We held our quadrennial congress in Mexico City this August. On the last day, we organised a demonstration in the city centre, through Avenida Madero to the Zócalo square in support of Mexican workers’ rights. Many international delegates marched  with workers from the mine, electricity and public transport sectors.

I’ve been to quite few places to demonstrate but one thing I have not seen anywhere else is the banners made on paper (top photo). To be more precise, it was only the electricity workers’ union who carried them. Perhaps it is just this union in Mexico to put their messages like this for demos? What will happen to those banners afterward? Will they be used again, or just one-off? If anyone could shed me a light on these questions, I’d appreciate it. You can send me an email or post your comment in the box below!

And there is one caution…..

Normally, I follow the head of the demo from the start to a certain point. Then I stop walking and take pictures of as many marchers as possible. Finally, I’d run back and try to catch-up with the leaders before they enter a square or a park for their rally. Sometimes I do two rounds. If there is a protest march every week, I’d lose a stone or two quickly?

And so I ran through Avenida Madero. Then I had to stop and catch my breath. I felt dizzy. Am I really frazzled after almost two weeks of congress, I thought?! No, not really. It was because Mexico City is 2200m above sea-level and the air is thin. I’d forgotten about that.

So, when you join a demo in Mexico City, don’t run if you are new to the place!

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