“This year, we had the pleasure of celebrating the 30th anniversary of YAAM with a big children’s festival, and I felt honored to be part of the celebration alongside CABUWAZI.

YAAM is a unique and vibrant microcosm in the heart of Berlin, dedicated to social cohesion, multicultural encounters, art, and music. The festival offered a full program of fun activities: from the live concert by Muckemacher to the exciting hand circus and show by CABUWAZI. There were also instrument-making workshops, face painting, balloon figures, and a bouncy castle that delighted the little ones. Additionally, the sandy area by the river was the perfect spot for CABUWAZI to engage the children in circus games and let them enjoy moments of pure joy.

As a photographer, it was a pleasure to participate and play with the kids, showing them different games and seeing how amazed they were by everything we showed them, as if it were magic. Their smiles and laughter as they discovered new things made it an unforgettable experience. I love being involved in CABUWAZI projects in various locations, bringing color and emotion to different places.

By the end of the day, I had captured some beautiful portraits at the festival, along with the experience of working with such creative and passionate people. This celebration wasn’t just about an anniversary—it was a reminder of the importance of community, creativity, and love for the children. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to contribute to such a meaningful and joyful event.” – Tomás Sapia

“The project took place over a week in Marseille, France, at the Roudelet Felibren Provençal Cultural Center. The mission of Roudelet-Felibren is to preserve and defend everything related to Provence and its traditions that enrich the daily lives of its people.

Throughout the week, the project aimed to provide us with the opportunity to exchange knowledge and teaching methods, fostering meaningful connections. It was a week filled with sharing, learning, and understanding, not only through disciplines but also through cultures. What made this experience truly special was the diversity of the participants, who came from different countries and backgrounds. It was incredibly enriching to learn from so many disciplines, each with its own pedagogical approach and unique methodology.

My collaboration with the project was through photography. Through my camera, I tried to capture the unique expressions and moments that arose throughout the week, highlighting the best of each situation and each person. I am passionate about freezing those irretrievable instants and, in some way, preserving them forever. Every image I take seeks to tell a story, reflect the emotions experienced, and show the most authentic aspects of each moment. Being able to do this work, and also having the opportunity to travel while doing it, is something I love and for which I feel profoundly grateful.

Each night, we enjoyed homemade and authentic vegetarian meals prepared by the Roudelet-Felibren house, which included traditional French recipes. And as if that weren’t enough, we were also lucky enough to enjoy traditional dance performances from Marseille, which added a charming local touch to our evenings.

The workshops mainly took place at the cultural center, but one day we went for a picnic in a nearby park surrounded by lush greenery. It was a refreshing change of pace, allowing us to enjoy outdoor activities and strengthen bonds in a natural and serene environment.

During the week, we prepared for a grand finale: a public performance on the beaches of Marseille. It was the perfect culmination of everything we had learned and shared over the days, uniting talent, creativity, and community against the spectacular backdrop of the sea. It was not just a show; it was a celebration, a moment when we all came together to reflect on what had been an unforgettable experience. We spent that final day not only performing but also enjoying the sun, sand, and vibrant atmosphere of the beach, a truly spectacular way to close the project. Looking back, what resonates most with me is the opportunity to connect with so many talented people and learn from their different approaches, techniques, and cultural perspectives. It was fascinating to see how each person, shaped by their own experiences, contributed something unique to the project. The knowledge I gained, both practical and personal, is something I will carry with me long after the project has ended. And perhaps most importantly, I leave with new friendships and a network of incredible people, all united by our shared passion for creativity and learning.

 This week was not only an opportunity for artistic growth but also a chance to deepen my understanding of the rich cultural heritage of France and how it intertwines with contemporary practices. I leave feeling inspired, humbled, and grateful for the experience, with a strong desire to continue learning from the talented individuals I had the privilege to meet.” – Tomás Sapia