- From the Senate he will work to reverse gentrification in the country
“Oaxaca is working to place itself in the first five places for receiving tourists in the country and, with the most lively Fiesta of all, it is ready to receive visitors in the celebrations for the Day of the Dead with 55 cultural, artistic and gastronomic events in a climate of peace and security in every corner of Oaxaca, where the most important thing is to preserve the traditions, uses and customs of the indigenous and Afro-Mexican community.”
This was stated by Senator Antonino Morales, who invited local, national and international tourists to visit Oaxaca, the Cultural Heart of Mexico, which in its capital they will be able to enjoy from a pre-Hispanic Day of the Dead altar, an exhibition of the traditional bread of the dead the different regions, marimba concerts, band music from towns and communities, the exhibition and representation of 17 traditional altars, as well as the free presentation of Julieta Venegas in the Zócalo, among other activities.
The Zapotec legislator recalled that for Oaxaca, tourism is a core point for the economic development of the state, which was the entity that grew the most in the last six-year term with 13% of the Gross Domestic Product, under a clear policy of protecting the uses and customs of indigenous and Afro-Mexican communities in the face of gentrification and globalization processes, accentuated during the covid pandemic.
“Governor Salomón Jara and the Secretary of Tourism, Saymi Pineda, have defined that Oaxaca requires humanistic tourism, one that immerses and involves in the traditions and cosmogony of the 16 indigenous and Afro-Mexican peoples, that knows the joy and generosity of the Oaxacans,” said Nino Morales.
The senator of indigenous origin explained that the government’s “Oaxacan Spring” strategy aims to decentralize tourism and direct it to the 8 regions of the state, so that they discover and fall in love with the cultural, gastronomic, and archaeological wealth of each of them. they.
“Although tourists are welcome, we will not allow them to displace our people or turn our festivals and culture into commercial products; From the Senate and in collaboration with the governor of Oaxaca, we will work on a legislative project that reverses gentrification in the 32 states.”, mentioned Morales Toledo
Senator Antonino Morales noted that the response of visitors to Oaxaca is due not only to its natural beauties, beaches, cities, culture, art and gastronomy, but also to the confidence of being a safe state for tourism and proof of This is the visit of around 140 thousand tourists to the Guelaguetza, which left a profit of 527 million pesos.
“In Oaxaca we are going for more. Mexico has already slipped into sixth place in receiving tourists worldwide and we Oaxacans want to be in the first five places nationally because people like our traditions, the culture of our towns and communities that remains intact, with its ancestral syncretism,” he expressed.
Senator Nino Morales highlighted the importance of making known the indigenous and Afro-Mexican roots of Oaxaca and its traditions, “so that we all respect them and this party is that opportunity to live together and enjoy,” he noted.
Interview with Senator Antonino Morales: Revitalizing Oaxaca’s Cultural Heritage Amidst Gentrification
Time.news Editor (TNE): Thank you for joining us, Senator Morales. Your vision for Oaxaca as a cultural tourism hub is fascinating. Can you elaborate on how you aim to reverse gentrification while promoting tourism?
Senator Antonino Morales (AM): Absolutely, and thank you for having me. Gentrification can undermine local traditions and displace communities, particularly in regions like ours. Our approach is to cultivate a form of tourism that respects and integrates our indigenous and Afro-Mexican cultures. We are developing policies to foster humanistic tourism, which invites visitors to engage with our customs and traditions rather than simply observe.
TNE: It sounds like a delicate balance. What specific initiatives can tourists expect during Oaxaca’s upcoming Day of the Dead celebrations?
AM: We have planned 55 cultural, artistic, and gastronomic events that embody our heritage. Tourists will experience everything from pre-Hispanic altars to traditional musical performances, such as marimba concerts and local band music. Notably, we will showcase 17 traditional altars across the city and offer free concerts, including a special performance by Julieta Venegas in the Zócalo.
TNE: That sounds wonderfully immersive. Given the economic impact of tourism, how can you ensure that local communities benefit directly from this influx of visitors?
AM: Great question. The growth in our Gross Domestic Product by 13% over the last term indicates how vital tourism is to our economy. However, we want to ensure these benefits reach the local people. We’re implementing strategies that prioritize indigenous artisans, traditional gastronomy, and local guides. The ‘Oaxacan Spring’ initiative encourages the community to participate actively in tourism-related activities, preserving their dignity and culture.
TNE: It’s encouraging to hear about these initiatives aimed at community involvement. As a senator, how do you plan to support these efforts at a legislative level?
AM: We are working on laws that will not only protect cultural heritage sites but also fund community-led projects. Additionally, we will collaborate with stakeholders to create sustainable tourism practices that prioritize the welfare of our indigenous peoples. The idea is to promote an economy that marries cultural preservation with economic growth—rather than making one subordinate to the other.
TNE: With the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, how has Oaxaca adapted to ensure a safe yet lively experience for visitors?
AM: Safety remains our utmost priority. We’ve implemented health protocols across all events and venues to ensure a secure environment for both locals and visitors. Oaxaca has shown its resilience during the pandemic, and we are excited to welcome people to our ‘Fiesta of all’ while maintaining a climate of peace and security across the region.
TNE: How do you envision the future of Oaxaca in terms of tourism and cultural preservation?
AM: I believe we can become one of Mexico’s top five tourist destinations without sacrificing our identity. By emphasizing humanistic tourism, we can attract visitors looking for authentic experiences. In the future, I see Oaxaca thriving economically while our rich traditions continue to flourish proudly.
TNE: Thank you, Senator Morales. Your commitment to preserving Oaxaca’s cultural legacy while fostering tourism is inspiring. We look forward to seeing how these initiatives unfold.
AM: Thank you for the opportunity to share our vision. I invite everyone, local and international, to experience the vibrant culture of Oaxaca, especially during our Day of the Dead celebrations!