To a North American audience, conflict often means the disruption of peace, but for the Q’ewe and Ch’eqa communities, it’s an act of prosperity. Every January 20th, 4,500 meters high in the mountains of Peru’s Canas province, the High-Andean comuneros gather for the Chiaraje. It is an ancestral battle meant to offer blood to Pachamama (Mother Earth), who, in turn, brings fertility and abundance in the coming year.

Candlelight and song illuminate San Marcos La Laguna, the spiritual mecca of Guatemala, where supporters have gathered in a prayer vigil for Palestine. Amidst healing circles, tantric yoga classes and cacao “ceremonies”, the air is thick with an undeniably strong Israeli presence.

When the residents of San Juan, La Laguna, see Walter Thomas and his family making adobe bricks, they stop, smile and say: "Gracias por este recuerdo, gracias por mantenerlo vivo” / " I remember making adobe with my grandfather as a child, thank you for this memory and for keeping this tradition alive."

The only thing certain in life is uncertainty... and death. 

Regardless of your gender, class, or nationality, death casts its shadow on us all. While some will find that sad, Mexican culture celebrates death as a natural transition in the cycle of life.