In the small Guatemalan town of Comitancillo, a memorial to Aracely Marroquín Coronado is one of many dedicated to the local migrants who died in recent mass tragedies while trying to reach the U.S. In Mexico, diplomatic relations with Ecuador took a hit as Ecuadorian police arrested former Vice President Jorge Glas, who had sought refuge in Mexico’s embassy in Quito since December. Argentina faced a dengue fever outbreak, leading to a shortage of mosquito repellent, as residents struggled to find alternatives. Chileans celebrated the Quasimodo Feast, where horseback riders known as “Huasos” accompanied priests to give communion to the sick in a procession honoring the Virgin of Carmen.
The week also saw diverse events across South America, including Fashion Week in Sao Paulo, Brazil, where models showcased creations from the Renata Buzzo collection. French boxers faced their Cuban opponents in exhibition matches in Varadero, Cuba. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a beef carcass was delivered to a butcher shop amid President Javier Milei’s efforts to slash spending in a country grappling with high inflation rates. In Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, a youth struck a pose after performing the street dance steps known as Passinho, considered a cultural heritage.
In Ecuador, the arrest of Jorge Glas outside the Mexican Embassy in Quito sparked controversy, as the former vice president faced corruption charges. In Mexico, rural teachers’ college students set a truck on fire in protest following the shooting of one of their classmates by police. Meanwhile, in Monterrey, Mexico, mayoral candidate Mariana Rodriguez Cantu, the wife of Governor Samuel García, greeted supporters during a campaign rally. In Mazatlan, Mexico, residents witnessed a total solar eclipse as the moon partially covered the sun.
The visual highlights of the week included a woman receiving a blessing from a priest during the Quasimodo Feast in Chile, where “Huasos” accompanied priests to honor the Virgin of Carmen. In Brazil, a model dazzled in creations from the Renata Buzzo collection at Fashion Week in Sao Paulo. French boxers faced Cuban opponents in exhibition matches in Varadero, Cuba. In Buenos Aires, Argentina, a public health worker fumigated as part of a campaign against dengue-promoting mosquitoes. In Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sao Paulo faced off against Cobresal in a Copa Libertadores Group B soccer match, while in Rio de Janeiro, a youth performed the street dance steps of Passinho.
The events of the week highlighted the cultural diversity and socio-political issues faced in South America. From celebrations like the Quasimodo Feast in Chile to protests in Mexico and Argentina, the region grapples with a range of challenges. The arrest of Jorge Glas in Ecuador and the eclipse witnessed in Mexico added further layers of complexity to the week’s events. As the region continues to navigate various issues, including corruption, social unrest, and natural phenomena, the resilience and spirit of the people remain at the forefront of the narrative. Through visual storytelling, these moments capture the essence of life in South America, showcasing the beauty, struggles, and resilience of its diverse population.
