Leigh Loranger

This photo was taken in February 2013 on Isla Holbox, Mexico - a small fishing island located where the Caribbean Sea meets the Gulf of Mexico. My husband and I were vacationing here for two weeks during which Carnaval(Mardi Gras) was being celebrated. Not all towns or cities of Mexico celebrate Carnaval, but this small village has festivities for at least 4 days. There is live music and food vendors in the town square. And over the few days, there are groups of women and men performing dances in the streets. They have beautiful costumes and they are accompanied by live musicians. This woman was part of one of the groups. I asked to take a portrait of her by this mural. She immediately took this pose which became a memorable moment that shows the beauty of Mexican culture!