San Juan Chamula Carnival: The Bulls Run

• Prize
  Bronze in Events/Other
• Photographer
  Nicola Balestrazzi
• Technical Info
  Canon 80d Cropped Sensor, 24 Mm
• Photo Date
  01/03/2022

This carnival is one of Chiapas’ traditional ceremonies also known as K’in Tajimoltik in Tzotzil language, or “The Game Celebration”, and it retains several elements of the ancient Mayan culture. It is specifically related to the five “lost days” of the Mayan calendar. During five days, San Juan Chamula’s community gathers for a series of rituals, games, ceremonies, and dances while one cycle finish and a new one sets in. On the last day of the celebration, the ceremony of the bulls is performed making the bulls go around town and the attendees trying to get on them in sign of courage.

Born and raised in Italy, Nicola Balestrazzi has worked as a trader in the financial sector. His love for photography and travels pushed him to undertake photography full time since 2022, dedicating more time exploring the world and shooting what satisfies his curiosity and stimulates his sight. He favors street and documentary/social photography, and more generally everything that documents human life and the surrounding environment.