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Humberto Fernandez
Mining Engineer, Hotelier, Shaman's Assistant, and Actor
Humberto Fernandez, the descendant of a Potosi mining family, became a
mining engineer, following in his family's traditions. Later, he became
interested in the restoration of old colonial buildings and has been the
leading influence in the renaissance of the once prosperous mining town of
Real del Catorce. His work continues to this day having meticulously
restored many buildings including haciendas, historic buildings, hotels,
and ornate structures that were built with the area's once-vast mineral
wealth.
Known as "The Nobleman," the title of his role in the Hollywood
film production of "The Mexican," Fernandez is an aficionado of the new
artistic movement of Mexican cinema, appearing in the locally filmed
production, "Katuwari." The name of the film is a play on words in respect
to the Huichiol Indians' sacred mountain, Warikuta, the site of their
annual pilgrimage.
Fernandez, one of the few Mexicans to be accepted into
the Huichiol's spiritual traditions as a shaman's assistant, is a defender
of their mystical rites. The actor, Brad Pitt, in an interview in "Premier
Magazine," described The Nobleman as a spiritual guide. Fernandez is
involved in the conservation of the Chihuahuan Desert, particularly
regarding the protection from the illegal but profitable harvesting of
Peyote Cacti, an essential plant in the Huichiol's ceremonial traditions.
He views the principles of ecotourism as paramount to the conservation of
the desert and the preservation of cultural values. Fernandez's expertise
in mining engineering, local history, and indigenous mystical practices
convey valuable insights and creative interpretation of folklore for an
exceptional travel program, Fernandez is fluent in both Spanish and
English.
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