Oaxaca Commune (Moisés López)

In 2006, Oaxaca governor Ulises Ruiz Ortiz attacked a peaceful teachers' protest, and 14 people were killed in an attempt to silence the movement. The teachers protested national educational reforms because they did not benefit the students in their communities. The Guelaguetza, which means mutual cooperation, has existed for thousands of years, dating back at least 3000 years. In 1974, the Mexican government turned it into a profitable event catering to rich tourists, and turning Oaxacan culture into an attraction. La Guelaguetza Popular is held annually to commemorate the tragic loss that occurred during the protests. It is a protest to the state-run Guelaguetza, so that Oaxacan teachers can peacefully protest and the Oaxacan people can celebrate their culture at no cost.

Celebrate People's History!
An original podcast created for LAST 495W with Dr. Hannah Burdette, Spring 2025