As part of the Coyatoc Festival 2024, held from September 5 to 8 at the Calzada de las Personas Ilustres, the award ceremony for the Wit’tzäki photography contest took place, in the categories of digital camera and cellphone.
The first place in the digital camera category went to Carlos Sánchez Álvarez, with a photograph of the Zoque carnival in Ocozocoautla, while the first place in the cellphone category was awarded to Karla Guadalupe Gómez Pérez, with an image of the Zoque carnival in Tuxtla Gutiérrez.
In this regard, Miguel Ángel Blas Gutiérrez, president of the National Chamber of Commerce (Canaco), reported that in this first contest they have achieved the objective of capturing the essence of Zoque culture, which highlights its characters, dances, music, and gastronomy.
Karla Guadalupe Gómez shared that she felt happy for this recognition, which is not only for her but also for the members of the Zoque community of Tuxtla Gutiérrez, who strengthen and preserve their culture and identity. Meanwhile, Carlos Sánchez said that Zoque culture has exceptional colorfulness. “I am happy to participate and spread our culture.”
It is worth noting that in 2019, Canaco Servytur Tuxtla organized the first edition of the Coyatoc Festival, based on the mission and vision aimed at commercial and tourist growth of the municipality, as well as the rescue of the traditions and culture of our region.
For this reason, Canaco Servytur Tuxtla launched the call for the Capture the Zoque Essence; Wit’tzäki-Photography contest. This contest invited all photographers in the country to explore the Zoque route and capture the essence of its culture through three fundamental themes: traditions and/or customs of the region, historical architecture, and visual narrative of its characters.
“Photography is not only an artistic medium but also a powerful generator of historical digital archives. With this initiative, we seek to rescue and preserve the Zoque visual legacy, thus contributing to the promotion and appreciation of our cultural heritage,” the call emphasizes.
Source: Cuarto Poder