**Tijuana Journalists Honor Fallen Colleagues with Day of the Dead Altar**
A group of journalists in Tijuana has created a Day of the Dead altar to honor their colleagues who were tragically murdered this year in Mexico. The commemorative altar was installed at the State Center for the Arts (Ceart) and includes symbolic elements such as candles, books, newspapers, and decorative Catrinas.
Tijuana journalist Vicente Calderón highlighted that according to UNESCO reports, there have been eight journalist murders in Mexico over the last year. This altar serves not just as a tribute but also as part of a broader campaign aligned with UNESCO’s International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists.
The altar pays homage to the memories of Luciano Rivera, who was killed in Rosarito in 2017, Lourdes Maldonado, and photojournalist Margarito Martínez, both murdered in 2022. Calderón emphasized that this vibrant yet solemn memorial is a fusion of Mexican tradition and a call to remember those who lost their lives for the sake of press freedom.
In addition to the altar, Tijuana offers a variety of activities to commemorate the Day of the Dead, including a festival hosted by the Cecut.
**Related Developments on Journalism in Mexico**
Amidst the increasing violence against journalists, Mexican authorities have vowed to take more decisive steps to protect media workers. Recent reports suggest a rise in unsolved journalist murders, urging both national and international organizations to put pressure on the Mexican government for improved protection mechanisms.
In response to the growing threat against press freedom, various advocacy groups have been actively campaigning for legislative changes that ensure better safety protocols for journalists. The Mexican Senate is expected to introduce new legislation aimed at bolstering protections and promoting media transparency in the coming months.
For now, journalists like those in Tijuana continue to bravely report the news, holding fast to the hope that someday they will be able to do so without fear of violence or retribution.