PHOTO STORIES

SHARING MUSIC ACROSS THE U.S./MEXICO BORDER

Fandango Fronterizo is a celebration that takes place near the U.S./Mexico border in San Diego at a heavily patrolled area known as “Friendship Park”. The musical event is meant to connect people and families separated by the unjust and cruel divisions created by immigration laws and physical borders. Here is a look at the event which aims to bridge the divide and connect families that may not otherwise have the chance to see their loved ones. Story originally photographed for The NY Times.
Musicians, families and community members fighting for immigration rights gather at the border wall during Fandango Fronterizo.
Jessica Escobar, 36 years old, arrives at the Friendship circle just as the Fandango Fronterizo celebration kicks off. She sees the event as a really poweful and spiritual experience.
Musicians play music to their loves thru a fortified fence.
Maricarmen Arjona, 47 years old, reads poetry during Fandango Fronterizo. This is her 3rd time visiting the special event.
Musicians from all parts of California and from the U.S. gather at Friendship Park and unite with musicians and families gathering on the other side.
Tacho Utrera 46 years old, hails from Veracruz Mexico. He says that even with walls and murals in front of them, it can't stop people and tradition.
The metallic mesh layer that separrates Mexico from the U.S. is so thick that it's difficult to see who stands on the other side of the border.
Adriana Cao Romero, a well known Mexican harpist and performer plays her instrument on the Mexican side of the border.
Charlene Vicente, 4 years old, visits Friendship Park with her mother in order to see her grandfather
Border Patrol keep watch inside the Friendship Circle as the celebrations continue.
A man speaks to his family standing on the other side of a mesh-like gated fence which restricts him from visiting them.
Marco Ruiz, 60 years old, came all the way from San Francisco and it's his first time visiting Fandango Fronterizo.
Carlos, 26 years old, visits the Friendship Park for the first time. He heard about the event thru friends and primarily came to experience Mexico since he can't travel abroad.
Adriana has been coming to Fandango Fronterizo for about 9 years and considers many of the visitors as family.
At its most crowded and busiest, visitors to Fandango Fronterizo take turns in dancing, singing and playing instruments along with other musicians and artists from the other side of the border.
A number countdown marks the end of Fandango Fronterizo.
At the Friendship circle, the only physical contact between loved ones is often restricted to barely touching each other's fingertips.
Musicians, friends and families exit the Friendship circle as Border Patrol begin to escort everyone out.
Border Patrol escort everyone out of the Friendship circle, marking an end to the day's celebrations, at least on the American side.
Border Patrol close the Friendship Circle and end the festivities at 2:00 p.m. sharp. Meanwhile, the festivities and celebration continue on the Mexican side of the Border.
Maximum occupancy inside the Friendship circle tops at 25 people. If occupancy reaches the limit, people must wait outside the area until someone leaves.