We were honored to be part of the release of a translation to Finnish of this magnificent book "Borderlands" (Gloria Anzaldúa 1987). For this event, we shared the room with Somos La Colectiva, Latin-American female artist group, last 19th of October 2021 at the Museum of impossible forms in Helsinki. .

Part of our interest in joining this event was to share the connection of the topics in the book to son jarocho music, which is a manifestation of our cultural legacy and of the resistance of Afro-Mexican and indigenous groups in Veracruz, Mexico. The lyrics, music, expression and even the structure we use to act as a collective community in Finland are totally aligned with what Gloria Anzaldúa stated in her work and her lifelong experiences of social and cultural marginalization.

Our band member Yesmith Sánchez has shared her experience in a short article. Read her story here (Spanish).

La Nueva Mestiza de Aztlán

(décima en honor a Gloria Anzaldúa)

Llevo una serpiente alada

bajo el signo de mi casta.

Soy la rebelde nefasta,

la guerrera descarriada.

Nunca seré desmembrada.

Soy gabacha, negra, hispana,

india, mestiza, chicana.

Vengo a demoler barreras,

dogmas, mitos y fronteras,

con mi poesía y mi jarana.

(Ludvik Moreno, 2021.)

Gloria Anzaldúa (1942-2004) was a scholar of Chicana cultural theory, feminist theory and queer theory. In her book "Borderlands" (La Frontera) based on her life in the Mexico-Texas border, she discusses several critical issues related to Chicana experiences: heteronormativity, colonialism, and male dominance. Her book now has been translated to the Finnish language by Heta Rundgren and Oscar Ortiz-Nieminen.

On Sunday 3.10.2021 we were invited to be part of a cozy welcoming event organized in honor of the Zapatista committee visiting Helsinki as part of their "Journey for life" in a quest to share their resistance message beyond Mexican borders.

We hand-picked songs that were not only beautiful pieces but also where the lyrics were a powerful reminder of how music, and art in general can be a way of activism. We also adapted some of the verses to show our solidarity for their cause to highlight current social issues faced by them and many in Mexico. We were flattered to be part of this historical moment for the Zapatista movement and for the community that supports them in Finland. We're happy to share our art and admiration for their cause which advocates for giving voice to indigenous populations.

We were honored to be part of this year's edition of Etno-Espa folk music festival in Espanlava (Esplanadi, Helsinki). As part of our show, on the evening of August 11th, we interpreted traditional son jarocho songs and a contemporary version of La Llorona adapted by Sanna Mansikkaniemi who was our honor guest. Read more here.

The audience received us with a very warm response and people we very excited even with some rain over their heads. We definitely had a great time and we are looking forward to being present in future editions of this festival.

On July 16th 2021 we were welcomed to play at Oulunkylän Seurahuone a beautiful old house in the middle of the neighbourhood which hosts different cultural and musical activities for the citizens for free.

We had a great and happy moment sharing with people of the area and some of our friends. It was very nice to count with the presence of all kind of people from babies to elders who really didn't miss the chance to dance along!

In May 2021 we were invited to be part of a new episode of WE the MEXyCANS, a Podcast by Silvia Véjar and Adrián Pineda that shares stories of Mexicans and their experiences living abroad. At the interview (in Spanish), three members of JDN played a couple of songs and told a bit about their own experiences living abroad as well as some stories about how we ended up in Finland playing son jarocho together.

Speakers from JDN: Alan Guerra, Eduardo Tejedor, Yesmith Sánchez.

Click here to listen from Spotify.

In September 2020 we were honored to be part of the celebration of Mexican independence day at The National Museum in Helsinki.

We played cheerful songs that connect us with our national identity and make everyone want to move along for sure. Also this time we shared the stage with our comrades from Askeltenpalo who were dancing with traditional Mexican costumes.

For us, it was a beautiful moment and we were happy to enjoy and share Mexican and Finnish cultures together.