Rafael was born in Mexico in 1952 and later migrated with his family to Texas, USA. Returning to Mexico in his later years, he has led a solitary existence, never having formed a family of his own. Currently, he resides in a small single-room dwelling a few blocks from the luxurious beach of Punta de Mita. His humble home lacks a door and instead features a blue material that sways with the breeze.
Inside, there's a bathroom without running water, and basic amenities like a fridge or stove are absent. Despite the simplicity of his living conditions, the radio plays old-school American hits in the background. His living space is adorned with minimal furnishings, including a solitary red plastic table serving as an altar. Among its items, a white axe occupies the center hole intended for an umbrella, while on the wall behind, images of the Virgin Mary with baby Jesus, a Hindu god, an Egyptian deity, and a tarot card of the Magician coexist. Rafael has been working as a Pajarero, or Birdman, for over a decade now.
This traditional craft, also known as "The Lucky Little Bird," endures through the dedication of its practitioners. Rafael, along with his canaries, Luz and Sol, embodies this tradition. Every morning at breakfast and during sunset, Rafael takes Luz and Sol for a walk through the tables of restaurants that permit him to pass. He is greeted warmly by American and Canadian tourists who tip him after learning their fortune. Despite his fluency in English and his joyful demeanor when interacting with tourists, Rafael reveals a deeper sense of solitude during longer conversations, expressing feelings of being lost in his thoughts, conspiring against humanity, and having premonitions. He confides that he has no friends or family with whom to share his innermost thoughts.
Why did you retire or why are you still working?
Why did you retire?
Why are you still working?
Even though I could claim pensions from both the Mexican and American governments, I refuse. It's a matter of pride to sustain myself with my own earnings. I strive for self-sufficiency; I define myself by it. I recall a night when I beseech God for guidance, and in a dream, I found myself on a beach with a vibrant cage and two stunning birds—filled with joy. Years later, my dream materialized. I bought the same cage 25 years ago, and it remains in use. Bringing smiles to people's faces, instilling hope or positive thoughts, propels me forward. Life has taught me there's a spiritual force in this world working for our well-being. We're here to manifest God's love. That's what I aim to do with my little birds.
Life expectancy 2023
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