Zapatista Army of National Liberation facts for kids
The Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) is a group of people who work for social change. They are also known as the Zapatistas. This group is based in Chiapas, which is the southernmost state of Mexico.
The Zapatistas are mainly led by native people from the Chiapas Mountains. The name Zapatista comes from Emiliano Zapata. He was an important leader during the Mexican Revolution in 1910. The EZLN group was officially formed in 1994.
Who is Subcomandante Marcos?
The Zapatista movement has many leaders, both women and men. However, a person known as Subcomandante Marcos became their main spokesperson. He is very educated and a great public speaker. He has also written many letters and worked with writers and thinkers from all over the world.
Marcos signs almost all his letters with "Subcomandante Marcos, from the mountains of the southeast of Mexico." In every picture and video of him, he wears a ski mask. Because of this, ski masks have become a symbol of the EZLN in Mexico. Many people who support the Zapatistas also wear them. Supporters of the EZLN also paint pictures of Marcos in his mask and Emiliano Zapata to show their support.
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