Back

Crossing the Line: From Bystander to Participant in Cultural Festivities | Day 306 of my 2023 Journal

Cecilie Conrad·Nov 3, 2023· 3 minutes

Bystander or participant?

I do not deny it. Being one of them, part of it. I might not be your average tourist, but honestly, I am a visitor here, shy and curious, unaware of the subtleties of the culture, moving like a penguin in the jungle, trying to learn as fast as I can. In essence, I am not much different from those here on vacation.

Or am I? And is that reflection even relevant? Do I need to be something other than everyone else?

Here is the point. It is not about my self-identification but about my presence in context.

396711537_2653009654838068_2180457231242316522_n

We went to see the parade yesterday, a parade in honor of the spirits. And I shot this picture of all the smartphones recording video in the long, long line of observers bystanders watching the parade. This one was beautiful, with lots of lovely face decorations, sections of traditionally Mexican outfits, of Chinese (randomly), and a group of bikers (equally random). It was a lot of people, locals and expats mixed, parading for the dead, but the bystanders heavily outnumbered them.

As we wanted to see the parade, we did not participate in it. We chose to stand and see it pass us, with the option of becoming the tail of it. But once it had passed us, my youngest especially had had it; we just needed OUT of the crowd, so we left and had a good load of fun playing Pass the pigs in the apartment.

Earlier the same day, Silke and I had shopped for face paint and painted everyone in the family, becoming Catrinas for an afternoon. Even though we did choose the role of the bystander, we also learned how much there is to know about decorating your face for the festival and how much there is to gain from being a participant rather than a bystander.

I am sure we will be back in Mexico for this festival. If not next year, then another. I do not regret being the observer, but I must say: There is a case to be made for immersion, participation, and becoming the culture we visit. Even when we only touch the surface, take baby steps and do the little things we can.

With love

Cecilie-Underskrift-300x133

Cecilie Conrad

Thank you for reading
I would love to hear from you. Listen to your thoughts and reflections - or praise :) It is often emotional to share our lives like this, and we get very happy when we get your feedback. So feel free to share a comment below 😋 

See more images on Facebook

Join us for an in-depth conversation on the complexities of unschooling and the role of parental judgment, featuring Cecilie Conrad, Carla Martinez, …Read more
Day fifteen on the Camino Frances was a day of introspection and rejuvenation. From basking in the sun on a balcony to pondering life's deeper questi…Read more
On the fourteenth day of Camino Frances, we embraced the beauty of nature, tackled challenging inclines, and found joy in the unexpected. Join us as …Read more
We trekked to Melide, reminiscing about a past visit and a life-saving cream for burns. Discover our walk under changing weather, the unforgettable d…Read more
From a low-vibe start in a village to being awed by sunrises and sunsets, a day filled with reflections on beauty, existence, and camaraderie. Markin…Read more
Starlit start from Ferreiros to Gonzar. Misty paths, coffee in Portomarin, and a day of contrasts ending at a basic hostel. Read more
A 14km introspective walk from Sarria to Ferreiros. The Camino's transformative power unfolds beyond words. Read more
A 25km trek to Sarria with changing weather and challenging terrains. Revisiting past memories and forging new friendships, the Camino teaches us to …Read more
Steep climbs, misty views, and unexpected adventures. The Camino's magic continues. Read more