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From trauma to comedy: How Ketzal Reyes turns scars into strength

A survivor's scars become his stage. Ketzal Reyes uses raw humor to confront stigma, proving that pain can fuel both laughter and change.

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1 min read
The image shows a poster of a person's face with the text "McFadden's Row of Flats: The Comedy That...
The image shows a poster of a person's face with the text "McFadden's Row of Flats: The Comedy That Has Made Many Millions Laugh" written across it. The person in the poster has a wide, toothy grin, with their eyes wide open and their mouth slightly open, as if they are laughing. Their hair is wild and unkempt, and their face is framed by a bright yellow background.

From trauma to comedy: How Ketzal Reyes turns scars into strength

Ahead of a planned Gen Z protest, the National Palace in Mexico City has been surrounded by three-metre-high barriers. Meanwhile, 33-year-old stand-up comedian Ketzal Reyes continues to share his story of resilience after surviving severe burns as a child. His journey—from trauma to comedy—has become a way to challenge perceptions and connect with audiences. At just nine years old, Reyes suffered third-degree burns that left lasting scars. For years, he wore a compression mask in high school to help heal the damage. But after graduating, he made a bold choice: he shaved his head and embraced his appearance, refusing to hide anymore.

Reyes now uses humour to break down barriers and make people think. Nearly four years into his comedy career, he performs routines that push boundaries and spark uncomfortable conversations. When he's not on stage, he sells handmade crafts near the Templo Mayor, blending creativity with his daily life. His story comes as Mexico faces a wider issue with burns. Each year, around 128,000 people suffer from them, including 42,000 children. Proper first aid—applying a clean, damp cloth soaked in saline or plain water and seeking immediate medical help—can prevent further harm. The recent fortification of the National Palace reflects ongoing tensions, but Reyes' approach offers a different kind of confrontation. Through comedy, he forces society to look at what it often ignores.

Reyes' decision to live openly with his scars has turned pain into a platform. His stand-up routines and public presence challenge norms, while his craftwork keeps him grounded. As protests and personal stories intersect in Mexico, his journey reminds others that visibility—whether through humour or activism—can be a powerful form of resistance.

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