Mayolo López Gutiérrez
Visual Journalist · Artist    


                                                           

                      
                                                       





















In South Mexico City, lies Xoco.  






































A small traditional town that dates back
 to pre-colonial times.


































Julia Adoración and her husband have lived  in Xoco all their lives.

































































































































In the 1970’s, modernization reached Xoco.














4 large avenues enclosed what was once fertile soil.











The Churubusco River was tubed
and a highway built in its place.















































             


































































More and bigger residential buildings 
were built around the town.
A new complex started construction.
















































































































Mitikah.




































A luxurious real estate megaproject
including a mall, a private clinic
and a 267 meter tall skyscrapper.







































The native inhabitants didn’t approve the construction of Mitikah.















They warned of lack of water, which would worsen with the new residents and visitors.

























They said the cost of life would increase.


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They alerted of the danger of losing their ancient traditions in favour of a quiet, suburban way of life. ee



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They resisted.  









































Through a citizen based assembly, the town organized street protests as well as a legal defense that stated the illegality of the project.























































































































They documented and defended their ancient status as indigenous people, which grants them the right to self determination according to the Constitution of Mexico City.






































































































Construction continued.

























Álvaro Rozáles Gadar, the president of the communal Assembly of Xoco.
He has received  continuous death threats because of his activism and was arrested by local authorities in one instance.



























































Despite the massive urban changes, the town never stopped celebrating its ancient festivities.























The party of San Sebastián Mártir became the one day where Xoco could still be Xoco.














































During the anual procession of 2022,
which passes beneath some of the new highrises,
the local inhabitants were attacked.
















Water buckets and other projectiles were
thrown from one of these buildings.











This is just one event
that exemplifies the feeling of displacement,
discrimination and violence that is being
felt by the native of Xoco.










































































But the problems run deeper.





























































































































Lack of water.








Increased traffic.












A 200% increase in housing tax.


Addi Palacios  was fined by the local government
because she built an extra floor in her family home.








The Mitikah skyscrapper broke the regulation by building over 50 floors above the law.
































































































































Still, Xoco resists.


























































































The construction of Mitikah's main tower
has reached its maximum height
and can be seen from several kilometers away.







However, the story of struggle, resistance, and
dispossession happening beneath the skyscraper remains unknown.



































The Town That Refuses to Die












































Xoco.
Place of fertile land.
A place of peace, of culture
of roots, of love and
good will.

Eva Lara.



A  town full of  trees  on  Real de Mayorazgo street, 
coming out of Coyoacán subway station.
 It was like an eden.




Dear Xoco,
There is still a will to defend you.
I know  how you have been run over.
We will use all our power.
We will defend your heritage and traditions.
I love your streets, your history,
I wish that I can walk through this beautiful town
every day of my life.
I want my daughters to grow up here so they can share
the great love and care that Sara Fuentes left me.
This will be until the victory!!

Addi Palacios



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