Mennonites in Mexico: A life frozen in time
The Mennonite community of El Sabinal was founded some 30 years ago in the arid desert of northern Mexico. People here live apart from the modern world, rooted in their faith and rejecting modern technology.
Farming and faith
The Mennonite community in Chihuahua, Mexico, can trace its roots as far back as a century. Early settlers were looking for quality farmland, isolation from the outside world and a place to preserve their religion. Today, they have a traditional way of life that remains much the same as it was, supporting themselves by growing corn, chili, peppers, cotton and onions.
Getting an early start
Mennonites usually finish school by the age of 12. But even younger children, like this girl, often help out in the fields, driving tractors or leading horse-drawn carriages along the dusty roads.
Affected by climate change
Increasing drought has made life difficult for the Mennonite community in recent years, drying out fields and killing farm animals. Groundwater is hard to find, and has to be pumped up to the surface with the help of diesel generators — an increasingly expensive and environmentally unfriendly process.
Family in focus
Mennonites in northern Mexico are descendants of German and Swiss immigrants. Traditionally, Mennonite families are large — many farmers say they have more than 10 children. While the men mainly take care of the fields, the women take care of the children, the household, livestock and the gardens.
Technology comes knocking
Keeping their community isolated isn't easy in modern times. Also here, technology is slowly penetrating everyday life. Surrounded by her sisters Ana, Elena, Catalina and Margarita, young Agatha takes a look at her smartphone. Her contacts are limited to other Mennonites and locals she meets while shopping in the nearby town.
Genders strictly separated
Just like the men and women in the church pews on Sunday mornings, girls and boys sit separately as they study their school lessons — which are also predominantly religious. From schools to general stores, Mennonites have built almost everything they need for themselves within the confines of their own communities.
Time to play
After school and chores are done, the Mennonite children often have time to play with their friends and siblings. No computer games here — instead, they spend their time with homemade kites, wooden toys, swings or other low-tech games and toys.