Street Art:

politics on the walls of San Cristóbal de las Casas/ Chiapas, Mexico

Abstract

On January 1, 1994, in the state of Chiapas, Mexico, one of the most emblematic, important, and still active social movements in Latin America emerged: the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN). More than thirty years later, the movement remains a reference in the struggle for freedom, equality, and autonomy.

San Cristóbal de las Casas was one of the cities occupied by the EZLN. This visual essay was produced in the city. Through photographs of the walls of San Cristóbal, we reflect on the relationship between urban art and politics.

Murals, graffiti, and collages bring to light themes such as Zapatismo, the Indigenous struggle, the preservation of land and culture, criticism of neoliberalism, and resistance against all forms of oppression.