Coronavirus: in Latin America, face masks become form of expression
- Face coverings sporting anything from political statements to lucha libre-themed designs now a part of daily life
- Masks reflecting local cultures are being produced by fashion companies, designers, and people at home on their sewing machines
Rarely used in Latin America outside hospitals before the coronavirus pandemic, face masks are now compulsory for subway riders, supermarket shoppers and even joggers in some countries – and they are becoming a colourful part of the region’s daily life.
Motifs showing up on masks are varied, often reflecting local cultures. There are lucha libre-themed masks in Mexico, logos of soccer clubs in Argentina, Batman characters in Peru and colourful swimsuit prints in Colombia.
Some activists sport masks with political statements.
“It’s a garment that has a strong visual impact,” says Lauren Fajardo, one of the owners of Cuban fashion brand Dador. “It is also a way to express yourself. I don’t even have to talk for someone to see what I’m trying to say with my face mask.”
When the virus first started to spread in Latin America, pharmacies quickly ran out of conventional face masks, pushing up prices and even forcing medical personnel to go without them. But with lockdowns putting the brakes on business activity, local manufacturers reacted quickly, and grass-roots producers also jumped in.