"Zapatistas" Top 5 Page for this destination Mexico Local Custom Tip by TheWanderingCamel

Mexico's modern-day Zapatista movement had its roots in the southern state of Chiapas Although they are mostly associated with Chiapas, the Zapatistas aim is to represent " the dispossessed millions" of the whole country against both the one-party system of the government and wealthy international interests who they see as having oppressed the the indigenous people for the last 500 years and virtually all the country's population for the last 70 years.

Arguing that the land should belong to those who work it (and indigenous Mexicans own virtually no land at all) their aims include land reform, an end to illiteracy, dignity in the workplace and respect for indigenous peoples and cultures as well as the recognition and implimentation of many basic rights for all the population that currently, and sadly, are available to relatively few.

In January this year (2006), the Zapatistas began a tour of all 31 states in Mexico - a six month long journey labelled La Otra Campana - The Other Campaign - the end of which will coincide with their arrival in Mexico City in time for the elections in June.

The demostration we saw in Oaxaca was restrained and dignified - a silent protest that was all the more telling for the place in which it was staged - the ancient city of Monte Alban.