More than two decades of uninterrupted handicraft sales in the Main Park of the Historic Center were obstructed this Friday, April 18, because the Campeche State Heritage Authority (APEC) closed the building’s gates and placed chains and padlocks on them to prevent entry. Rita Baeza, an artisan, showed valid permits from the Campeche City Hall.
More than 25 artisans, standing in the main park waiting for the door to open so they could take out their belongings, accused APEC director Ro Olvera of denying them the possibility of setting up their stalls in the Kiosk and in the common areas of the site, saying they “disfigure” the Historic Center and the park, even though they have been there for more than 20 years.
Even the site is closed, which has meant that the much-hyped tourism scene is nowhere to be seen in the Historic Center, the place where trucks and vans from tour operators arrive to plan tours around Campeche, and who continue to see the city as the ideal spot for walking, shopping, and even tasting the state’s traditional cuisine.
The artisans lamented the state authority’s stance, as they always request permits in advance from the Campeche City Hall. However, on this occasion, they were also advised to notify APEC. However, the Heritage Authority’s response was not received until this Friday, but it directly closed the park gates to prevent the artisans from entering.
Mayor Biby Rabelo de la Torre arrived at the scene and suggested they stay in Juan Carbón Square while they spoke with APEC. The APEC did not send representatives to speak with the artisans, but rather an operative to explain why they could not enter.
She emphasized that at the beginning of Rabelo de la Torre’s first municipal administration, there was a similar dispute between state and municipal authorities over who would be required to obtain a permit for the property, resulting in the Mayor’s Office taking possession. The site was later remodeled with federal funds—100 million pesos—where only some benches were painted and replaced.
TYT Newsroom
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