The growing movement of Dia al Desnudo

We spoke with the growing protest’s founder about the mission and plans for this year’s ‘day in the nude’

Hector Martinez demonstrates his message. Source: @DiaAlDesnudo

“I want people to know that there is nothing wrong with our bodies, that shame isn't natural, normal, or even healthy, that nudity isn't a threat, and the use of clothing should be something people should be able to choose freely.”

Dia al Desnudo, the annual nude march in Mexico, is growing bigger and bolder for its sophomore year. The event, founded by Hector Martinez, began last year in Guadalajara, his hometown, and this year it is growing to Mexico City as well. Martinez's vision for Dia al Desnudo is to promote body positivity and challenge societal norms surrounding nudity worldwide.

"I started Dia al Desnudo in Guadalajara because it's my hometown, my immediate circle of influence, which happens to be Mexico's second largest city by several standards, and also perceived as a very conservative city," Martinez explains. "If it was possible there, it was possible anywhere."

The culminating image from 2022’s event. Source: @DiaAlDesnudo

Martinez believes that nudity is a natural and healthy state of being, and that shame surrounding nudity is a societal construct that needs to be challenged. "I want people to know that there is nothing wrong with our bodies, that shame isn't natural, normal, or even healthy, that nudity isn't a threat, and the use of clothing should be something people should be able to choose freely," he says. "I want to start a social dialog regarding the relationship we have with our bodies and how normalizing nudity can have countless personal and social benefits."

Dia al Desnudo 2023

Dia al Desnudo is expanding this year, with marches planned in Mexico City on May 20th, and Guadalajara on May 27th. Martinez sees this as a big step in his goal to create a nationwide and eventually a worldwide movement to promote body positivity and acceptance.

2023 route maps. Source: @DiaAlDesnudo

According to Hector, the response to the event so far has already been overwhelmingly positive. There is a ton of support from the nudist community, and he is expecting a couple of hundred naked participants to take part in each city—with some traveling internationally to be there—as well as media and press expected like last year.

In addition to the planned marches, a number of activities are also scheduled to keep participants engaged and connected. Following the walk, participants will take a group nude photo at an important monument in each city, symbolizing their bold stance against societal norms that shame and stigmatize nudity. These photos will commemorate the event, and serve as a testament to the growth of the movement. Later in the evening, participants will also gather for a big naked celebration at night. This will be an opportunity for people to connect, celebrate, and let loose, all while embracing their bodies and the freedom that comes with being naked.

Join the movement

For those interested in getting involved with Dia al Desnudo, Martinez encourages them to contact him via Twitter at @_Hector_Mtz or @DiaAlDesnudo, or through Patreon. While the fledgling event does not yet have an established account for donations, people can support the cause by buying a printed copy of one of the event's commemorative photos, or by subscribing to Hector’s Patreon page.

Source: @DiaAlDesnudo

Dia al Desnudo is not just about being naked in public, it is about challenging societal norms, promoting body positivity, and fighting against sexual violence and harassment. With the event expanding to two cities this year, it is clear that Martinez's vision is resonating with many people, and he hopes that it will continue to inspire positive change for years to come. 🪐

---

Listen to my previous interview with Hector Martinez, in which he shares the story of the first Dia al Desnudo, on the New Nudist Podcast:

---

---