Life Behind Bars In Oaxaca

So Much Is Living And Growing In Sidewalk Windows

“Growing Beyond Barriers” — Image by Author

All street level windows in Oaxaca City have iron bars, and often some sort of screening. The windows themselves typically sit back about a foot behind the bars.

This space is used in different ways throughout the city. Often these spaces are used as window gardens. Some are formal and always well maintained. Think manicured.

Others look like they were conceived, planted, then soon forgotten. With time, and the dust from the street, they appear more as eyesores rather than living beauty on the sidewalk. The result of neglect.

“Hearts, Forged By Hands” — Image by Author

The example above is not even planted. There are the stunning hand forged wrought iron bars, with a layer of screen behind them.

I can’t say for sure what is behind the screening. Folded paper, folds of coarse cloth? Whatever it is, it blocks out any light trying to come through this window.

Many of the residents of Oaxaca seem to prefer living in darkened rooms. Perhaps because the sun shines so brightly here much of the time. It’s almost like when they arrive home, they want to block out the light…