SARA LACUESTA CALVO

Warrior photographer, coffee lover and adventure seeker      www.saralacuesta.com

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Grenfell Tower fire

On Wednesday 14th of June, London had a very somber awakening. A fire in the early morning had engulfed a 24 story tower block in under 30 minutes with the occupants inside. In the moment I heard it, I went there to try and get personal stories. Still it’s very early and the sorrows very clear but the amazing community and how the people from all over the city has responded so rapidly and with such a great heart and generosity gives a sense of hope and an overwhelming emotion that I can’t describe. This is just a few and early scenes documenting what is happening at the area surrounding Grenfell Tower in London.

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In the little region of La Rioja, Spain, a special event takes place during the Easter Holy Week. It is one of the last glimmers of a medieval celebration of the Sacrament of Penance. San Vicente de la Sonsierra is the last town in Europe to hold the tradition of self-flagellation, a harsh and archaic ritual where volunteer penitents ("disciplinantes"), known as "Picaos", decide to take part in this tradition as an act of faith and penitence. ​

They give selfness to the act and cover their faces to protect their identity. Nobody knows who is behind the mask, only the "Cofradia de la Veracruz" brotherhood and its brothers known and they keep the secret very enclosed in this tight circle formed only by men. All is conducted with a solemnity that translates you  to hundred of years back feeling a shriver through your back with the cold sound of the chains dragged heavily through the cobbles and the dry sound of the  bundle of hemp against the pale skin. The Twelve Apostles take then shape in twelve sharp crystals poked in a wax ball, used tu release the pain of the blisters formed and then the “picao” is released of more pain and his soul is at ease and proudly offered  “Dolorosa” Virgin.