This Quilting Project Memorialises Migrant Deaths on the US-Mexico Border

The Migrant Quilt Project is a moving arts and social justice project started by an Arizona native that’s redefining how migrants, primarily from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Honduras, are being memorialised after dying in their attempts to cross the US-Mexico border.
Each year, thousands of migrants make the treacherous journey across Mexico to reach the US, but not all of them live to tell their tale. In fact, in the Tucson Sector of the Southern Arizona stretch along the Sonoran Desert, the section on which the Migrant Quilt Project focuses its attention, an average of 200 migrants die each year.

Destinations Unlocked:
Let our travel expert Stefano help you find your perfect Culture tripCentralAmerica
1. Guatemala
An express adventure for those with limited time off. Prepare yourself incredible experiences. You will hike a volcano, visit mayan temples and witness a ceremony and take in beautiful colonial Antigua.CentralAmerica
2. Belize
A quick trip not too far away for those seeking a relaxing mini break. You will have plenty of free time to relax but also some awesome activities to experience the rainforest and the caribbean sea.CentralAmerica
3. Mexico
An exciting mini trip exploring the lesser known colonial towns of central Mexico. This is hte perfect trip for someone with limited time off and still wants to turn on explorer mode and do something different.SouthAmerica
1. Ecuador
A remarkable 8 days adventure through the Andes and the Amazon rainforest. The best choice for adventure seekers wishing to visit the 2 most iconic areas of South America, in only 1 week and no flights.SouthAmerica
2. Peru
An alternative itinerary to classic Peru, from Cusco to Arequipa. This itinerary is great combination of highlights Cusco and Machu Picchu with the lesser known Arequipa and Colca Canyon.Europe
1. Italy
The ultimate Italian experience from the vibrant streets of Naples to the breathtaking sceneries of the Amalfi Coast followed by Matera and down to Puglia with its golden beaches, intense flavours and fascinating destinations.Europe
2. Scotland
Embark on this great adventure starting from London all the way to Scotland with a true Scottish experience made of breathtaking sceneries, whisky tasting and ..lots of fun! Ideal for train lovers and explorers.Europe
3. Portugal
A wonderful train journey around Portugal, from the romantic city of Porto to the Douro Valley, to the beautiful Aveiro all the way to Lisbon and Sintra. The perfect trip to train, culinary and culture lovers.Asia
1. South Korea
Discover incredible temples, mountains and modern cities on this 10 day adventure. This trip is perfect for those seeking immersion in the cuisine, culture and natural wonders of South Korea.Asia
2. Thailand
From Bankgok to Angkor Wat to Ho Chi Minh City and everything in between - adventure through the heart of South-East Asia. Taste the delights, see history brought to life and unwind on a Mekong River cruise.Asia
3. Sri Lanka
A fantastic adventure that showcases Sri Lanka's fantastic landscapes, wildlife and flavours. With 3 epic rail journeys, 3 UNESCO heritage sites and time to relax, this trip has loads to offer at a great priceAfrica
1. Morocco
An epic journey across Morocco: from Casablanca to Marrakech, through the blue city of Chefchaouen to the wonders of the desert and deep to the High Atlas Mountains - this trip has it all! Ideal for true explorers!Africa
2. Egypt
From Cairo to Aswan, this trip brings the land of the pharaohs to life. You'll visit the Pyramids, Valley of the Kings and Luxor Temple and cruise down the Nile in style. This is the perfect way to explore Egypt.Launched by Tucson native Jody Ipsen, the inspiration for the project came over ten years ago when she stumbled across a so-called ‘layup’ site, a spot in the desert where immigrants would rest, refuel and sometimes change their clothes. These layup spots also happen to be where collections of personal belongings, discarded en route, piled up alongside trash and empty water bottles. After working with other humanitarians to clean up the trails and throwing out what had been collected, Ipsen decided that the clothing remains could be utilised for something much bigger—memorial quilts.

Though Ipsen had participated in activism, she found herself in unchartered territory when she started quilting and so, she looked to volunteers from across the US who took the reins on actually crafting the quilts. Each quilt is as individual and arresting as the last: everything from squares of graphic t-shirts to checked shirts, handkerchiefs and patches of jeans are used to sew the large quilts. However, the names and ages (alongside plenty of desconocidos, or unidentified people) embroidered into each one are the starkest reminder that the Migrant Quilt Project is far more than just a folk art project. Each name, or desconocido, honours one of the migrants who passed away while crossing the border during a particular year. (It should be noted that none of the quilts utilise clothing found in areas where deceased migrants were recovered. Instead, the project uses only discarded textiles and is sure to hand over anything with identifiable information to the police.)

Memorialising the deceased isn’t the sole purpose of the project. Rather, its aim is to also draw attention to why these deaths have occurred, why these migrants were driven to cross a dangerous desert and the ways in which these tragedies could have been prevented. The end goal is to incite a change in the, quite literally, deadly border policies. The Migrant Quilt Project has certainly created a prominent voice in the discussions surrounding border policies, which often seem to be mere abstract concerns for lawmakers.

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
meet our Local Insider
Hanna

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN A GUIDE?
2 years.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT YOUR JOB?
It's the personal contact, the personal experiences. I love meeting people from all over the world... I really like getting to know everyone and feeling like I'm traveling with a group of friends.
WHAT DESTINATION IS ON YOUR TRAVEL BUCKET-LIST?
I have so many places on my list, but I would really lobe to go to Africa. I consider myself an “adventure girl” and Africa feels like the ULTIMATE adventure!


Every CULTURE TRIP Small-group adventure is led by a Local Insider just like Hanna.


KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?
Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world
Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.
Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.
Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.
Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.
We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.