The morning after

June 20, 2016 by spixl

It’s the morning after the day and night before — and I don’t even know where to begin.

The very short and immediate version is: Yesterday afternoon about 50 miles north of the city in Nochixtlán, six demonstrators were killed when federal police moved in to breakup a 5-day long blockade by Sección 22 of the teachers union on the main highway between here and Puebla. As the police moved toward the city, there was another battle about 8 miles north near San Pablo Etla, and then last night about 7:30 a helicopter began flying over the city, smoke rose from near the teachers’ encampment in the zócalo (about 4 blocks away), and shouting and explosions were heard. It was still going on when I fell asleep around midnight.

It’s Monday morning, but all was eerily quiet when I awoke. Very little traffic on my usually busy street and almost no buses to be seen or heard. Television news and local papers are hopeless, so I began monitoring five Facebook groups dedicated to blockades, demonstrations, traffic, etc. and Twitter for news.

Needing a few groceries (I know that seems to be a constant theme, but I don’t have a car here, so can only buy what I can carry) and wanting to see what went on last night, my neighbor and I ventured out onto the streets. The acrid smell of smoke was still evident and, at almost every intersection, beginning with the one half a block down our street, tires were still smoldering. The closer we got to the zócalo, the more graffiti and damage we saw.

Oxxo on Morelos at Garcia Vigil had been vandalized and was closed, the windows of Catedral had been broken but the restaurant was open, and all the ATMs in BanNorte had been damaged, but the tellers were in place and banking was being done. However, it’s like a Sunday morning, with few people on the streets.

The teachers’ plantón (encampment) on and surrounding the zócalo remains, but it was dirty and depressing and there were a couple of drunk guys, so we opted not to venture further. Instead, we continued east on Independencia, passing more broken windows, scrawled messages on walls denouncing the federal and state governments and warning all that it has only just begun.

If you want background and more detailed reports, you can check out posts from Oaxaca at http://elenemigocomun.net/. Yes, I know, it’s from the perspective of the teachers and protestors — I figure the “mainstream” media has got the government’s point of view covered.

Stencil photos were taken a few days ago on Garcia Vigil, between Independencia and Morelos. Yes, I did take photos this morning of the remnants of last night’s events, but I just can’t bring myself to post them. The mood is sad and wary — no one knows how and when this will end — and the ghosts of 2006 hang over the city.

Save

Posted in Creativity, Culture, Education, Labor, Politics | Tagged #OaxacaGrita, graffiti, Mexico, Oaxaca, photographs, photos, protests, Seccion 22, stencil art, street art, urban art, wall art | 25 Comments

25 Responses

on June 20, 2016 at 1:15 pm | Reply Oaxaca Cultural Navigator LLC

Tragic.
on June 20, 2016 at 1:40 pm | Reply BJ

Thank you, Shannon. And, I appreciate the link. Any more would also be appreciated.
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:17 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Barbara, there is so much out there, I’m going bleary-eyed. Are you on Facebook? That’s where a lot of up-to-the-minute information (good and questionable) is posted. Otherwise, since your Spanish is good, media like Proceso, SinEmbargo, and Aristegui Noticias tend to have thoughtful analysis.
on June 20, 2016 at 2:02 pm | Reply Connie

Omg; please be safe
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:18 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Connie, I plan to!
on June 20, 2016 at 2:20 pm | Reply postcardsfromsanantonio

Shannon – Thanks for the update. Been following the news remotely, and it’s so distressing. Wondering if, unfortunately, there might be more trouble brewing for tonight because Los Danzantes tweeted it was closing and sending its employees home at 5 for their protection. Maybe you and your camera best stay inside…. Take care, and hope things calm down soon.
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:21 pm | Reply spixl
  
  I suspect it will be getting worse before it gets better. Business owners and those in the tourist trade are pleading with the government to negotiate. And, thanks, I definitely do NOT plan to go out tonight. 😉
on June 20, 2016 at 3:16 pm | Reply francine

Muchísimas Gracias Shannon. Ten cuidado. Recibí abrazos fuertes de mi parte. Qué lejos estoy pero en mi corazón estoy tan cerca.
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:22 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Muchisimas gracias, Francine.
on June 20, 2016 at 3:47 pm | Reply Barbra Bishop

Thank you…it’s so vital having updates and input such as yours! Be safe!
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:23 pm | Reply spixl
  
  You’re very welcome, Barbra. And, believe me, I plan on staying safe!
on June 20, 2016 at 4:02 pm | Reply Michael Peed

Shannon- sad to see this happen again and so dangerous in such a wonderful place. take care, Michael
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:24 pm | Reply spixl
  
  I know, Michael; it’s heartbreaking.
on June 20, 2016 at 4:04 pm | Reply Graham Scrimgeour

So sorry to hear about the troubles in Oaxaca. Let’s help cooler heads will eventually prevail. Keep safe, Shannon!
- on June 20, 2016 at 5:26 pm | Reply spixl
  
  Graham, I’m safely tucked up behind the iron gates of the infamous compound and that is where I will remain when the situation is dicey. Your concern is much appreciated!
on June 20, 2016 at 6:47 pm | Reply Kay Seriff

Very sad…and concerned about your safety….but I know you wouldn’t venture out in dangerous situation. Is it known who was killed? Was it teachers? Very sad , as I said.
- on June 24, 2016 at 11:04 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks for your concern, Kay. I’m fine and all has been quiet in the city for several days. Negotiations are scheduled to resume on Monday, though most people I’ve spoken with don’t hold out much hope. We shall see…
on June 20, 2016 at 10:20 pm | Reply Jo Ann Feher

Dear Shannon,

Thanks for the sharing very sad info on your blog. We have been following the news closely and our hearts ache. I remember talking to you at Lance and Linda’s party about the joy of having the peace and tranquility restored to Oaxaca. Now we wonder if we will be able to return in October.

Take care and stay safe. We join you in hoping peace will somehow be restored.

Abrazos,
Jo Ann and Tom
- on June 24, 2016 at 11:06 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, Jo Ann and Tom! Paz…
on June 21, 2016 at 9:59 am | Reply Oaxaca Campground

Thank you for your factual observations! Here’s hoping common ground is reached soon.
- on June 24, 2016 at 11:09 am | Reply spixl
  
  Thanks, I’m trying very hard, given the restrictions on non-citizens, not to be too “political.” 😉
on June 23, 2016 at 1:14 am | Reply jschubertdesigns

Thank you for the updates Shannon….. and the link.
So sad to see this happening again (the loss of lives and destruction)…… but at the same time, it’s nice to see people standing up for themselves.
I heard that the medical community will be joining the teachers, at least in Mexico city, have you heard that too?
- on June 24, 2016 at 11:12 am | Reply spixl
  
  Yes, the medical sector has come to the support of the education workers, as there are unpopular federal reforms aimed at them, too.
on June 23, 2016 at 11:37 pm | Reply Catherine Hemenway

Hi Shannon, I appreciate the updates. I want to move back to Oaxaca but am in wait-and-see-mode.
- on June 24, 2016 at 11:14 am | Reply spixl
  
  Yikes, you’re planning to return? Despite the current situation, there really is no place like Oaxaca. 😉