Protests in Cuernavaca

It seems that nearly every day there is a protest, march or rally somewhere in Mexico.  Most recently, the teachers in the state of Morelos are on strike.  The strike and accompanying protests have been going on for several weeks now, since before Carlos and I arrived in Cuernavaca.  Many of the teachers have set up camp in the Zocalo and their banners and tents have nearly taken over the center of town. 

This afternoon while having lunch in one of the many downtown sandwich shops, we suddenly found ourselves in the middle of several marches converging on the center square.  A few firecrackers were set off to announce the beginning of the event and within minutes the various streets leading into the Zocalo were crowded with marchers carrying banners and signs.  Teachers and students from all across the state of Morelos as well as surrounding states had traveled to Cuernavaca to participate. 

We took our place alongside the many other onlookers snapping pictures and listening to the chants blaring from the speakers that were strapped to the tops of cars and trucks.  I still don’t understand enough Spanish to fully grasp what it is they are protesting, but for the most part it seems people here are strongly opposed to the privatization of their schools and generally dislike the current administration of president Felipe Calderon. 

After the march ended everyone gathered in the Zocalo to listen to speeches and to eat the free food that was handed out to the crowds by various participating groups and organizations.  There was music and festivities following the rally and fortunately for us, the streets remained closed for a couple hours after the marches came to an end providing the perfect opportunity to do some more sightseeing.