Oventik - Zapatista Caracol

Oventik, a small town a few hours drive from San Cristobal, is one of the key Zapatista Caracols (literally translates as 'snail'). It is one of many Zapatista Caracols or 'strongholds' in the beautiful state of Chiapas in southern Mexico.

The Zapatistas are a movement of indigenous Mayans who for nearly 2 decades have been trying to build an autonomous society and become independent of the Mexican Government.

The Zapatista revolution began following the threat of foreign land purchase and marginalisation of indigenous people following the 1994 American economic agreement.  The local people decided to take up arms to protect their land, led by MARCOS.

The Zapatista movement is built on education and social services to the people, and Oventik had a large high school and primary school (with a very impressive library) and a pretty well equipped and functional hospital.

If you want to find out more about the Zapatista movement, then see these links:
 
http://translate.google.com.mx/translate?hl=en&sl=es&u=http://enlacezapatista.ezln.org.mx/&prev=/search%3Fq%3Dzapatista%26client%3Dfirefox-a%26hs%3DuxE%26rls%3Dorg.mozilla:en-US:official

http://enlacezapatista.ezln.org.mx/

We were very impressed with the strong focus on education as a path to liberty and the fact that these communities are able to live completely "off the grid".

It's not often you see a hospital with Che painted on the front...  :)

Strong focus on Women's Rights!!