I have always maintained that our origin is not confined to any particular country; the label on our passport merely signifies the place where chance brought us into the world.
Regarding my own roots, I cannot pinpoint them precisely, but what I do know is that certain locations in Guanajuato, such as Mineral de Pozos, deeply resonate with me.
I began capturing moments in this locale back in 2003 and have consistently returned whenever possible. The vibrant atmosphere, unusual for a ghost town, and my fascination with the textures and imprints of time keep drawing me back.
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| Hacienda 5 señores 2015 Photo by René Serrano R. |
From 1880 to 1888, Mineral de Pozos experienced a period of prominence and prosperity.
Numerous companies, including Cinco Señores, emerged during this time to extensively exploit the mines, particularly those like La Joya, Nayalito, and Justicia, reaping substantial profits.
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| Hacienda MDP 2017 Photo by René Serrano R. |
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| Hacienda MDP 2017 Photo by René Serrano R. |
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| Mineral de Pozos Landscape 2017 Photo by René Serrano R. |
To reach Mineral de Pozos from Michoacán, one must traverse the state of San Luis and navigate smaller roads, turning the journey into a delightful adventure.
During my initial visits, photography was simpler due to less tourist activity. Nowadays, permits are required, and fees may apply if caught with a camera or tripod, reflecting their notion of substantial production.
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| Road to Pozos Photo by René Serrano R. |
Upon entering, it is advisable to book accommodation in advance, as the locals take pride in their town and provide excellent service to tourists.
My recommendation is to leave the car behind and explore on foot, allowing you to fall in love with the landscapes. An image from the September 16th celebration in the streets of Mineral de Pozos captures the festive spirit.
Despite its ghostly reputation, Mineral de Pozos is now a lively town, paying homage to its rich mining past. I visited during the patriotic celebration, witnessing the locals gathering and engaging in conversations.
El Pueblo...
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| “Reina Mineral” 2015 Photo by René Serrano R. |
My recommendation is to leave the car behind and explore on foot, allowing you to fall in love with the landscapes. An image from the September 16th celebration in the streets of Mineral de Pozos captures the festive spirit.
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| "Meanwhile" 2015. Photo by René Serrano R. |
Despite its ghostly reputation, Mineral de Pozos is now a lively town, paying homage to its rich mining past. I visited during the patriotic celebration, witnessing the locals gathering and engaging in conversations.
In the town center, a girl converses with some boys from a kiosk, gesturing for my camera to capture the moment.
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| Ritual Dance 2015 Photo by René Serrano R. |
Phones ring, synchronizing messages, and the time to assemble arrives. Several boys adorned in luminous costumes grab drums and begin to dance, creating a sense of unity amid diverse identities.
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| Sun road. Photo by René Serrano R |
I typically stay on the outskirts, either in a local's home or a hotel.
The key is to leave the town quickly, embark on a walk, and experience the place. Walking is essential, and with proper hydration and clothing, it's the best way to explore the passage of time through intricate details.
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| My wife dancing 2017 Photo by René Serrano R |
Roads ...
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| Road to Sta. Brígida Photo by René Serrano R |
Our friend Graciela walks three kilometers to her home near the old Santa Brígida mine in Guanajuato.
We met by chance while I was driving on a barely outlined path in the middle of nowhere. She spoke of the beautiful view from her home, and together we observed the deserted, desert landscape framed by the Sierra Gorda foothills, where the towers and three imposing pyramid-shaped chimneys of the Santa Brígida hacienda furnaces are still visible.
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| House of the keys. Photo by René Serrano R |
Graciela traverses this path daily, working to assist in a house. Eventually, she leads us near her home, introducing us to a couple of friends from this small community.
They mention having keys to a hacienda, offering to show us around—only the courtyard, as they are not allowed to open the abandoned interior.
It appears quite deteriorated inside; I should consider a photo session within that place.
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| Harvest Tales Photo by René Serrano R |
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| Harvest Tales Photo by René Serrano R |
An evening of harvesting in Santa Brígida, Guanajuato, depicts our new friend attending to his family lands. Sometimes he returns on his bicycle loaded with produce; other times, not.
Without age or gender, our Mexican brothers and sisters exhibit strength, using their work as both a standard and a gaze.
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| Harvest Tales. C-D 2015 Photo by René Serrano R |
A classic rural scene near San Pedro de Los Pozos captures a family crossing the landscape.
The father mentions working on the nearby ranch, needing to reach home before nightfall, as there is no light along the entire journey, despite the presence of cables.
It's a family from modern Mexico still seeking a path.
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| Le Déjeuner sur l'Herbe Photo by René Serrano R |
Returning from one of the haciendas, I encounter new friends ready for a meal during a work break. Although the haciendas, mines, or temples in this part of the ghost town may seem abandoned, they are currently well-maintained.
It's common to encounter people seeking access or workers repairing certain parts of these remnants. I conclude my post with an image from 2003 and a recent one from 2019, both captured in the same location
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| Nude Study 2003 Photo by René Serrano R |
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| Mineral de Pozos Hacienda 2017 Photo by René Serrano R |
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