The conflict is between our village and the neighbouring village of San Miguel. Our village wants to protect their Usos y Costumbres (their uses and customs). They have a hatered (much to our surprise) of San Miguel and want them to stay away from our fiestas and pueblo activities. However, upon talking with our neighbours, we discovered that the real problem is with the municipal election that is being held tomorrow. By barricading the roads this prevents the people of San Miguel from coming here and voting. Our town is the municipal seat and governs the other neighbouring towns. They think that by instilling fear and unrest in the population, the presidente can retain power and make sure the "right" person gets elected. Apparently this has happened around election day for the past 3 years.
We don't want to scare our family and friends but we thought it was important that you all know what is happening. We have informed the Canadian Consulate and let them know the situation. Their advice was to sit tight and don't try leave or get involved. These things tend to blow over relatively quickly. At first we thought about contacting the Policia...then we just laughed cause we know they don't ever do anything.
The conflict started Friday morning and was supposed to end in a few hours, then by nightfall, then by the morning. Now we find out it will continue until Monday (our departure day..yikes) at the earliest. Needless to say we aren't leaving Monday. Perhaps Tuesday or Wednesday. We talked to the municipal officials this morning and asked if it was possible to leave to go into Oaxaca city. They said for a price. That is so Mexico! They will give us a piece of paper with some scribbled approval on it, but it does not guarantee us re-entry into Guelache. Nor can we take our car out due to the fire barricade. We would have to walk past..through it. Not the best option. So for now we're staying put. We have plenty of food and vino to calm our nerves. For the most part things are calm and quiet..with the exception of the excessive fireworks and church bell ringing.
Here are few photos we took yesterday mostly from the safety of our roof. A few were taken this morning while walking around.
We are somewhat worried but we feel safe in our compound. We truly appreciate our very tall brick walls topped with broken glass. Our neighbours are great and are looking out for us. Most people in Guelache know us and are very friendly. But a few prayers, positive vibes, peaceful energy our way would be muchly appreciated.
We'll keep you posted.
Much love,
Amicita y Juan...under seige!
This is the smoldering remains of one of the barricades...from a distance.
1 comment:
do not be scare about the problem in guelache they have a respect for tourist people like you guys am going to put in contact with my brother and make sure you be and the safe place my brother he 'lives there and alot people know me trust me you don't have nothin to worry about it
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