EZLN Opens The Seedbed, Marking the 32nd Anniversary of Uprising in Chiapas
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) opened the “Seedbed of Pyramids, Histories, Loves, and, of course, Heartbreaks” on Friday in San Cristóbal de Las Casas, commemorating the 32nd anniversary of its 1994 uprising. More than 800 attendees from some 40 countries are participating in the gathering, reported Captain Marcos – formerly Sub-commander – leader of the EZLN, at the opening of the activities.
He explained that the speakers were asked to present their ideas to foster critical thinking among the attendees, as well as to help formulate actions of resistance and rebellion, and that their interventions should not be limited to current events.
“We ask for seeds of medium and long-term vision that will resist and rebel against the avalanche of the immediate,” Marcos stated. Accompanied by Insurgent Sub-commander Moisés and other members of the General Command, he said that the EZLN representatives would try not to repeat the obvious statements that abound in the media.
Captain Marcos acknowledged that communication between indigenous communities and the world has not been easy due to the use of words and ideas. However, they have prioritized Maya languages and used Spanish as a bridge, “because Spanish speakers not only demand the use of the same words, but often the same ideas.”
And in this imposition of ideas, he referred to the theft of half of Mexican territory by the United States in 1848, the Spanish conquest, and other transformative moments in Mexico, including the current administration.
“Do you really think the Mexican government will demand an apology from (US President Donald) Trump for the so-called 1847 War? Don’t hold your breath,” Marcos declared. He added that when the Zapatistas communicate their thinking, “we are speaking to you, but we are looking far away in terms of time and geography.”
The activities of the seedbed will conclude next Tuesday, December 30th.
Original article by Edgar H. Clemente, La Jornada, December 26th, 2025.
Translated by Schools for Chiapas.
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