a few years ago, early in june, a terrible crime shook tepito. four men were murdered at a gym called body extreme. police insisted it wasn't related to any larger events, but it left a dark mark on the community.
later, accompanying pablo to tepito as often as possible, i became familiar with many of the victim's families.
i witnessed their unwavering unity and dignity as they navigated a police investigation that appeared both inept and suspiciously aimed at a cover-up. incredibly, it was the mothers of tepito who diligently located witnesses and uncovered crucial leads, only to pass them on to the lead investigator, who seemed to ignore them completely.
i observed the families enduring the unique and ongoing torment of being the relative of someone who has disappeared.
then, three months later, the bodies of thirteen young men were discovered on a remote ranch in mexico state, their remains dismembered in a horrifying narco grave. i watched as the families, especially the mothers, finally succumbed to overwhelming grief.
but even while dealing with such terror and incomprehensible loss, they maintained an outward stoicism, balancing their anguish with the need to care for their children and grandchildren.
they also grappled with rage and denial. some families never fully accepted that the mutilated remains returned by the police were truly those of their missing relatives. eugenia ponce, to this day, insists that the forensic report she received stated that her son, jerzy, had two right feet, one a size 4 and the other a size 6.
jerzy, along with his nineteen-year-old friend, said sánchez garcía, were among the victims.
they ran a small shop on matamoros street, open to the sidewalk, where they sold heavy metal and punk rock t-shirts. they also sold jewelry, sandals, and tattoo sleeves for teenage girls from another tianguis, and mobile phone accessories and spare parts from yet another.
eugenia, jerzy's mother, struggled with soaring hypertension during this time.
they were a large, close-knit family, and their market stalls served as their informal headquarters. they treated pablo de llano almost like a son. i found myself particularly drawn to penélope ramirez ponce, eugenia's soft-spoken daughter in her twenties, and to eugenia herself.
eugenia was constantly taking notes, and she and penélope were indispensable to the few reporters who were diligently trying to cover the crime.
one day, i saw that penélope had posted a link on facebook. clicking on it took me to a los minis facebook page. it was full of pictures of cupcakes, mini-brownies, and jars of nutella.
los minis' business hours were primarily at night, from 9 pm to 1 am.
tepito by night: a cupcake destination? it seemed surreal. a few days later, my wife jovi, her father carlos, our five-year-old niece jovisitas, and my friend juan carlos reyna, went with me to tepito.
it turned out that penélope also had a daytime business selling baby clothes.
then, in the evenings, she and her boyfriend chris would quickly transform their market stall into los minis. penélope and jovi were thrilled to see each other again, and jovi was excited to buy some baby clothes.
eugenia also offered to give us a tour of tepito by night.
the tour included some uncomfortable interviews at the santa muerte shrine with doña queta, its respected priestess. we arrived around five in the afternoon, as the tepito market was beginning to close down for the day. we made our way down long aisles covered by yellow tarps, lined with the tianguis, those uniform constructions of steel rods and yellow plastic or canvas sheeting that defined the market.
the walls of the tianguis were mosaicked with dvds and cds, with music blasting from every direction.
some of the men on motorcycles were police. warnings were shouted when they approached, and stallholders selling beer and mixed drinks without permission quickly hid their wares.
we talked about how difficult the past years had been. i knew that it was not unusual for such a devastating loss to persist for five years or even longer, and i also knew how unpredictable it could be.
the glimmer of hope that you thought you saw in year three could suddenly vanish, replaced by a new and unexpected wave of melancholy or depression that could drag you down for another year.
the past years had been filled with disappointments. the few police officers who had initially been accused of involvement in the kidnappings outside bar heaven and jailed had since been quietly released.
eugenia attended a free psychology appointment provided by the city, but the psychologist fell asleep while she was talking. she left the room without waking him and never returned.
mother and daughter had to leave their apartment in the roma sur neighborhood and move to cuauhtémoc, closer to tepito.
on one trip outside the city, the bus she was on was stopped at a police roadblock, and she was overcome with panic. but, as she said, they had to do something to keep going. life continues. so eugenia bought a popcorn machine and set it up at the front of their tianguis, right on the aisle.
on the yellow tarp wall of their tianguis, she hung cheerful signs advertising the mini pastries they sold, along with images of bottles of wine, soda pop, and coffee.
on the front table, los minis had a bright red coffee and espresso machine, bowls of candies, a row of colorful electric crepe griddles, and displays of frosted cupcakes.
the diminutive as a subversion of the monstrous. hello kitty in the aftermath of hiroshima. that now-familiar juxtaposition is what los minis brought to mind.
with their goods packed away, the emptied, skeletal tianguis resembled rows of berthed ancient ships with their sails loosely folded atop their long spars and masts.
men slowly pushed hand trucks through the aisles. eugenia had been able to see shows by luis miguel, juan gabriel, and even david copperfield, because when she was a girl, her father would reserve a table right in front of the stage for her and her friends on her birthdays and other special occasions.
she laughed as she remembered how the more sophisticated patrons seated nearby used to stare at the table of schoolgirls from tepito.
eugenia and penélope knew everyone in tepito, and everyone seemed to know them. penélope spoke openly about the problems facing the tepito market.
merchants were particularly struggling because of the high extortion prices demanded by la unión tepito. tepito after the market had closed had a haunting beauty, especially that night, with a full moon hanging over the barrio.
los tacos de mara, eugenia told me, were particularly famous for their home-cooked stewed fillings.
eugenia greeted an old man known as el abuelo. he worked unpacking and reassembling the tianguis in the mornings. in a nearby beauty salon, a woman was getting her hair done by a stylist while simultaneously having her nails manicured by a manicurist who was also having her own hair done by the stylist.
eugenia explained that behind the walls of the crumbling old adobe and concrete buildings surrounding the market, people were making pirated dvds and other fayuca (smuggled goods).
she pointed out some of the more notorious vecindades (tenements), and i peered into their dark courtyards, noticing illuminated shrines to the virgin. eugenia shared stories about some of the residents.
we turned onto calle tenochtitlán. there, we saw one of the family members who had been killed.
he was sitting in a car with some other men, parked in front of a small tienda owned by his mother at the head of the street. jovial greetings were exchanged. calle tenochtitlán, dimly lit, lined with ramshackle one- and two-story buildings, some with lowered steel shutters, roughly paved and littered with debris, is considered perhaps the most dangerous street in tepito.
many of the doorways along the street led to rooms and labs where drugs are stored, prepared, and sold wholesale to dealers or individually to users.
at the end of the street, almost blocking it, was a police car, its red light flashing. several police officers stood outside it, leaning on the car and talking.
also unique to tepito is migas, a thick bread soup served with large pork bones that you pull out of the soup and suck the marrow out of with a piece of cut plastic drinking straw.
eugenia said that migas la güera, considered the best, was closed at that hour, so we finished the night at a place that was still open, migas del gato.
the kidnapping and murder of jerzy ortiz and the other twelve took place during a power struggle for control of the drug trade in mexico city.
whoever was behind the kidnappings, it was a gang calling itself la unión insurgentes—not la unión tepito—whose dealers had taken over the lucrative nightclubs and bars in the trendy condesa and roma neighborhoods, which were packed with wealthy young people every night.
the owners, managers, and security of those establishments were warned of dire consequences if they resisted, and nobody doubted the seriousness of those threats.
the police turned a blind eye. in bar black, a condesa bar known as a hangout for dealers from la unión insurgentes, a low-level drug dealer was murdered by members of la unión tepito.
the most glaring problem with that theory is that none of the thirteen victims belonged to la unión tepito.
finding the right haircut in iztapalapa
are you looking for a fresh new look in iztapalapa?
finding the perfect haircut can be a challenge, especially when you want a style that reflects your personality and fits your lifestyle. whether you're after a classic trim or a trendy new cut, iztapalapa offers a variety of barbershops and salons to choose from.
knowing your hair type is the first step.
is it straight, wavy, curly, or coily? each hair type requires different cutting techniques and styling products. also, consider your face shape. a skilled barber or stylist can recommend styles that complement your features.
popular haircut styles for gay men
here are some popular haircut styles that are often favored by gay men:
- undercut: a stylish and versatile cut with short sides and back, and longer hair on top.
it can be styled in various ways, from slicked back to a textured quiff.
- fade: a gradual transition from short to long hair, typically on the sides and back. fades can be high, mid, or low, depending on your preference.
- quiff: a classic and timeless style with volume at the front.
it requires some styling product to maintain its shape.
- pompadour: a more dramatic version of the quiff, with even more volume at the front. it requires more styling effort and product.
- textured crop: a modern and low-maintenance style with short, textured hair on top.
it's easy to style with a bit of matte clay or paste.
barbershop recommendations in iztapalapa
here's a selection of potential barbershops in and around iztapalapa (please note that you should always check reviews and availability before booking):
- amador salazar 49, ciudad de méxico santa martha acatitla
- jesus garcia morales, lic.
eustaquio buelna, juan escutia, iztapalapa
- juan manuel torrea 36, juan escutia, iztapalapa
- av samuel gompers, santa cruz meyehualco, iztapalapa
- de la barrera mz1lt2, xalpa, iztapalapa
- de las torres 49, los ángeles, iztapalapa
- josé maria gutiérrez mz6 2a, la colmena, iztapalapa
- vicente dávila, san juan joya, iztapalapa
- sur 25 mz44 lt, leyes de reforma 2da secc, iztapalapa
maintaining your new haircut
once you've got your desired haircut, proper maintenance is key to keeping it looking its best.
regular trims are essential to prevent split ends and maintain the shape of your style. the frequency of trims will depend on how quickly your hair grows and the style itself.
general hair care tips
- use quality shampoo and conditioner: choose products that are designed for your hair type and avoid harsh chemicals.
- avoid over-washing: washing your hair too often can strip it of its natural oils.
aim for 2-3 times per week.
- use heat protection: if you use heat styling tools, always apply a heat protectant spray to prevent damage.
- eat a healthy diet: a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can promote healthy hair growth.
- stay hydrated: drinking plenty of water is essential for overall health, including hair health.
online booking and convenience
in today's digital age, booking a haircut appointment has never been easier.
many barbershops and salons now offer online booking through their websites or apps. this allows you to easily schedule your appointment at a time that is convenient for you.
platforms like fresha offer a convenient way to discover and book appointments at barbershops and salons in your area.
you can compare services, prices, and reviews, and even pay for your treatment in advance.
whether you're looking for a quick trim or a complete style transformation, iztapalapa has plenty of options to choose from. with a little research and planning, you can find the perfect haircut that makes you look and feel your best.
finding the right barber: more than just a cut
beyond the technical skill of cutting hair, finding the right barber is about building a relationship and finding someone who understands your style and vision.
it's about finding someone who makes you feel comfortable and confident in their hands. a good barber will listen to your needs, offer suggestions, and provide expert advice on how to achieve and maintain your desired look.
questions to ask your barber
to ensure you're on the same page, don't hesitate to ask your barber these questions:
- "what styles would you recommend for my hair type and face shape?"
- "how often should i get a trim to maintain this style?"
- "what styling products do you recommend?"
- "can you show me how to style my hair at home?"
the importance of reviews and recommendations
before committing to a new barber, take the time to read online reviews and ask for recommendations from friends or acquaintances.
this can provide valuable insights into the barber's skill, professionalism, and customer service.
beyond the haircut: other grooming services
many barbershops also offer other grooming services, such as beard trimming, shaving, and facial treatments.
if you're looking for a complete grooming experience, consider choosing a barbershop that offers a wide range of services.
getting a haircut is more than just a routine task; it's an opportunity to express your personal style and boost your confidence.
by taking the time to find the right barber and choosing a style that suits you, you can achieve a look that makes you feel great.
understanding hair trends and personal style
while it's important to stay informed about current hair trends, it's even more crucial to choose a style that reflects your own personality and complements your individual features.
blindly following trends without considering your hair type, face shape, or personal style can often lead to disappointing results.
finding inspiration
if you're unsure of what style you want, browse online magazines, social media platforms, and celebrity hairstyles for inspiration.
save images of styles that you find appealing and bring them with you to your barber appointment.
experimenting with different styles
don't be afraid to experiment with different styles until you find one that you truly love. your hair will grow back, and each haircut is an opportunity to learn more about your hair and your personal style.
working with your barber to create a unique look
collaborate with your barber to create a unique look that combines your personal preferences with their expertise.
they can help you adapt trendy styles to suit your individual features and create a style that is truly your own.
the final touch: styling products and techniques
even the best haircut can fall flat without the right styling products and techniques.
talk to your barber about which products are best suited for your hair type and the style you've chosen. they can also demonstrate the proper techniques for applying and using these products.
common styling products for men
- pomade: provides a strong hold and a shiny finish.
- wax: offers a medium hold and a matte finish.
- clay: provides a firm hold and a textured finish.
- gel: offers a strong hold and a wet look.
- hairspray: provides a light hold and adds volume.
mastering styling techniques
learning the proper techniques for styling your hair is essential for achieving your desired look.
practice different techniques, such as blow-drying, using a comb or brush, and applying product, until you feel comfortable and confident in your ability to style your hair at home.
finding the perfect haircut is a journey that requires patience, experimentation, and collaboration with a skilled barber.
by understanding your hair type, considering your face shape, exploring different styles, and mastering styling techniques, you can achieve a look that makes you feel confident, stylish, and true to yourself. good luck on your hair journey in iztapalapa!