Coda Story and Stranger’s Guide Win National Magazine Award for “The New Aztecs” Photo Story

NEW YORK, April 15, 2025 — Coda Story, in partnership with Stranger’s Guide, has been awarded the prestigious National Magazine Award for Best Service and Lifestyle Photography for the visual narrative “The New Aztecs.” The announcement was made at the annual National Magazine Awards ceremony held in New York City last week.

“The New Aztecs,” shot by acclaimed photographer Kike Arnal, documents the vibrant revival of Aztec traditions in Mexico City, where a growing movement of young Mexicans are reclaiming their Indigenous heritage amidst the backdrop of modern urban life. The photo essay captures the tension between ancient practices and contemporary existence, thoughtfully exploring cultural identity and resistance. The award-winning story was published as part of Coda Story’s and Stranger’s Guide’s special series Complicating Colonialism, which explores how unfinished conversations about the past play out in our daily lives and shape our collective future. 

“Our Complicating Colonialism issue emerged from our commitment to embrace nuance and complexity in a world where simplified narratives dominate,” said Natalia Antelava, Coda’s CEO and Editor-in-Chief. “By exploring the many dimensions of colonial legacies across different contexts, we reveal how these patterns continue to shape our present. In today’s information ecosystem designed to divide rather than illuminate, this approach is more vital than ever. We’re building a community that doesn’t just report from the margins but creates entirely new frameworks of understanding – spaces where important stories meet meaningful conversations, where we can see beyond the algorithmic constraints that keep us trapped in echo chambers.”

The collaboration between Coda Story, known for its in-depth reporting on global crises, and Stranger’s Guide, which offers nuanced perspectives on places around the world, represents a powerful combination of journalistic expertise and cultural insight.

“I have worked with Kike for years and traveled all over the globe with him,” says Stranger’s Guide Editor-in-Chief, Kira Brunner Don. “Kike throws himself into the world and connects with those around him, that is what makes his photography extraordinary.”

The judges praised the photo story for its “stunning composition, intimate access, and thoughtful approach to documenting a cultural movement that bridges ancient traditions with modern identity politics.”

This marks the first National Magazine Award for a Coda Story and Stranger’s Guide collaboration, highlighting the growing importance of innovative partnerships in digital journalism.