Si Dios Lo Permite
A procession of floats festooned in fake blood and bones snake through the small town of Tonacatepeque, representations of Salvadoran urban legends and myth. Miles away, prayers and cries pierce through the National Assembly as legislatures welcome crowds for the nation’s day of prayer.
The long-form project “Si Dios Lo Permite” (If God Allows) examines the depths of devotion in the smallest country in Central America; close to 6 million people grappling with how to follow an authoritarian president praised as savior, how to blend folk and religious traditions into a quickly-changing virtual society, and how to resurrect a cultural identity without the staining plague of gang violence.
“Si Dios Lo Permite” invites eyes to see how forms of devotion hide in plain sight and asks, “How do common people integrate faith and spirituality with what they consider the future and soul of their country?”
The town of Tonacatepeque, El Salvador celebrates La Calabiuza festival weaving into broader events of Dia de los Muertos, November 2nd, 2023. It’s “pura gasolina” responded a fire breather, his voice crackling, fuel oozing from the cracks in his smile.
The town of Tonacatepeque, El Salvador celebrates La Calabiuza festival, November 2nd, 2023. A procession of floats festooned with fake blood and bones snaked through the city’s center, each competing to be the best representations of Salvadoran urban legend and myth.
Election day outside of The Nation Palace of El Salvador, San Salvador on February 4th, 2024. A crowd of supporters for Nuevos Ideas gathers to hear results reported by Nayib Bukele - an overwhelming 87% percent before formal election committee announcements.
The National Assembly of El Salvador as legislatures welcome crowds for the nation’s day of prayer on November 21st, 2023, San Salvador.
A woman prays on the tomb of a loved one on El Dia de los Muertos, El Salvador, 2023.
Students carry icons through the streets of Izalco, El Salvador on November 19th, 2023 as part of its town festivals.
Students carry icons through the streets of Izalco, El Salvador on November 19th, 2023 as part of its town festivals.
A protestor poses for a picture as crowds gather in the Historic Center, San Salvador on El Salvador's Independence Day, September 15th, 2022.
Members of the Dominican Republic Iglesia de Dios in the crator of Pueblo Alegría’s Tecapa Volcano, El Salvador on November 13th, 2023.