The Zapatista Communities

The Zapatista Communities, located in Chiapas, Mexico, are indigenous groups that organize under the Zapatista movement, advocating for Indigenous rights, autonomy, and social justice. They operate largely independently of the Mexican government, often establishing their own local governance and decision-making processes. Rooted in principles of dignity, land rights, and resistance to exploitation, they gained international attention through their 1994 uprising. These communities emphasize grassroots participation, cultural preservation, and environmental sustainability, creating a model of autonomous, self-managed societies within the broader national context.