we should learn about and be sensitive to the mores of the local populace. Plus, it’s Easter Sunday for God’s sake.
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Did you attend the festival? It was put on by local Mexican artists with permission from the Municipality. During my several hours of people watching in the park, I saw no indication of displeasure nor heard words of criticism. It was a lovely day of families in the park.
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Love this. The colours are amazing!
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Thanks Jack. It was a fun day. They actually sell paints just for this purpose. Who knew!
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