HEAVEN & EARTH
ETHNOGRAPHIC RESEARCH
FIREWORKS & SPIRITUALITY | TULTEPEC, MX, MEXICO | MARCH 2023
MEXICO
La feria Internacional de la Pirotecnia
INTERNATIONAL FIREWORKS FESTIVAL
The yearly pyrotechnics festival is held on the week of honoring saints in the town of Tultepec. The celebration for the saint San Juan De Dios is held as a week long event and showcases artisans from all over the world to show their custom firework shows!
OVERVIEW
It started with the Han Dynasty - CHINA.
Second century B.C. is said to be the time when fireworks were invented by a Chinese alchemist. Stuffing a bamboo stalk with gunpowder, lighting It and throwing it in the air in an attempt to scare off a bad spell was the spiritual intention china had for fireworks.
In modern day Mexico this intention is still practiced.
My goal for this research is to find out the ways the pyro artisans of Mexico embrace their catholic religion in this amazing yearly event.
烟花Fireworks
Artistry • celebration • Spirituality
WHY
I really like fireworks!
I was curious to witness and experience, in-person how these massive structures worked. There are two major events to experience. The running of the bulls and lighting of the castles. But while I was there I learned this would wound up to be a spiritual discovery of connection to my cultural religion and my 5th grade self.
roles
Ethnographic Researcher
UX Designer
Graphic Designer
How does mexico continue this ancient chinese tradition
Lets get into it
Facts
This festival started in the 80’s.
San Juan De Dios is the saint of fire.
Catholic religion is from Spain.
Fireworks only became popular in Mexico after its independence from Spain.
The Spanish brought gun powder for war.
Why tultepec - mx
Most fireworks in Mexico are produced in the State of Mexico, especially the municipality of Tultepec just north of Mexico City, which has declared itself to be the “pyrotechnics capital of Mexico.” This area has a two-hundred year tradition of making fireworks, with, about 65 percent of the population of the municipality is involved directly or indirectly in fireworks production. In Tultepec, all fireworks are made by hand, including decoration and wrapping, mostly in small factories or workshops that produce everything from small firecrackers to twelve-inch shells for professional shows. Tultepec is also one of the main suppliers of ingredients needed to make fireworks.
the festival events
For a week straight this entire town is transformed into a huge party. On one side of town you can find a traditional carnival filled with rides, games and your typical gastro, fried food heaven. On the other side of town there are main stage concerts, several different firework shows, food and artisan vendors, carnival rides and a whole lot of booze!!
Along the timeline of the events you’ll also find people still going to mass. The day of “La Quema de Toros,” the festivals most dangerous event, there are two pretty big masses that happen where they set off fireworks in front of the church to give offerings to the Patron Saint of pyro, San Juan de Dios.
ill be covering two main events but first
catholicism
celebrations
According to the 2022 census 78% of The country of Mexico are devote Catholics and only about 10% worship La Virgen de Guadalupe.
All the catholic churches and towns have their own patron saint which is celebrated at the very least one day a year.
These saints are all celebrated with fireworks
20k Churches
When celebrating their patron saint the Catholic Church will commission an artisan, usually from Tultepec to build and come burn a large Castillo (castle) or burn a Torito in order to get as many people as they can to come and gather in these events intended to build brotherhood amongst the communities.
$5 billion pesos spent
In annual costs in fireworks and churches alone in Mexico. This ia a very popular business for artisans and the Catholic Church communities all across Mexico.
Castillos
$50K PESOS EACH
$2 BILLION PESOS
Annually, considering 2 Castillos per church at roughly 25,000 churches in Mexico, not counting the 2,000 that honor the Virgen de Guadalupe. These are major numbers.
TORITOS
$1K PESOS EACH
$25 mILLION PESOS
Annually, considering 1 Torito per church at roughly 25,000 churches in Mexico, not counting the 2,000 that honor the Virgen de Guadalupe.
Why does the cost matter
I doubt all 78%
Are all super committed Catholics. The money spent by the Government and the Church are what brings ALL of them together. It attracts all ages. Walks of life, party goers and guys like me from Los Angeles. Who aren’t very Catholic, but by culture and family we are very Catholic. So i’d say money well spent.
its all about
Connection
When the Chinese began to set off bottle rockets they called them “Heaven and Earth.” A way to connect to that spirit in the sky. The universe, GOD, HIGHER POWER, ALLAH. I think since the Chinese used fireworks to scare off demons, Mexico has figured out how to use fireworks to attract good spirits. They certainly got my attention. I think there’s a part of the Catholic Church that realizes not everyone in this country is a GOD fearing Sunday worshiper. They have a realistic view on the country and said “let’s give the people what they want.” A PARTY.
But not without letting you know this is Catholic. The Castillos have pictures of The last Supper, Saint Jude, a little nature mixed in some serious danger with the Toritos. All in worship. I think the Toritos danger is a test of faith. Letting go of fear and worry and putting it into the universe’ hands.
There’s so many conflicts with religions in this day of thinking and self reflection. But the ritual of gathering, visuals and letting go of control and just trusting that the universe has my back is a beautiful connection. This festival attracted those like myself who grew up catholic, but didn’t really have a commitment to it. Still don’t, but I can get used to the intention behind gathering for the sake of… faith? Fireworks? Letting go of control? Party? or Just to have a good time with a large community.
In conclusion, take what works and leave the rest behind!