Just a hop skip and a jump from Zinacantan was this charming indigenous town.
Here are some facts, I found interesting:-
San Juan (and Zincanta) are somewhat independent, private communities and are controlled autonomously and making their own rules.
They even have their own police force. Apparently if one fails to abide by the local laws even the Mexican government is unable to intervene to help
The towns have their own customs and so as to ensure they keep their customs and traditions alive they reject outsiders and change and marriage is permitted within their communities.
Inbreeding must abound, I kept my eyes peeled for individuals with 6 fingers on each hand.
The indigenous people of the State of Chiapas live within distinct communities. Each has its own language, traditions, costumes, beliefs and saints, spiritual healers, and quasi religious rituals. Over 90% of those in Chiapas are the Tzotzil people.
They sure mean business here, the sign over the archway basically reads,
"ATTENTION NOTICE BY AGREEMENT MAX SPEED 30. WHO DOES NOT RESPECT WILL BE SANCTIONED WITH $3,000.00"
"UNITED AGAINST CRIME. DETONATION OR THREAT WITH A FIREARMS IS COMPLETELY PROHIBITED.
ANYONE WHO DOES NOT RESPECT WILL BE SANCTIONED WITH $50,000"
Whilst the board to the right states
"Notice prohibiting the circulation of broken vehicles and motorcycles within the municipal capital. Anyone caught will be reported by the competent authority."
No wonder the driver parked our charabanc outside the city limits!
"BY AGREEMENT OF THE HEAD OF THE MUNICIPALITY. IT IS PROHIBITED TO THROW GARBAGE IN THIS AREA. YOU WILL BE SANCTIONED WITH $5000"
Simply a gorgeous little town, no hi rise buildings, (earthquake zone or as I would prefer to imagine a simple quiet upretentious life)
Even the taxi rank is quaint
There seemed to be one long drag through the town with lots of side streets, set ot like an American grid system
San Juan is the principal town of the Tzotzil people, it is the main religious and economic centre of their community. There are about 77,000 inhabitants living here predominantly speaking the Tzotzil language.
Lots of hustle and bustle, with stalls selling in the main, vegetables and fruit of varying degrees of freshness.
As well as the freshest chicken you will find anywhere.
You're next.....
Oh my days, BBQ spit roast turning nicely.
A lot of flower sellers, handily placed for the nearby graveyard.
Popular head wear for the men, virtually worn by every one I saw.
Now I did not expect to see a christmas emporium Ho Ho bloody HO!
A wander around the main square and market place, some wonderful people to snap.
SUPERIOR STATE COURT OF JUSTICE. COURT OF PEACE AND INDIGENOUS CONCILIATION
The traditional Tzotzil men dress in western style clothes overlaid with a poncho of animal fur, secured with a leather belt and yes the cowboy hat completes the ensemble.
The ladies tend to wear black wool skirts, a simple rectangle sewn into a cylinder shape and held up by a belt. Designed for functionality not sexual allure! The highland areas can drop to freezing point, the fabric is both warm and waterproof.
I did not see any mini skirts! The length of the skirt signifies your standing in the community. The longer the skirt, the higher the status.
For the ladies with a less "wooly" attire, would signify a much lower class. Less wool means you own fewer sheep.
They say beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Maybe, just maybe if the gene pool was increased, over time...... well, who knows.
There be mischief in them there eyes.
To a croc wearing fella the loud calls of "hey gringo, shoe shine, shoe shine" aint gonna hit the spot.
Thanks for visiting my page, I am pleased to make your acquaintance. this is Stephen aka, @grindle, happily retired, travelling the world snapping away. My weapon of choice is currently a Nikon Z6(2).
Unless stated all images are shot by me, all text is mine based on various info sources. NOT AI generated.
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