More than 3,000 people gathered in the Zapatista community of Oventic, in the municipality of San Andrés Larráinzar, to commemorate the 31st anniversary of the appearance of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) against the federal government. Amidst songs, music and cheers, they celebrated from the stage set up in the center of this community. Activities continued until the morning of January 1st, 2025. In the afternoon, the attendees left the location, while the Zapatistas continued to celebrate the anniversary of the armed uprising.
To celebrate the 31st anniversary of the appearance of the Zapatistas, which occurred in 1994, when they took over several municipal presidencies such as Palenque, Ocosingo, Altamirano, Las Margaritas and San Cristóbal de las Casas, as well as during the attack on the military barracks in Rancho Nuevo, the hooded individuals performed plays. In these representations they showed how the army continues to besiege the Zapatista communities and highlighted that they feel increasingly safe thanks to the support of various social organizations, both nationally and internationally.
The cultural event began yesterday afternoon, Tuesday, December 31st, 2024, with a parade of EZLN militants that concluded in the early hours of Wednesday, January 1st, 2025. After 10 a.m. the activities continued, including musical presentations and plays organized by the militants of the Zapatista Army of National Liberation.
More than 2,000 attendees interacted with the Zapatistas, who assured that the fight will continue from the regions where the Zapatista commands operate, such as Oventic, Altamirano, Las Margaritas, Ocosingo and Palenque. The hooded ones reiterated their commitment to protect the land, which they consider theirs since they took it in 1994, and asked their supporters to continue walking alongside them.
Finally, in the center at Oventic, it was emphasized that since its armed emergence, the EZLN has been a symbol of resistance and rebellion, denouncing the structural inequalities and social exclusion faced by the indigenous peoples of Chiapas and Mexico. A call was made to the organizations to continue fighting against these government abuses. After 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, the representatives of various organizations who attended the event left without incident.
Original article by Gilberto Morales, El Heraldo de Chiapas, January 1st, 2025.
Translated by Schools for Chiapas.