On August 14, 2024, the Instituto Cultural de México in San Antonio opened its doors for the exhibition Mensajes de Viaje, a powerful artistic and cultural experience that brought together community members, leaders, and voices from both sides of the border.
The evening began with words of welcome from Architect José Luis Hernández Bañuelos, whose work shaped the exhibition, and Rubén Minutti, Consul General of Mexico in San Antonio. Soon after, they were joined by Minister Sergio Zapata for the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony, marking the official opening of the exhibit.
One of the most emotional moments of the night came when Architect Hernández Bañuelos read his poem, which resonated deeply with the audience:
“Resiste, resiste a donde te encuentras, mientras nosotros hacemos lo mismo desde aquí, del otro lado de la parentela, donde no deberían existir fronteras… Porque, al fin y al cabo, Love always wins; así, en todos los idiomas. Con todas esas palabras… Como el poema que verás bajo el mismo Latido de aquellos a los que no duele estar separados.
Resiste, mantén la templanza. Habrá tiempos mejores, allí, en el aescuín donde rebotan los sueños, otra realidad será posible. Un abajo las alas… Siempre a la libertad; para el que camina. El errante le espera. A future to believe in.”
These words reminded everyone present of the resilience, hope, and love that transcend borders, languages, and generations.
Mensajes de Viaje: Stories Etched in Sculpture
The exhibition invites reflection through sculptures whose names were inspired by real messages written by migrants on the U.S.-Mexico border wall. Each piece carries with it a fragment of those voices, transforming pain and longing into art and dialogue.
As guests walked through the exhibition halls, they were immersed in a moving testimony of migration, resistance, and identity—an opportunity to see beyond the wall and into the humanity of the stories it holds.
Strengthening Cultural Ties
Events like this are part of SAMFCO’s mission to strengthen and celebrate the cultural ties between San Antonio and Mexico. Through art, poetry, and community, we are reminded that culture builds bridges where politics and borders divide.
Mensajes de Viaje will remain open at the Instituto Cultural de México in San Antonio, inviting all to listen to the voices of migrants and reflect on their journeys.
