La Huelga

Arequipa is a very socially active city, in the sense that there constantly marches and protests. At least once a week, as I pass through the Plaza España in the morning, I see a group of concerned citizens, usually either poor, elderly or both, preparing to parade through the streets with banners and signs for their cause. There is certainly plenty of marginalization and injustice to protest, but it's impressive to see so much activity in such a (relatively) small city.

Recently, though, it's gotten more serious, as the city has been affected by a couple of huelgas - strikes. The transportation services - combis (buses) and taxis have gone on strike each of the last Wednesdays, protesting the rising gas prices which threaten their livelihood. Last Wednesday was a sort of warm-up huelga. There were still some taxis running at higher prices, and even a few combis. The effect was nothing more than quieter and calmer streets, actually a pleasant change, if you ask me. But this week was the real deal. No buses, few cars, and every now and then a terrified taxi. The streets were practically barren. Even if anyone did try to pass, there were roadblocks of glass, rocks, and people throughout the city. In a way it was refreshing to have a day without horns, pollution or fear of crossing the street. But it was not so peaceful for some. We heard stories of tour buses being chased by an angry mob and a taxi driver being attacked for taking his sick wife to a clinic. The Plaza de Armas was the focus, with day-long marches around the square, chants, flags and tire-burnings. The government is not likely to change anything, but I know the drivers are really struggling. I've stopped bargaining with the taxistas over inflated price-quotes for foreigners, because I know most of them are just getting by as it is. The huelga may have been a breath of fresh air for us, but it's a lot more serious for those whose families depend on the industry.

A few of the roadblocks