Mexican journalists honor slain colleagues on Day of the Dead in Tijuana

Key Concepts

• Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead): A holiday celebrated in Mexico and other parts of Latin America, blending grief and joy to honor the deceased.
• Orenda (Altar): An object of special spiritual significance in Mexican culture, often used to honor the dead.
• Impunity: The state of being exempt from punishment or freedom from the injurious consequences of an action. In the context of crimes against journalists, it signifies a lack of accountability for those who commit these crimes.
• Simpaucil (Marigold Flowers): Traditional flowers used in Dia de los Muertos altars, often symbolizing life and death.

Dia de los Muertos and Honoring Journalists in Tijuana

This report focuses on how the Dia de los Muertos holiday in Tijuana, Mexico, was utilized to commemorate journalists who have been killed while reporting. The tradition, which mixes grief and joy in remembering the dead, was adapted by journalists to honor their fallen colleagues.

The Orenda for Fallen Journalists

A significant Orenda (altar) was constructed by journalists to remember four of their own who were killed. Vicente Calderon, a journalist since 1985, highlighted the difficulty of reporting in Mexico and the importance of this altar to show respect for the efforts of deceased reporters and affirm that journalism remains alive.

The Dangers of Journalism in Mexico

Calderon has witnessed the deaths of dozens of Mexican reporters throughout his career, underscoring the perilous nature of the profession. In 2016, inspired by a UN campaign to end impunity for crimes against journalists, he began building altars to honor his colleagues.

Traditional and Symbolic Elements of the Altar

The Orenda is adorned with traditional Dia de los Muertos items such as sugar skulls and brightly colored simpaucil (marigold flowers). However, it also incorporates symbolic objects representing the journalists' work: broken cell phones, old cameras, press passes, yellowed newspapers, and used notebooks.

Specific Cases of Journalist Murders

The report details recent tragic events:

• Margarito: Gunned down as he left his home.
• Lourdes Maldonado: Killed upon arriving at her house less than a week after Margarito's death.
• Miguel Angel Bertrand: Found dead on the side of the highway. He reported on drug cartels and crime in Durango state. His body was found wrapped in a blanket with a note that reportedly read, "For spreading lies about the people of Durango."

Alarming Statistics and the Gaza Conflict

Calderon stated that Mexico is averaging "one reporter killed a month," expressing hope that no more killings would occur. The Orenda also included a dedicated section to honor journalists killed while covering the war in Gaza, acknowledging both Palestinian and Israeli journalists.

The Lasting Significance of the Altar

While the altar was intended to remain for a few days, Calderon emphasized its enduring meaning. He stated, "I tried to look at the bright side of things, even when they are this dark." He stressed the ease with which cases of killed journalists can be forgotten and the critical need for their protection and for discussions about their safety while performing their duties.

Conclusion

The Dia de los Muertos observance in Tijuana served as a poignant reminder of the risks faced by journalists in Mexico and globally. The Orenda, a traditional symbol of remembrance, was repurposed to highlight the sacrifices made by reporters and to advocate for their safety and the end of impunity for crimes committed against them. The initiative underscores the resilience of journalism and the commitment of its practitioners to honor their fallen comrades.