Land of the Zapatistas

Arrived here yesterday afternoon in San Cristobal de Las Casas, in the Mexican state of Chiapas, after stopping over for a day in Huehuetenango, Guatemala. Took the chicken bus from Quetzaltenango to Huehue but a private shuttle service from Huehue to here. Not that much difference in the price when you consider taxis to and from the bus terminals, which haven't been very close to the hotels. The shuttle also saves time and allows better views of the surrounding countryside. There was a distinct change in scenery after crossing the border into Mexico - less mountainous and more wide-open spaces and large farms. Planning to stay here until the weekend and take more Spanish classes.

Catedral de San Cristobal

The city is named after St. Bartolome de las Casas, who fought nonviolently for indigenous rights in the 16th century and now the Zapatistas are doing the same thing for the Mayan people of Chiapas as well as other oppressed and marginalized people in other parts of the country largely through an internet-based media campaign. From what I can tell, their portrayal in the mass media as dangerous rebels appears to be misleading propaganda most likely fomented by business and political interests the Zapatistas oppose. While a few armed clashes occurred within the first 2 weeks of the uprising in 1994 (which coincided with the implementation of NAFTA), the group has abstained from using weapons since then. However, the Mexican army remains vigilant and there continue to be reports of intimidation and violence by police and paramilitaries against indigenous people in the more remote areas. Here in San Cristobal I've seen a street named "Insurgentes" and much graffiti, artwork and published writing in favor of the Zapatista movement.

Land of the Zapatistas

San Cristobal de Las Casas, Mexico