The street vendors who most persistently attempt to enter the Historic Center of Morelia mainly come from other states in the country, including Veracruz, Puebla, and the State of Mexico, according to J. Guadalupe Pérez, director of Markets.
The official explained that, based on records and inspections carried out by the municipal authorities, they have identified vendors from Orizaba, Veracruz, as some of the most persistent in attempting to establish themselves in the city’s central area, despite the existing restrictions.
“We know that the street vendors who are most persistent in entering Morelia’s Historic Center are from Orizaba, Veracruz; there are also vendors from Puebla and the State of Mexico,” said the director.
Pérez explained that he has even directly questioned some of these vendors about why they do not conduct their activities in their places of origin. They have responded that street vending is not permitted under the municipal regulations in Orizaba.
“On one occasion, I asked them why they had not stayed in Orizaba, and they responded that the regulations there do not allow them to sell, but they come to Morelia and do not respect the rules. They have not understood that in this regard, but through the dialogue we are going to have, they will understand perfectly,” Guadalupe Pérez stated.
The director of Markets added that the Morelia City Council has identified approximately 135 vendors who have repeatedly attempted to enter the Historic Center, even though the municipal authorities have allowed them to carry out their activities in other areas.
“We have identified around 135 vendors who have been very persistent and who, despite the fact that the authorities have allowed them to sell, want to enter the central area of the city, and we will not allow it,” the municipal official stated.
Pérez said that the municipal authorities will continue dialogue with the vendors as part of efforts to organize street commerce, although he reiterated that street vendors will not be allowed to enter the central area of Morelia.
The issue has also generated confrontations during removal operations. According to municipal authorities, some inspectors have been assaulted, resulting in 11 criminal complaints involving physical and material damage. Among the reported incidents are inspectors who suffered injuries to the nasal septum and wounds requiring between 15 and 20 days of recovery. Municipal vehicles have also been damaged, mainly through broken windows.
The official also stated that some vendors bring minors with them during operations in an attempt to prevent their removal, using them as a “shield” or creating disturbances among pedestrians.
Because of this situation, and in order to protect Morelia’s designation as a World Heritage Site, authorities have continued placing barriers at the entrances to the Historic Center, particularly during events such as the lighting of the Cathedral.
Source: oem
