Sonne, beach – and soldiers. Anyone who wanted to enjoy the gentle breeze on the Caribbean coast of Mexico during the Easter weeks had to accept that armed soldiers in uniform spoiled their dream vacation between palm trees, the turquoise sea and bath towels. In Cancún, Tulum and other places on the Yucatán Peninsula, legions of soldiers have patrolled the past few holidays, as well as on the Pacific coast in Acapulco and many other beaches in the country.
A total of 8,524 soldiers were to provide security in the tourist strongholds and on the thoroughfares during Easter, supported by helicopters, boats and other army vehicles. The government sent most of its forces to the Riviera Maya in the state of Quintana Roo, which is characterized by international tourism. “Every day security forces are on our beaches and watch bars and discotheques,” promised Governor Mara Lezama. In addition, she published uninviting photos: men in camouflage uniforms, with helmets and assault rifles between women who strolled in bikinis in the sea water.