Oaxaca Protest Turns Zocalo into Market, While Mexico City Sees Airport Disruptions

Oaxaca's Zocalo Transformed into Market Following Protest; Mexico City Sees Disruptive Demonstrations In a surprising turn of events, the Zocalo in Oaxaca, Mexico, was converted into a bustling market following a protest march on May 23, 2025. This contrasts sharply with the actions of teachers in Mexico City, who engaged in more disruptive tactics, including roadblocks and attempts to close the international airport. The Oaxaca demonstration, while still a protest, took on a more community-focused atmosphere. One vendor, who wished to remain anonymous, commented, "We're here to support the teachers, but we also need to make a living." Meanwhile, in Mexico City, teachers affiliated with the CNTE union created significant traffic disruptions. "We will not stop until our demands are met," stated one participating teacher. The federal government has already offered a 10% salary increase and an additional week of vacation, but the teachers insist on the passage of specific legislation. The contrasting scenes highlight the diverse ways social and political grievances are expressed in Mexico. The peaceful market in Oaxaca and the more confrontational actions in Mexico City offer a multifaceted view of the ongoing social and political landscape.