A reflection on the events that brought our community together to celebrate World Vitiligo Day 2026 in Mexico City.
By Andrea Islas
This year, every emotion came together in a single weekend.
A weekend thoughtfully planned and inspired to commemorate World Vitiligo Day—the most important day for those of us who are part of the vitiligo community.
One thing that always inspires me deeply is seeing vitiligo represented through different forms of art. It is no longer only about photographs; we now see resilience reflected in every dance performance, in every song performed with strength and sensitivity. It is pain transformed into art, beauty, and something truly magical.
As the home of the Mexican Vitiligo Foundation, Mexico City became the host of remarkable events that shared a common vision and purpose. Spaces that open the door to new narratives, educate us, and help us understand vitiligo from different perspectives. They connect us beyond pain and uncertainty—through courage, resilience, and the desire to change the world, or at least to change the way the world defines beauty.
The weekend was filled with different ways of celebrating what makes each of us unique and irreplaceable.
We began with the opening of the Proyecto Vitiligo photography exhibition at Jamaica Station in the Mexico City Metro, a place through which thousands of people pass every day. The exhibition will remain on display for two months thanks to a collaboration with the Cultural Affairs Department of the Government of Mexico City.
Its purpose is to inspire society to be more empathetic and inclusive by showcasing skin filled with color, stories, and meaning. As Dr. Karen Férez says, “If you want to change the world, you must first change yourself.” That is precisely what each photograph represents: the strength our condition has taught us to develop.
Later, the National Institute of Medical Sciences and Nutrition Salvador Zubirán, one of Mexico’s most prestigious hospitals, opened its doors to host the largest and most informative event of the year. A day dedicated to learning, supporting one another, and celebrating our skin.
This is one of our favorite gatherings because it gives us the opportunity not only to meet new members of the community, but also to recognize the industry partners and organizations that walk alongside us on this journey.
With the support of 14 brands and partnerships with VIPOC and GlobalSkin, we experienced a day filled with hope and inspiration. There were educational talks on genetics, treatments, and medical advances, but also spaces that allowed us to connect through vulnerability and shared human experiences. Stories expressed through dance and conversations about the challenges of self-image reminded us that no one walks this path alone.
One of the day’s greatest surprises was witnessing a live episode of Vititalks. It was a moving testimony that reminded us of the strength that exists within each of us and our ability to transform fear and pain into something that helps us connect with our emotions.
Our ambassador, Yourquin, captivated us with a deeply emotional dance performance that told her entire story through a single song. It was impossible not to be moved by the sensitivity and power of her interpretation.
One thing I always appreciate about these events is the effort to include people of all ages and the recognition that, very often, children become our greatest teachers.
Thanks to the support of ISISPHARMA, children participated in an engaging and interactive talk about vitiligo. A special space was also created where, through play, they could connect with other children and discover that vitiligo can also open doors to new friendships, experiences, and support networks.
And to close the weekend on a high note came one of the most anticipated and exciting events of the year: the fashion show held in collaboration with Pineda Covalin, the renowned Mexican luxury fashion and accessories brand known for blending art, culture, and Mexican traditions with contemporary design.
Their creations remind us that life can be expressed through countless colors and textures, just like our skin. That is why this collaboration holds such special meaning for us and allows us to present a fashion show featuring 100% vitiligo models.
This year marked the fourth edition of the runway show, welcoming new faces, new members of the community, and new stories waiting to be told. What made it even more special, however, was its setting: the iconic Soumaya Museum in Mexico City.
Experiencing this event in one of the country’s most emblematic cultural landmarks was undoubtedly the icing on the cake. We always knew these projects would continue to grow, but we never imagined finding ourselves in a place that embraces so much art—and, for a moment, becoming part of it.
Because that is exactly the message we want every member of our community to hear: each person is a work of art. Unique, irreplaceable, and filled with color, history, and magic.
Watching models step onto a runway for the very first time and give themselves the opportunity to rewrite the narrative of their own story is something truly beautiful.
One of the stories that touched me most was that of a participant who turned fifty this year and chose to give herself an invaluable gift: the courage to show herself exactly as she is. And what better place to do that than on a runway alongside an internationally recognized brand?
It was moving to see her at the end of the event, knowing she had accomplished something she had dreamed of for years. She seemed to understand that this was the first day of a new chapter—the day she chose to reclaim and redefine her story.
The Soumaya Museum also hosted the screening of the documentary created by Gerardo Magallón, Vitiligo: The Voice of Colors. The Dream That Changed the Way We See.
A production that tells this story from a more human and conscious perspective. A documentary that connects with the experiences of patients, the mission of the Mexican Vitiligo Foundation, and the love, commitment, and passion behind every project the organization brings to life.
As I reflected on everything that happened throughout the weekend, I could not help but think about how much we have grown as a community. What once began as a space to support one another through uncertainty has become a movement that inspires, educates, and transforms lives.
Every photograph displayed, every lecture, every embrace, every story shared, every child who discovered they were not alone, every model who bravely stepped onto a runway for the first time, and every person who chose to look at themselves with a little more love in the mirror became part of something much greater than a celebration.
Because World Vitiligo Day is not only about talking about a condition. It is about the people behind it. About those who have learned to transform fear into courage, difference into identity, and their spots into a story worth telling.
This year, I returned home with a full heart. Full of pride for our community, admiration for every person courageous enough to redefine their story, and hope for everything that is still to come.
And if there is one thing this weekend left me with, it is the certainty that we are changing the way the world sees vitiligo—but more importantly, the way we see ourselves.
Because when we learn to embrace our story, we discover that our spots were never something to hide.
They were simply a different way to shine.
