Pilgrims’ Journey Hits Roadblock: Yucatán Pilgrims’ Struggle at Standstill

Four young pilgrims from Tenabo, Yucatán were unable to begin their religious journey in San Cristóbal de las Casas due to a blockade at the Agua Azul tourist center. The blockade was a result of a dispute over the appointment of the communal land commissioner of Bachajón.

The young men, part of the torchbearer group "Los Hijos de María," had begun their pilgrimage on November 15. Their goal was to reach the city of San Cristóbal to honor the Virgin of Guadalupe. The pilgrims, known as Alejandro, Jesús Orlando, Diego de la Cruz, and Carlos Pérez, embarked from the town of Tenabo in Yucatán, traveling thousands of kilometers by bicycle.

However, on November 21, they encountered a roadblock at the Agua Azul tourist center. The protesters manning the blockade informed them that they could not proceed further due to safety concerns. Despite their determination to fulfill their promise, the conditions of the blockade and advice from others led them to turn back.

Unable to continue to San Cristóbal de las Casas, the young men decided to return to Palenque. Here, they were able to fulfill their promise at the Parroquia Santo Domingo de Guzmán. They made their religious offering at this location, expressing gratitude for their protection during the long journey.

Although they were disappointed not to reach their initial destination, the young men emphasized the importance of the faith that inspired them to continue their journey home to Yucatán. The torchbearer group had initially planned to start their pilgrimage in San Cristóbal, but unforeseen circumstances led them to find an alternative route to fulfill their religious promise. As a result, they became the first torch to start its journey from the municipality of Palenque, in preparation for the Guadalupe festivities in December.