Lexi Parra

CARACAS, Venezuela — “The bullet holes are right outside my door — a reminder of where they murdered him, right outside his home,” says Aryelis, whose son was shot to death by police here in 2017.


Mothers, sisters and wives are telling the stories of the men who have lost their lives in Special Action Forces operations in the hillside neighborhood of La Vega. The police unit, known as the FAES for its acronym in Spanish, has for years terrorized the working-class barrios of the Venezuelan capital. It’s accused of criminalizing young men for where they live.


La Vega’s turn came in early 2021.


In getting to know women in La Vega, I hoped to show their resilience and their effort to heal. I asked what is left, what is salvaged, what life looks like after tragedy. In a region where violence is normalized, these images reflect the power of community.


This work was produced in partnership with the Pulitzer Center and will be continued with the support of the Getty Images Inclusion Grant.


Full Washington Post article , Pulitzer Center article

CARACAS - JULY 30, 2019. Daniel - dressed in full drag as Miranda - in a cab on his way to the drag club in Altamira. He, like other drag queens, work nights. Often the daily routine is to sleep a few hours after getting home from the club, rehearse and g
CARACAS, VENEZUELA - FEBRUARY 4, 2022.
Nayreth holds her newborn daughter Salomé in her home in La Vega. Since her brother’s murder, she has found purpose being mentored by a local community leader Gabriela, helping host workshops and community events focused on issues of violence and women empowerment.
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JANUARY 30, 2022.

Aryelis prays at her local church in the hillside of La Vega. Her Evangelical faith has been key to her healing since her son’s murder by the police forces in 2017.
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - FEB 20, 2022.

Rosa looks out the window as she recalls the day her brother was murdered in her home by Special Police Forces. His death was one of the 23 in what has been coined a 'massacre.' "I have no tears left," Rosa said - referring to the loss of two of her brothers to violence. For months following his death, Rosa lived in fear, often staying with family in other areas of Caracas. She has since relocated to her home with her two young children.
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - FEBRUARY 5, 2022.

A cheerleading team performs at a community event, celebrating the anniversary of the Mi Convive NGO, in La Vega. This NGO is focused on bringing visibility to State- sanctioned violence, provide food programs for families and host recreational activities to end cyclical violence and poverty in the barrios of Caracas. 
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - DECEMBER 11, 2021.

Details of Lisbeth’s dress and nails as she poses for pictures at her quince años in Las Casitas, La Vega. Due to the COVID-19 virus and ongoing violence in the neighborhood, Lisbeth thought her celebration might not be possible.
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LOCATION - DATE Caption (one sentence explanation, then one sentence context/background). CREDIT: Lexi Parra

CARACAS, VENEZUELA - DECEMBER 12, 2021.

A homemade disco ball hangs from the ceiling at Nayreth’s baby shower, held in the La Vega neighborhood.
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JULY 18, 2019. Shayna de Lunar taking a selfie during the break between acts.
CARACAS, VENEZUELA - DECEMBER 11, 2021.
Lisbeth, 15, dances at her quinceañera in Las Casitas, La Vega. Due to the COVID-19 virus and ongoing violence in the neighborhood, Lisbeth thought her celebration might not be possible.
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CARACAS, VENEZUELA - JANUARY 26, 2021.

A young boy jumps over abandoned construction materials left by the government in Las Casitas, La Vega. The State tore up their basketball court to renovate the space and, four years later, it remains unfinished. 
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