Letters to the Editor

Dear Sir:

What has happened to Oaxaca in 2006? For more than 10 years I have visited Oaxaca for the unique experience that Oaxaca is or was, above all other cities we have visited in Mexico or in Europe. This year Oaxaca was “cleaned up.” The smart areas made smarter and the poorer areas with no improvement. Our friends who we have seen every year, selling in the streets and playing music had all gone except for a brave or desperate few. If we stopped to talk to them police in plain clothes moved them on rapidly. If whoever thinks that by expelling the heart and soul of Oaxaca and replacing it with clean streets, new pavement and flowers will attract visitors they are mistaken. Oaxaca is its people and it is them and the history of Oaxaca that visitors go there to see. I really missed the real Oaxaca this year. Let us hope that the spirit of Benito Juarez will once again let all who live and visit Oaxaca share the magic of that city.

Wendy (email)

Dear Sir:

As a tourist who is on her 3rd visit in Oaxaca city I want to tell the persons responsible for the loss of the vendors in the Zócalo that it has lost most of its charm.  The gardens in the Zócalo do look better cared for but the colour that the vendors added has taken away what the tourists look for.  

We have always enjoyed the activity and have told all our friends that they must come to Oaxaca City and that the Zócalo is one of the most charming in all of Mexico.  Now it is very quiet and the only colour is the fading blooms of the Poinsettas of Christmas time.  I am much saddened by the removal of the vendors.  Even the area around the Cathedral and on the Alcalá seems much quieter without the vendors and their friendly smiles. 

We have enjoyed your beautiful city with its very friendly people.  We feel safe and secure here and enjoy our learning vacations very much, but I felt I should voice a complaint about the loss of some of the charm it portrayed in the past.

Carol E. Rome (email)

Dear Sir:

My wife and I visited the interesting and beautiful city of Oaxaca again this year. The city and region hold many pleasant memories for us - the archeological and architectural treasures, its vibrant squares and pleasant parks, excellent restaurants, beautiful buildings with hidden courtyards.

Our visit, however, had some serious disappointments. First and foremost, we were shocked to see that the indigenous vendors, who had provided so much colour to the Zócalo had apparently been forced out by the City. It seemed this year to be so sterile, so lacking in the colourful life we had come to love in Oaxaca. What has happened to the indigenous peoples that gave us so much pleasure in previous years and whose livelihood depended on these businesses? Who is responsible for this and what is the rationale for their action? If it was to make the Zócalo a more enjoyable place for tourists, they have failed miserably.

Mr. D´Arcy McGee (email)