Cucarachalandia

Video Installation by Maria Cristina "Tina" Tavera  

In Mexico, street vendors (known as ambulantes) have always been a part of the commercial and culinary landscape dating back to pre-Hispanic era. Currently there are an estimated 29 million street vendors in Mexico who promote the sales of everyday goods such as food, household appliances, refreshments, arts, clothing, and toys, etc. Their omnipresence is controversial in Mexico and the United States where there are repressive efforts to prohibit them. However, for centuries vendors have been part of this informal economy. In the U.S., many immigrants of Latin America descent are dependent on street vending as their only source of income. This installation pays tribute to street vendors who insist on continuing to exist, rebelling with their simple presence and innovative survival methods. And also acknowledges vending as a means of creating opportunities for self-sufficiency and celebrates the oral tradition of the sales cry (a distinctive sound, yelling, or a megaphone), and acknowledges these voices of the city  may eventually disappear.