OAXACA
In southern Mexico, is celebrated for its rich indigenous heritage, vibrant arts, and diverse landscapes. Known for its colorful festivals like the Guelaguetza, Oaxaca also boasts stunning Zapotec and Mixtec ruins, including Monte Albán. The state's cuisine, featuring mole and tlayudas, is legendary. With its scenic beaches in the coastal regions and a thriving craft tradition, Oaxaca is a cultural and natural treasure in Mexico.
WEEK 12
November 8, 2024
Valeria Hernandez Toledo
Five people killed in a restaurant in Oaxaca
Five people were killed and one injured in an armed attack at a restaurant north of Oaxaca City, apparently targeting Marcos Sánchez, a leader of the International Confederation of Workers, who escaped unharmed. This incident, the third multiple homicide in the state in November, adds to other cases of violence in the region, where several people were recently murdered in different events.
This tragic event reflects the alarming insecurity in Oaxaca, especially shocking in urban areas.
Source: La Redacción (2024, 8 November). Five people killed in a restaurant in Oaxaca. La Jornada. https://www.jornada.com.mx/noticia/2024/11/07/estados/matan-a-cinco-personas-en-un-restaurante-de-oaxaca-2683
November 8, 2024
Vivian Rios Aguilar
Oaxaca's Human Rights Ombudsman confirms that state prosecutors tortured a young man and requests that reparations be made for the harm caused
In September 2018, a young man was detained by agents from the Oaxaca State Investigation Agency near the Autonomous University of Oaxaca without a warrant and was held without being presented to authorities. His parents eventually located him at the former federal prosecutor's office, where they noticed signs of physical abuse. The young man reported repeated torture by the agents, including suffocation and beatings. The Oaxaca Human Rights Ombudsman requested full reparations for the harm caused and registration in the National and State Victims Registry for further support.
Source: El Universal Oaxaca. (2023, 4 de noviembre). Defensoría de Oaxaca confirma tortura de agentes de la Fiscalía contra joven; pide reparar el daño. El Universal. https://oaxaca.eluniversal.com.mx/estatal/defensoria-de-oaxaca-confirma-tortura-de-agentes-de-la-fiscalia-contra-joven-pide-reparar-el
WEEK 11
November 3, 2024
Delia Ximena Sanchez Gomez
To the tourists taste
Oaxaca's Día de Muertos celebrations are increasingly shaped by gentrification as tourism agencies offer high-priced packages with face painting, cemetery tours, and Zapotec cuisine, often advertised in English. The influx of international tourists has crowded traditional spaces, and local activists argue that these changes lead to cultural displacement, erasing indigenous languages and traditions. While officials highlight the economic benefits, with projected revenues of 289 million pesos, many locals feel Oaxaca's identity is being commodified, with cultural heritage sold as a product for tourism.
Source: Al gusto del turista: Gentrificación transforma celebraciones de Día de Muertos en Oaxaca. Jiménez, C. (2024) El Universal.
WEEK 10
October 25, 2024
Abigail Mendoza Martinez
Día de Muertos: Oaxaca's Celebration of Life and Death
The new about "Día de Muertos, la fiesta más viva de todas en Oaxaca" explores the unique and profound way that the Day of the Dead is celebrated in Oaxaca, a region in Mexico known for its rich cultural traditions. This annual festival, which takes place from October 31 to November 2, is a time when families remember and honor their deceased loved ones. The Oaxacan celebration is particularly renowned for its vibrant displays of altars (ofrendas), elaborately decorated with flowers, food, and mementos meant to welcome the spirits back to the world of the living.
This new highlights several key aspects of the tradition, including the importance of cempasúchil (marigold flowers), the detailed process of creating altars, and the community participation in public festivities. Special mentions are given to the large-scale public altars in the city of Oaxaca, the calendas (parades), and the artistic sand carpets known as "tapetes de arena." Oaxaca's Day of the Dead is a blend of pre-Hispanic and Catholic practices, making it one of the most visually stunning and emotionally powerful celebrations in Mexico.
Oaxaca's celebration of the Day of the Dead is not just a festival, but a profound cultural expression that challenges the Western perspective on death. While many societies view death with fear or sorrow, the Oaxacan tradition embraces it as a part of life's cycle, inviting the deceased to partake in the festivities. This approach serves as a reminder of how interconnected life and death are, and it teaches us to celebrate the memories of loved ones rather than solely mourn their absence.
In a time when many cultural practices are becoming more commercialized or diluted, the Oaxacan Day of the Dead remains authentic, deeply spiritual, and community-oriented. I believe that such festivals play an essential role in preserving cultural identity, providing a space where tradition meets modernity. It's inspiring to see how this festival continues to thrive, passing down invaluable cultural lessons to new generations while also attracting global attention for its beauty and depth.
Source: México Desconocido. (2024, October 16). Día de Muertos, la fiesta más viva de todas en Oaxaca. México Desconocido. https://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/dia-muertos-fiesta-mas-viva-todas-oaxaca.html
October 25, 2024
Eric Fabrizio Sanchez Gonzalez
UABJO Receives 2024 State Energy Saving Award
The Universidad Autónoma "Benito Juárez" de Oaxaca (UABJO) has been awarded the 2024 State Energy Saving Award, recognizing its exemplary efforts in promoting sustainability and energy efficiency. This award, given by the Comisión Federal de Electricidad (CFE), highlights UABJO's innovative strategies to reduce energy consumption across its campuses. Among the key initiatives, the university installed solar panels and replaced outdated lighting systems with energy-efficient LED lights. These actions, led by the Faculty of Architecture, resulted in a significant 25% reduction in overall energy usage. UABJO's commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability has not only helped lower its energy costs but also serves as a model for other institutions in Oaxaca and across Mexico. This recognition reinforces the university's role as a leader in implementing green technologies and fostering sustainable practices within the academic community.
Source: Primera Línea. (2024, October 21). UABJO recibe premio estatal de ahorro de energía eléctrica 2024. https://www.primeralinea.mx/2024/10/21/uabjo-recibe-premio-estatal-de-ahorro-de-energia-electrica-2024/
WEEK 9
October 20, 2024
Vivian Rios Aguilar
Drought Raises the Price of Cacao and Chiles Ahead of Día de Muertos
In Oaxaca, the prices of cacao, chocolate, and dried chiles have significantly increased ahead of Día de Muertos due to higher demand and shortages caused by adverse weather conditions, such as droughts and heavy rains. Merchants at the Central de Abasto and other local markets have reported that cacao has reached 500 pesos per kilo, which has also raised the cost of products like chocolate mills. These ingredients, essential for preparing moles and traditional offerings, have become more expensive, affecting both vendors and local consumers.
Source: Imparcial Oaxaca. (2024, October 18). Sequía encarece cacao y chiles previo al Día de Muertos. https://imparcialoaxaca.mx/especiales/sequia-encarece-cacao-y-chiles-previo-al-dia-de-muertos/
October 20, 2024
Valeria Hernandez Toledo
Sedena secures aircraft with more than half a ton of cocaine in Oaxaca; forensic actions carried out
The Sedena secured an aircraft in Oaxaca with more than half a ton of cocaine, thanks to airspace surveillance and international collaboration. The Cessna 210 was carrying 13 packages of drugs, each weighing approximately 40 kilos. The operation included the participation of the Mexican Air Force and the Army's reaction forces, which were able to intercept and place the evidence at the disposal of the authorities.
It is positive to see how international collaboration strengthens anti-drug operations, improving security in the region.
Source: Wachauf, D. (2024, October 20). Sedena asegura aeronave con más de media tonelada de cocaína en Oaxaca; realizan acciones periciales. El Universal. https://www.eluniversal.com.mx/nacion/sedena-asegura-aeronave-con-mas-de-media-tonelada-de-cocaina-en-oaxaca-realizan-acciones-periciales/
WEEK 8
October 11, 2024
Delia Ximena Sanchez Gomez
16 deaths from dengue reported in Oaxaca: CONAVE
The rise in dengue cases and deaths in Oaxaca highlights the importance of addressing public health challenges in regions that play a key role in trade and tourism. It's crucial for businesses and governments to collaborate on strategies to mitigate such health risks, as they directly impact economic stability and global partnerships. Public health should be seen as a priority to sustain long-term growth and development in affected areas.
Source: Proceso. (2024). Suman 16 muertes por dengue en Oaxaca: CONAVE. https://www.proceso.com.mx/nacional/2024/10/10/suman-16-muertes-por-dengue-en-oaxaca-conave-338320.html
WEEK 7
October 02, 2024
Abigail Mendoza Martinez
Oaxaca fifth place nationally for economic growth
Recent economic data reveals that Oaxaca experienced significant growth in 2022, positioning itself as the fifth fastest-growing state in Mexico, with a 7.8% increase in its GDP. This growth can be attributed to key sectors such as construction and manufacturing, which expanded by 31.8% and 4.6%, respectively. The tertiary sector, which includes services like tourism and hospitality, saw notable gains, driven by the reactivation of tourism and the expansion of public and private investments. Despite these positive developments, the primary sector, including agriculture, experienced a decline of 1.9%.
Oaxaca's economic growth is encouraging, especially considering the state's historical challenges with poverty and underdevelopment. The boom in construction and tourism is a positive sign for the local economy, potentially providing new job opportunities and improving infrastructure. However, the decline in the agricultural sector raises concerns, as many rural communities depend on it for their livelihoods. Balancing growth across all sectors, particularly ensuring rural areas benefit from the economic upswing, should be a priority moving forward.
Source: NVI Noticias. (2023, December 11). Oaxaca, quinto lugar a nivel nacional por crecimiento económico. NVI Noticias. https://www.nvinoticias.com
October 02, 2024
Eric Fabrizio Sanchez Gonzalez
The Section 22 of the SNTE marches in Oaxaca
On October 1, 2024, teachers from Section 22 of the SNTE (National Union of Education Workers) held a march in Oaxaca. They demanded that Claudia Sheinbaum's government address long-standing issues related to educational reform, justice for fallen colleagues, and improved working conditions. César García Zúrita, the union's organization secretary, criticized outgoing President López Obrador for not fulfilling his campaign promises regarding educational and labor reforms. The demonstrators vowed to continue pressing their demands under the new administration.
Source: García, Ó. (2024, October 1). Marcha la Sección 22 del SNTE en Oaxaca. Quadratín Oaxaca. https://oaxaca.quadratin.com.mx/marcha-la-seccion-22-del-snte-en-oaxaca/
WEEK 6
September 22, 2024
Vivian Rios Aguilar
11 dengue deaths in Oaxaca; hospitals report 52% occupancy
The number of dengue-related deaths in Oaxaca has risen to 11, with hospital occupancy at 52%. The latest victims include three women and one man, some with preexisting conditions like diabetes and hypertension. This week, 147 new cases have been confirmed, bringing the total to 3,314. The Valles Centrales region has the highest number of cases, with 2,645 and seven deaths. Hospitals, especially in Oaxaca City, are under strain, with 160 severe dengue cases admitted.
Source: Rodríguez, Ó. (2024, September 19). Suman 11 muertes por dengue en Oaxaca; hospitales reportan ocupación del 52%. Milenio. https://amp.milenio.com/estados/suman-11-muertes-por-dengue-en-oaxaca
September 22, 2024
Valeria Hernandez Toledo
Oaxaca Normalistas denounce repression in protests; demand reinstatement of diploma courses
Normalistas of Oaxaca marched on Saturday, September 21, to denounce the repression they suffered the previous Thursday, after taking and blocking public transportation buses in the city. The students demand that the General Directorate of Higher Education reestablish the diploma courses scheduled for January, the non-compliance of which motivated the protests. The march started at the Fuente de las 8 Regiones and went through commercial areas.
It is important that the allegations of repression be investigated, since students have the right to demonstrate. However, the taking of buses affects third parties and may divert attention from their legitimate demands. A dialogue between authorities and students should be sought to avoid the escalation of the conflict.Japan, a key piece in the modernization of the Chiapas economy.
Source: García, O. (2024, September 22). Normalistas de Oaxaca denuncian represión en protestas; exigen reesta restablecer diplomados. El Financiero. https://www.elfinanciero.com.mx/estados/2024/09/21/normalistas-de-oaxaca-denuncian-represion-en-protestas-exigen-reestablecer-diplomados/
WEEK 5
September 13, 2024
Eric Fabrizio Sanchez Gonzalez
Latimpacto chooses Oaxaca to promote social and environmental investments
This is a social news story from Oaxaca about an international conference aimed at attracting capital to support gender equality, sustainability, and poverty reduction. The event, organized by Latimpacto, brings together public, private, and social sectors to form alliances for impactful investments. Oaxaca was selected as the venue due to its strong commitment to sustainability and the implementation of the UN's 2030 Agenda. Around 650 participants from 25 countries are attending. Local projects, including artisan workshops, are being showcased to demonstrate real impact. The conference will also launch four investment funds focused on green energy, STEM, the silver economy, and culture, with particular attention on Mexico and Brazil for STEM and environmental preservation efforts. Latimpacto aims to create long-term positive change in Latin America, beyond commercial transactions.
Source: El Economista. (2024, septiembre 9). Latimpacto elige Oaxaca para promover inversiones sociales y ambientales. https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/estados/Latimpacto-elige-Oaxaca-para-promover-inversiones-sociales-y-ambientales-20240909-0140.html
WEEK 4
September 04, 2024
Delia Ximena Sanchez Gomez
Strengthening Oaxaca's Economy: New Measures for SME Development
On January 11, 2023, Oaxaca's Governor, Salomón Jara Cruz, announced actions to strengthen small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and support entrepreneurs in developing their businesses. Key initiatives include professionalizing SMEs, integrating them into larger markets, and closing the productivity gap between large companies and SMEs. A collaboration with the Centro de Competitividad de México will help SMEs access new sales channels and strengthen the internal market. Governor Jara's initiatives aim to empower Oaxaca's SMEs by addressing critical challenges such as market access and capacity building. The collaboration with the Centro de Competitividad de México is a promising step toward enhancing local competitiveness. However, the success of these efforts will depend on effective implementation and ensuring that support reaches all entrepreneurs, particularly those most in need.
Source: Gobierno del Estado de Oaxaca. (2023, January 11). Anuncia Gobierno Estatal acciones para desarrollar y fortalecer la economía. https://www.oaxaca.gob.mx/comunicacion/anuncia-gobierno-estatal-acciones-para-desarrollar-y-fortalecer-la-economia/
September 04, 2024
Abigail Mendoza Martinez
Oaxaca Invests in Infrastructure to Bolster Economic Development
Recent economic news highlights significant growth in Oaxaca, driven by substantial infrastructure investments and government projects. Since 2019, Oaxaca has seen a 12.6% increase in economic growth, making it one of the leading states in Mexico in terms of post-pandemic recovery. This growth is largely attributed to major projects like the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, which aims to boost regional economic activity and enhance connectivity within the state. Additionally, remittances from Mexicans working abroad have also played a role in supporting this economic development( Mexico News Daily ). The Oaxaca government has allocated billions of pesos for infrastructure projects in 2024, focusing on enhancing the state's transportation, energy, and connectivity frameworks. This includes investments in railways, ports, airports, and the development of free economic zones to attract private sector investment. The Tehuantepec Isthmus Development Program, for example, aims to create a dynamic economic environment that honors the region's cultural heritage while promoting growth and reducing poverty. The economic development initiatives in Oaxaca are promising, especially given the region's historical economic challenges. The focus on infrastructure and connectivity could indeed lay the groundwork for sustained growth, potentially making Oaxaca a more significant player in Mexico's economy. However, the sustainability of this growth will depend on continued investment and the successful implementation of these projects, as well as efforts to ensure that the benefits reach the broader population, particularly in reducing poverty levels.
Source: Mexico Business News. (2024, October 15). Oaxaca Invests in Infrastructure to Bolster Economic Development. Retrieved from Mexico Business News.
WEEK 3
August 30, 2024
Schools in Oaxaca Begin Classes Amidst Teacher Shortages
This article reports on the challenges faced by schools in Oaxaca as they commence the academic year with a significant shortage of teachers. According to the article, the region is experiencing a deficit of educators due to various factors, including budget constraints, low wages, and recruitment issues. This shortage is impacting the quality of education and leading to larger class sizes and reduced instructional time. The article highlights the urgency of addressing these issues to ensure that students receive the education they deserve.
The teacher shortage in Oaxaca reflects a broader issue that many regions face, which underscores the need for systemic reforms in education policy. Adequate funding, better salaries, and improved working conditions are crucial for attracting and retaining qualified educators. The situation in Oaxaca not only affects the immediate educational environment but also has long-term implications for student outcomes and community development. It is essential for both local and national governments to prioritize educational reforms and support measures to resolve these shortages effectively.
Source: Milenio. (2024, August 25). Escuelas en Oaxaca inician clases con falta de maestros. Milenio. https://www.milenio.com/estados/escuelas-oaxaca-inician-clases-falta-maestros
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August 30, 2024
Vivian Ríos Aguilar
From Oaxaca to the World: Zapotec Students Win the World Youth Water Prize
Two indigenous Zapotec students from Oaxaca, Shanni Valeria Mora (16) and Rosa Mendoza (17), received the Diploma of Excellence at the World Youth Water Prize in Stockholm, Sweden. They developed a homemade filtration system to purify wastewater from textile dyeing, which is then reused for cultivating vegetables in their community of Teotitlán del Valle. This project, rooted in their community's ancestral wool rug-making tradition, was recognized for its potential to create significant positive environmental and social impacts. This achievement marks the first time Mexico has won this prestigious award.
Source: EFE. (2024, August 27). De Oaxaca para el mundo: Estudiantes zapotecas ganan Premio Mundial Juvenil del Agua. Retrieved from [https://www.efe.com](https://www.efe.com)
WEEK 2
August 21, 2024
More than 800 workers from Oaxaca join the national strike of the Judiciary against AMLO's reform
This is a political news piece detailing the involvement of over 800 judicial workers in Oaxaca in a nationwide strike against President Andrés Manuel López Obrador's proposed reform. The article emphasizes that these workers, from the Federal Judiciary, have occupied various offices and buildings in cities such as Oaxaca de Juárez, San Bartolo Coyotepec, and Salina Cruz. They argue that the reform poses a threat to their labor rights, particularly the judicial career advancement system. The workers also express frustration that their opinions were ignored during the legislative process. Despite the ongoing strike, urgent judicial matters will still be addressed by the relevant authorities.
Source: Zavala, J. C. (2024, August 19). Se suman más de 800 trabajadores de Oaxaca al paro nacional del Poder Judicial contra reforma de AMLO. El Universal. https://oaxaca.eluniversal.com.mx/estatal/se-suman-mas-de-800-trabajadores-de-oaxaca-al-paro-nacional-del-poder-judicial-contra
WEEK 1
August 16, 2024
Delia Ximena Sanchez Gomez
Quintana Roo, Oaxaca and SLP, at the top of economic growth in 2023
That is the caption found in a headline in El Economista. Surprisingly, Oaxaca managed to position itself among the three states with the highest economic growth last year, with an increase of 8.3%.
But can we really consider Oaxaca a prosperous state? This growth can be compared to an inverted isosceles triangle, where the small base is supported by important public investments, such as the construction of highways, the development of the Inter-Oceanic Corridor and the renovation of the coker at the Salina Cruz refinery. However, this base is fragile, as it sustains a state with a low gross domestic product per capita, where 58.7% of the population suffers from working poverty, the labor informality rate is the highest in the country (75.5%) and faces numerous structural problems affecting its economy.
Although last year was an excellent year for Oaxaca we must wait and see how it will handle the coming years, when investment ends and the base collapses. This could leave all the problems to be watered down preventing growth.
Source: Estrella, V. (2024). Quintana Roo, Oaxaca and SLP, at the top of economic growth in 2023 El Economista. https://www.eleconomista.com.mx/estados/Quintana-Roo-Oaxaca-y-SLP-en-la-cima-de-crecimiento-economico-durante-el-2023-20240429-0140.html
August 16, 2024
Abigail Mendoza Martinez
Oaxaca is key for world trade: Salomón Jara Cruz
The governor of Oaxaca, Salomón Jara Cruz, affirmed that Oaxaca will be key in world trade thanks to the 13.1% economic growth registered in 2023, surpassing states such as Nuevo León and Jalisco. Jara highlighted the importance of projects such as the Interoceanic Corridor of the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, the Isthmus Train and the breakwater in Salina Cruz, which will compete with the Panama Canal. These advances, together with social peace and investments, position Oaxaca as a strategic state for nearshoring and regional development.
Source: Publimetro. (2024,February 20). Oaxaca is key for world trade: Salomón Jara Cruz.