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Mexico City, October 3, 2026 – The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) announced that a delegation of more than 1,500 delegates will visit Mexico City in December 2026 and the first week of January 2027. The main objective of this visit is an ‘encounter-embrace’ with the ‘Buscadoras’ (mothers searching for their disappeared relatives), a priority that will supersede all other activities.
EZLN Prioritizes ‘Encounter-Embrace’ with Searchers
Subcommander Moisés, spokesperson for the EZLN, emphasized the long-awaited nature of this meeting. “We have been waiting many years for the moment to meet with them. Therefore, the priority or the most important thing on our agenda or program are the meetings, encounters, and activities with the Searchers, on the day and time they establish. Any other proposal for activity or meeting must be when there is no encounter or activity with the Searchers,” he stated.
Even the 33rd anniversary celebration of the Zapatista uprising, scheduled to take place for the first time in the nation’s capital, “will depend on our embrace with the Searchers,” Moisés added.
Funding Secured for Delegation’s Travel
During an informational session on the upcoming trip, Moisés revealed that funds for the delegation’s buses have been secured through the support of “Europa Insumisa,” which donated leftover funds from the European Chapter of the “Tour for Life.” He acknowledged the “unconditional solidarity” of these groups and expressed hope that this example of support would be replicated in future chapters of the “Tour for Life.”
The EZLN also recognized the “selfless work” of various groups, collectives, and organizations from “the Europe from below and to the left,” as well as the “Mujeres y la Sexta” collective in Mexico for their assistance in securing buses. Moisés reiterated that all future economic campaigns would focus on supporting the travel of searchers to Mexico City during December 2026 and the first week of January 2027. In cases of threats or danger, air travel will be arranged to ensure their safety.
Second Objective: Planning the Second Stage of the ‘Tour for Life’
The second objective of the EZLN’s visit is to meet with various groups, collectives, movements, and organizations of “the Sixth” to collaboratively plan the second stage of the “Tour for Life – Mexico Chapter.” This stage will involve the EZLN listening to what these groups are doing and sharing their own activities, fostering a common understanding.
Moisés indicated that if time and conditions permit, the delegation might visit geographically nearby areas outside of Mexico City, provided they receive invitations. Invitations have already been extended from Oaxaca and Querétaro, with a potential visit to Puebla also being considered. The Zapatista delegation is organizing into teams to cover activities in the Valley of Mexico and make a presence in nearby geographies, allowing them to address multiple locations and themes simultaneously.
Over 300 theater artists will accompany the delegation, presenting three plays: “Bichos,” “Agüitas,” and “El Común en el día después.” These plays may be presented in various locations, with logistical arrangements for transportation being a key consideration in Mexico City.
Travel Logistics and Operational Base
The delegation is scheduled to depart from CIDECI on the morning of Sunday, November 29, with the exact time dependent on recommendations from the bus companies. This date was chosen to minimize disruption for those wishing to accompany the journey from Mexico City, surrounding areas, and Chiapas. The return journey is tentatively scheduled for Sunday, January 10, though this requires further confirmation.
Individuals wishing to participate as searchers, propose activities, or donate funds for the searchers’ travel are directed to contact Frayba, RUA, and the “Llegó la Hora” account. The operational base for the delegation, including lodging and meetings, will be at the Casa de los Pueblos Samir Flores Soberanes, with the compañero Otomí community in Mexico City.
Avoiding Political Exploitation of the Meetings
Moisés issued a strong warning against the political exploitation of the encounters with the searchers, particularly in light of the upcoming 2027 electoral process. He cautioned against any attempts by political groups to capitalize on the pain and struggle of the searchers, or any media silence or governmental rhetoric that might dismiss their efforts as politically motivated.
“We must guarantee to the Searchers that their pain and their heroic endeavor are not used for anything they do not freely and voluntarily decide,” Moisés asserted. He also extended this warning to “the National Sixth,” stating that while electoral forces would not be allowed to tarnish their work, neither would individuals, groups, or organizations from the National and International Sixth, or the Declaration for Life, be permitted to use these encounters to promote their own political and social agendas.
Call for Sustained Support for Searchers
Moisés urged “the Sixth in Mexico” to apologize to the searchers for their past inaction and to provide sustained support beyond the upcoming visit. He criticized those who have sought refuge in governmental positions, becoming complicit in the “state crime” of forced disappearances and murders. He also criticized those who, despite claiming to be “from below and to the left,” have focused on their own agendas rather than extending a hand to those suffering in their immediate communities.
He emphasized that this encounter should not be a fleeting event, but rather a catalyst for ongoing support and solidarity. He referenced past Zapatista initiatives that, while significant, were ultimately temporary, and stressed the need for a lasting commitment to the searchers’ cause.
