In the heart of Yucatán, Mexico, lies the small community of Santa Gertrudis, where time stands still. For 87-year-old Doña María Hernández Peck, this region has been her home all her life. She remembers a time when the vast plain was untouched by urbanization and foreign capital. But now, the tranquility is gone.
The once-pristine landscape has given way to modern apartment buildings and commercial complexes, threatening the identity of the Mayan community that has lived here for generations. Doña María, who speaks with a strong Mayan accent, represents one of the last vestiges of this culture. Despite not being able to read or write, she is acutely aware of the changes happening around her.
The families in Santa Gertrudis feel their culture and identity are under threat. They live surrounded by towering buildings that have blocked out the sun’s rays and altered their way of life. The community has been fighting a losing battle against real estate developers who want to buy their land.
A Life in Resistance
Doña María, married at 15 and mother of seven children, has refused to sell her land despite repeated offers from developers. Her home, which has remained intact for 70 years, is a symbol of the community’s resilience. She observes how the sun no longer illuminates her home as it once did.
The urbanization of Santa Gertrudis has brought constant pressure on residents like Carlos Mec, a 40-year-old shepherd who has dedicated his life to raising goats. With pastures dwindling due to development, Carlos fears for his flock’s future and the community’s identity.
A Legal Fight in Limbo
Residents have promoted injunctions to stop construction, but judicial processes have been delayed due to ongoing reforms and reviews of the judicial power. Mayor Cecilia Patrón recognizes the complexity of the issue, inherited from previous administrations. Former Governor Mauricio Vila granted compromised construction licenses, limiting her ability to act.
Yucatán is seen as a “next bite” for foreign capital, threatening to erase its history and rural culture. For families like Doña María’s, these lands represent more than property; they are the legacy of generations and a symbol of identity.
A Hope That Endures
Despite economic pressures, there is still hope in Santa Gertrudis. Residents continue to resist, convinced that their community’s way of life can be preserved. For them, these lands are a reminder of a time when tradition and culture were valued over profit and development.
Source: El Sol de Yucatan
