4. INTRODUCTION
MOTIVATION TO BE A CREATIVE CITY OF CRAFTS AND FOLK ART
The city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas has an ancient legacy in the fabrication of crafts due to the maintenance of artisanal traditions particular to specific neighborhoods as established at the founding of the city in the 1500s. Thus has been permitted social cohesion amongst the inhabitants of each neighborhood, or barrio, as they are called, through the common practice of their locally particular crafts.
Becoming a part of the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities would create a perfect opportunity for the sharing and exhibition of the broad collective experience of San Cristóbal in the creation of crafts and folk arts with the world at large.
Since its founding, the city has been characterized as a true inter-cultural point of intersection, resulting in a unique offering of arts and crafts springing from the mixed heritage of the inhabitants.
Coinciding with the solicitation to become recognized as a creative city, San Cristóbal is launching proposals to enhance and promote the various crafts and folk arts at the national and international level.
As a Creative City, San Cristóbal de Las Casas would recognize its obligation to preserve and stimulate the development of cultural heritage by means of the collective talent and intellectual progress of the indigenous peoples of the highland region of Chiapas. Furthermore, we could better offer the products of these cultures in a manner that is both creative and innovative, and that would impel the traditional arts and trades of our city towards beneficial economic, social, and touristic development.
Being part of this program would principally benefit the artists and craftspeople themselves, as well as creative innovation. Through their work, they would help to conserve the identity of the city. The economic benefits fomented with the offering of cultural tourism would directly influence the quality of life of the general population ..
Becoming a part of the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities would create a perfect opportunity for the sharing and exhibition of the broad collective experience of San Cristóbal in the creation of crafts and folk arts with the world at large.
Since its founding, the city has been characterized as a true inter-cultural point of intersection, resulting in a unique offering of arts and crafts springing from the mixed heritage of the inhabitants.
Coinciding with the solicitation to become recognized as a creative city, San Cristóbal is launching proposals to enhance and promote the various crafts and folk arts at the national and international level.
As a Creative City, San Cristóbal de Las Casas would recognize its obligation to preserve and stimulate the development of cultural heritage by means of the collective talent and intellectual progress of the indigenous peoples of the highland region of Chiapas. Furthermore, we could better offer the products of these cultures in a manner that is both creative and innovative, and that would impel the traditional arts and trades of our city towards beneficial economic, social, and touristic development.
Being part of this program would principally benefit the artists and craftspeople themselves, as well as creative innovation. Through their work, they would help to conserve the identity of the city. The economic benefits fomented with the offering of cultural tourism would directly influence the quality of life of the general population ..
GENERAL BACKGROUND OF THE CITY
Before the arrival of the Spanish “conquistadores,” the Valley of San Cristóbal de Las Casas was called hueyzacatlán (Nahua term meaning “together with the high grass”), according to testimonials of the Spanish colonists themselves; also, there were the very ancient names “Tzequil” (skirt) and “Jovel” (a grass similar to hay). The first official colony in the valley was created on March 31st, 1528 by the conquistador Diego de Mazariegos and was called Villa Real. Later, on June 21st, 1529, Juan Enrique de Guzmán changed the name to Villaviciosa.
On September 11th, 1531 the denomination Villa de San Cristóbal de los Llanos was imposed, which was then superimposed by the name Ciudad Real on July 7th, 1536, which name lasted until July 27th, 1829 when the name San Cristóbal was re-instituted. Beginning on March 21st, 1848, the surname Las Casas was added in honor of the Sevillian friar, Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Chiapas.
Until 1934, the city was referred to as only Las Casas, but nine years later, on November 4th, 1943, it acquired its actual denomination: San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
On September 11th, 1531 the denomination Villa de San Cristóbal de los Llanos was imposed, which was then superimposed by the name Ciudad Real on July 7th, 1536, which name lasted until July 27th, 1829 when the name San Cristóbal was re-instituted. Beginning on March 21st, 1848, the surname Las Casas was added in honor of the Sevillian friar, Fray Bartolomé de Las Casas, the first Bishop of the Diocese of Chiapas.
Until 1934, the city was referred to as only Las Casas, but nine years later, on November 4th, 1943, it acquired its actual denomination: San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
CONFIGURATION OF THE CITY.
The city of San Cristóbal was founded by Diego de Mazariegos, who arrived in 1527, after being designated Captain and Royal Governor of the Province of Chiapas in that same year. Upon founding the city, he laid out where should be located the council buildings, the parish church, the dwellings of the colonists, and the lands to be given to the native Mexicans and Tlaxcalans, who formed the principal regiments of the group that accompanied the Spanish from Central Mexico in order to subdue revolting groups in Chiapas. The settlement was denominated Villa Real in order to evoke the prestige of the Iberian origins of the colonists and to pay tribute to the Spanish crown. On March 31st, 1528, the Spanish town of Villa Real de Chiapas was officially born, today known as San Cristóbal de Las Casas.
Among the first colonists, a number of inspired men were given the task of designing the new town. Conserving green spaces and plazas, they planned the central buildings in a manner that would efficiently provide the necessary services to the community. The four streets that enclosed the central plaza allowed entries to accommodate and protect the transit of people and produce. The church was built to the north of the plaza. In close proximity, the council houses, the butchers, the mill, and places of commerce were constructed. In peripheral zones, open spaces were reserved for minor plazas, churches, hermitages, convents, and monasteries. And when the estates and plots of the outlying areas were laid out, pastureland was reserved for livestock. Afterwards, other important figures, such as clergymen, doctors, phlebotomists, and barbers, among others, established themselves.
The churches were the axes of economic, political, religious, and social life, as can be seen clearly in the neighborhoods, or barrios, today. Originally, during the colonial era, the city had only two types of zones, the recinto, or central precinct, and the barrios. The recinto included the center and a number of blocks around the central plaza, wherein dwelt the Spanish families and those in their service. Outside of this nucleus were created five indigenous barrios, founded in 1528, which are: Mexicanos (comprised of the native Mexicas), San Diego (comprised of the indigenous Zapotecs), San Antonio (indigenous Mixtecs), Tlaxcala (Tlaxcalans), and Cuxtitali (Quiches). The first four were populated by indigenous allies who had accompanied Diego de Mazariegos in his campaign of conquest from central Mexico. Cuxtitali was populated by indigenous peoples from Guatemala.
The barrios grew gradually from the principal North-South and East-West axes, from the convent of Santo Domingo to the temple of Carmen, and from the church of Guadalupe to the Merced church, respectively. Each barrio had its own patron saint or virgin, which was venerated there. These patrons remain to the present day. Each was also organized in accordance with the economic activities and produce which predominated in each particular barrio, such as pottery, candles, sweets, bread, crafts, fireworks, wooden toys, etc.[1]
Due to the great diversity of customs and styles, the life of San Cristóbal is like an axis or center of activity, where each of the barrios of the city has its own festivals to the rhythm of Chiapan marimbas and which constitute a religious manifestation of the ancient inhabitants. They have inherited and conserved the traditions and legends of the many saints from which they received their names. They comprise a multicultural mosaic, dating to their origins, due to the diverse ethnic groups who have lived in the city.
It is worth mentioning that all of the preceding, the configuration of the city and the preservation of its customs, traditions, arts, and crafts, has earned San Cristóbal de Las Casas the designation of “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town), as part of a federal program to preserve some of the most beautiful cities of the country. Due to this fact, the municipal government has developed and is in the process of implementing the Program of Barrios Mágicos to build an awareness amongst the citizenry and visitors regarding the importance of conservation, preservation, and maintenance of the beautiful public spaces and historic buildings of the city that form part of its identity.
Among the first colonists, a number of inspired men were given the task of designing the new town. Conserving green spaces and plazas, they planned the central buildings in a manner that would efficiently provide the necessary services to the community. The four streets that enclosed the central plaza allowed entries to accommodate and protect the transit of people and produce. The church was built to the north of the plaza. In close proximity, the council houses, the butchers, the mill, and places of commerce were constructed. In peripheral zones, open spaces were reserved for minor plazas, churches, hermitages, convents, and monasteries. And when the estates and plots of the outlying areas were laid out, pastureland was reserved for livestock. Afterwards, other important figures, such as clergymen, doctors, phlebotomists, and barbers, among others, established themselves.
The churches were the axes of economic, political, religious, and social life, as can be seen clearly in the neighborhoods, or barrios, today. Originally, during the colonial era, the city had only two types of zones, the recinto, or central precinct, and the barrios. The recinto included the center and a number of blocks around the central plaza, wherein dwelt the Spanish families and those in their service. Outside of this nucleus were created five indigenous barrios, founded in 1528, which are: Mexicanos (comprised of the native Mexicas), San Diego (comprised of the indigenous Zapotecs), San Antonio (indigenous Mixtecs), Tlaxcala (Tlaxcalans), and Cuxtitali (Quiches). The first four were populated by indigenous allies who had accompanied Diego de Mazariegos in his campaign of conquest from central Mexico. Cuxtitali was populated by indigenous peoples from Guatemala.
The barrios grew gradually from the principal North-South and East-West axes, from the convent of Santo Domingo to the temple of Carmen, and from the church of Guadalupe to the Merced church, respectively. Each barrio had its own patron saint or virgin, which was venerated there. These patrons remain to the present day. Each was also organized in accordance with the economic activities and produce which predominated in each particular barrio, such as pottery, candles, sweets, bread, crafts, fireworks, wooden toys, etc.[1]
Due to the great diversity of customs and styles, the life of San Cristóbal is like an axis or center of activity, where each of the barrios of the city has its own festivals to the rhythm of Chiapan marimbas and which constitute a religious manifestation of the ancient inhabitants. They have inherited and conserved the traditions and legends of the many saints from which they received their names. They comprise a multicultural mosaic, dating to their origins, due to the diverse ethnic groups who have lived in the city.
It is worth mentioning that all of the preceding, the configuration of the city and the preservation of its customs, traditions, arts, and crafts, has earned San Cristóbal de Las Casas the designation of “Pueblo Mágico” (Magic Town), as part of a federal program to preserve some of the most beautiful cities of the country. Due to this fact, the municipal government has developed and is in the process of implementing the Program of Barrios Mágicos to build an awareness amongst the citizenry and visitors regarding the importance of conservation, preservation, and maintenance of the beautiful public spaces and historic buildings of the city that form part of its identity.
MULTICULTURAL PROFILE OF THE CITY
Historically, the city's origins have been defined by immigration. Since the Spanish occupation, indigenous peoples from other parts of Mexico, such as their accompanying allies the Mexicas and Tlaxcalans, have arrived in Chiapas at various times. As different ethnic groups came to occupy the city, they aggregated in the different barrios, which surrounded the mostly Spanish central Recinto. The city thus came to acquire its characteristic and singular urban model as a “Dual” city, both Spanish and indigenous.[2]
The presence and persistence of varied ethnic groups have permitted the perpetuation of the cultural heritages of the Maya, Tzotzils, Tzeltals, and Lacondons. Part of their cultural contribution is reflected in the variety of gastronomy and indigenous crafts such as textile embroidery, traditional skirts, shawls, coats, and wool jackets, as well as wrought iron work, amber jewelry, and ceramics, among many other products.
This coexistence amongst different cultures has given rise to a syncretism that, with the passage of time, has attracted and captivated visitors of many nationalities, converting San Cristóbal de Las Casas into a truly cosmopolitan city.[3]
The presence and persistence of varied ethnic groups have permitted the perpetuation of the cultural heritages of the Maya, Tzotzils, Tzeltals, and Lacondons. Part of their cultural contribution is reflected in the variety of gastronomy and indigenous crafts such as textile embroidery, traditional skirts, shawls, coats, and wool jackets, as well as wrought iron work, amber jewelry, and ceramics, among many other products.
This coexistence amongst different cultures has given rise to a syncretism that, with the passage of time, has attracted and captivated visitors of many nationalities, converting San Cristóbal de Las Casas into a truly cosmopolitan city.[3]
GEOGRAFIC LOCATION
San Cristobal de Las Casas, located in the physiographic region of the Highlands of Chiapas, is situated at an altitude of 2,113 meters above sea level, with a humid temperate climate. Its geographic coordinates are 16°44' N and 92°38' W. The municipal territory is bordered on the north by the municipalities of Chamula and Tenejapa, on the east by the Huixtan municipality, on the south by the Teopisca municipality, on the southwest by the Totolapa, Chiapilla, and San Lucas municipalities, and on the west by the Zinancantan municipality. All of the aforementioned municipalities are indigenous communities of Tzeltal and Tzotzil populations.[4] The San Cristóbal municipality has a territorial surface area of approximately 375.12 km2 [5]
The municipality's floral diversity is principally identified as Coniferous Forest habitat (Pine-Oak). Within the territory are ecological reserves, which include Cerro del Huitepec, Rancho Nuevo, the wetlands of La Kisst mountain, the wetlands of Maria Eugenia mountain, and, most recently, the Gertrude Duby Ecological Reserve and the Moxviquil Reserve, as well as the Aroctete Eco-touristic Park and Mamut Caves, among others.
The municipality's floral diversity is principally identified as Coniferous Forest habitat (Pine-Oak). Within the territory are ecological reserves, which include Cerro del Huitepec, Rancho Nuevo, the wetlands of La Kisst mountain, the wetlands of Maria Eugenia mountain, and, most recently, the Gertrude Duby Ecological Reserve and the Moxviquil Reserve, as well as the Aroctete Eco-touristic Park and Mamut Caves, among others.
CULTURAL INFRASTRUCTURE
Within the city of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, among the many important touristic attractions, are various historic monuments and buildings, which date to the first decades after the founding of the city by Captain Diego de Mazariegos. These include La Casa de las Sirenas (The House of the Sirens/Mermaids), the original residence of Mazariegos, which today serves as a hotel. Also of interest to tourists are the main cathedral and various temples and convents built in diverse architectural styles. The most prominent of these are: The Temple of Santo Domingo de Guzman, The Cathedral of La Paz, The Temple of the Calvario, The Temple of La Merced, The Temple of Santa Lucia, The Temple of San Cristóbal Mártir, The Temple of San Nicolás, The Temple of La Caridad, The Temple of San Francisco of Asís, and the Temple of San Diego.
As well, there exists a consistency of architectural elements that abides amongst the infrastructure, constructed on par with the temples, which is significant to the identity of the “coletos” (the denomination for those native born to San Cristóbal de Las Casas). The important buildings conforming to this “colonial” style are: the Municipal Palace, the Carmen Arch (a Moorish arch which marks the original principal entrance to the city), the ex-convents of La Merced, Santo Domingo, and El Carmen, the Bicentennial School of Rights, the Casa de La Enseñanza (House of Teaching), and the José Castillo Tiélmans Market, among others.
The art of San Cristóbal de Las Casas can be appreciated at various sites throughout the city and consists of a tableau of historical depictions, memorials of important figures, museum exhibitions, uses and customs that pertain to the infrastructure, and other aspects that relate the historical legacy of the people of San Cristóbal. Among these are: The Museum of the Highlands of Chiapas (re-inaugurated in October of 2013 by the President of the Republic and in which are primarily exhibited artifacts of the fraternal orders of the Jesuits and Dominican friars, together with the other orders, such as the Mercedarios, who established the first convents upon the arrival of the Spanish; also exhibited in two rooms is the Pellizzi Collection of Textiles, as well as the Oaxaca Room, also recently inaugurated); the Museum and House of Na Bolom (House of the Jaguar), which represents one of the most important archives of the peoples and environment of the Lacondon Rainforest and is the result of a lifetime of expeditions and work to protect this invaluable habitat by the historical owners, Gertrude Duby and Frans Blom; the Museum of the Amber of Chiapas, housed in the historic Convent of La Merced and exhibiting fine artesian works of amber mined in the nearby town of Simojovel, of which the products are internationally renowned and which are exhibited in an annual celebration that permits the Chiapan artisans to promote and market their beautiful work. Also worth mentioning are the Museum of Jade, the Museum of Cacao, and the various temples, which house true treasures of religiously-themed art upon their interiors and altars.[6]
The arts and crafts of the region of the Chiapan Highlands are marketed widely in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. In the streets and plazas, one can always find indigenous craftspeople offering to the visitor an ample variety of traditional textiles and ceramic ware particular to their communities. As such, the public spaces are converted into a blending of living cultures, represented by the people and their crafts, which are unique in the world.
In respect to its traditions and customs, the life of San Cristóbal has as its principal axes the festivals particular to the sixteen oldest barrios. To the rhythm of the Chiapan Marimba, the religious manifestations have been carried on through the centuries as the heritage of the traditions and legends of the various patron saints and original inhabitants, which have given their names and spirits to the barrios (Barrio Mexicanos, Tlaxcala, Cuxtitali, El Cerillo, San Diego, Santa Lucia, etc.). In these neighborhoods the visitor may also appreciate the habitual coexistence of indigenous people, “ladinos” (non-indigenous), and foreign visitors and residents, whose relations are based mainly on trade and cultural exchange, and who make evident a multi-cultural mosaic marked by mutual respect and civility.
As well, there exists a consistency of architectural elements that abides amongst the infrastructure, constructed on par with the temples, which is significant to the identity of the “coletos” (the denomination for those native born to San Cristóbal de Las Casas). The important buildings conforming to this “colonial” style are: the Municipal Palace, the Carmen Arch (a Moorish arch which marks the original principal entrance to the city), the ex-convents of La Merced, Santo Domingo, and El Carmen, the Bicentennial School of Rights, the Casa de La Enseñanza (House of Teaching), and the José Castillo Tiélmans Market, among others.
The art of San Cristóbal de Las Casas can be appreciated at various sites throughout the city and consists of a tableau of historical depictions, memorials of important figures, museum exhibitions, uses and customs that pertain to the infrastructure, and other aspects that relate the historical legacy of the people of San Cristóbal. Among these are: The Museum of the Highlands of Chiapas (re-inaugurated in October of 2013 by the President of the Republic and in which are primarily exhibited artifacts of the fraternal orders of the Jesuits and Dominican friars, together with the other orders, such as the Mercedarios, who established the first convents upon the arrival of the Spanish; also exhibited in two rooms is the Pellizzi Collection of Textiles, as well as the Oaxaca Room, also recently inaugurated); the Museum and House of Na Bolom (House of the Jaguar), which represents one of the most important archives of the peoples and environment of the Lacondon Rainforest and is the result of a lifetime of expeditions and work to protect this invaluable habitat by the historical owners, Gertrude Duby and Frans Blom; the Museum of the Amber of Chiapas, housed in the historic Convent of La Merced and exhibiting fine artesian works of amber mined in the nearby town of Simojovel, of which the products are internationally renowned and which are exhibited in an annual celebration that permits the Chiapan artisans to promote and market their beautiful work. Also worth mentioning are the Museum of Jade, the Museum of Cacao, and the various temples, which house true treasures of religiously-themed art upon their interiors and altars.[6]
The arts and crafts of the region of the Chiapan Highlands are marketed widely in San Cristóbal de Las Casas. In the streets and plazas, one can always find indigenous craftspeople offering to the visitor an ample variety of traditional textiles and ceramic ware particular to their communities. As such, the public spaces are converted into a blending of living cultures, represented by the people and their crafts, which are unique in the world.
In respect to its traditions and customs, the life of San Cristóbal has as its principal axes the festivals particular to the sixteen oldest barrios. To the rhythm of the Chiapan Marimba, the religious manifestations have been carried on through the centuries as the heritage of the traditions and legends of the various patron saints and original inhabitants, which have given their names and spirits to the barrios (Barrio Mexicanos, Tlaxcala, Cuxtitali, El Cerillo, San Diego, Santa Lucia, etc.). In these neighborhoods the visitor may also appreciate the habitual coexistence of indigenous people, “ladinos” (non-indigenous), and foreign visitors and residents, whose relations are based mainly on trade and cultural exchange, and who make evident a multi-cultural mosaic marked by mutual respect and civility.
STRUCTURE OF THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT.
The Constitutional City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas is composed of the Municipal President, a trustee, and 14 council members. For the adequate disposition of its functions, the President is supported by: a Personal Secretary, a Committee of the Comprehensive Development of the Family (DIF), an office of Internal Comptroller, a Union Committee of Municipal Planning and Development (COPLADEM), a Municipal Secretary, and a decentralized body known as the Institute of Potable Water and Sewage (IAPA).[7]
As well, there are six secretaries of the following functions: Finance, Administration, Sustainable Urban Development, Economic and Social Development, Public Services, and Civic Participation. Also, there are two other general offices of Public Works and Public Security.
In compliance with the statutes established by the Mexican Political Constitution, the Political Constitution of the State of Chiapas, the Organic Municipal Laws of the State of Chiapas, and by the Pact of Police and Good Government of the Municipality of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, the City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas is responsible for maintaining municipal public services including: potable water, drainage and sewage and treatment of residual waters; cleaning and beautification; public lighting; waste collection and transport, treatment, and disposition of solid residues; maintenance of public markets and commercial centers; cemeteries; municipal stockyards; public security; transit; recreation, culture, and sports. As well, it is responsible for offering social programs related to public security, health, civil protection, social assistance, and comprehensive personal and familial development. In addition, it maintains and supervises management and administrative services related to urban development, rights and permits, and national military service cards, among others. It also regulates construction, conservation, maintenance, and equipment of markets, commercial centers, cemeteries, stockyards, streets, parks, and gardens.
As well, there are six secretaries of the following functions: Finance, Administration, Sustainable Urban Development, Economic and Social Development, Public Services, and Civic Participation. Also, there are two other general offices of Public Works and Public Security.
In compliance with the statutes established by the Mexican Political Constitution, the Political Constitution of the State of Chiapas, the Organic Municipal Laws of the State of Chiapas, and by the Pact of Police and Good Government of the Municipality of San Cristóbal de Las Casas, Chiapas, the City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas is responsible for maintaining municipal public services including: potable water, drainage and sewage and treatment of residual waters; cleaning and beautification; public lighting; waste collection and transport, treatment, and disposition of solid residues; maintenance of public markets and commercial centers; cemeteries; municipal stockyards; public security; transit; recreation, culture, and sports. As well, it is responsible for offering social programs related to public security, health, civil protection, social assistance, and comprehensive personal and familial development. In addition, it maintains and supervises management and administrative services related to urban development, rights and permits, and national military service cards, among others. It also regulates construction, conservation, maintenance, and equipment of markets, commercial centers, cemeteries, stockyards, streets, parks, and gardens.
STRATEGIC PLAN OF THE MUNICIPAL GOVERNMENT
The Municipal Development Plan is in the process of improving the environment and quality of life of the citizens of San Cristóbal de Las Casas with the goal of creating a more habitable and harmonious living space, inclusive of the means of making a living within both urban and rural zones where the people reside and realize their daily activities. In recognition of the fact that the growth and development of individuals are defined and limited by their environment, this plan strives to be in accord with appropriate expectations of life and individual development, regardless of age, sex, race, socio-economic status, or religious beliefs.20
In order to realize these goals, the present administration has defined five areas of development.
a) Social well-being of your family
b) Safety in your neighborhood and home
c) Comprehensive and sustainable growth
d) Promotion of culture, tourism, and economic development
e) Municipal administration that is modern, efficient and transparent
It is in relation to area d) where the link can be found to the intention of becoming part of the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities. Thusly connected is the effort to improve the model of economic growth that has been established in San Cristóbal de Las Casas since its founding and which has sustained a thriving service sector, principally in the area of tourism.
The City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas recognizes that economic activity is one of the primary factors by which the population can realize better standards of living which, in turn, contributes to improvements in quality of life and further spurs economic growth and community development. As such, it is planned to continue to support and stimulate programs that allow for the promotion of employment through assisting the diverse economic activities of the private sector, as well as state and federal programs, which benefit the municipality.
In order to realize these goals, the present administration has defined five areas of development.
a) Social well-being of your family
b) Safety in your neighborhood and home
c) Comprehensive and sustainable growth
d) Promotion of culture, tourism, and economic development
e) Municipal administration that is modern, efficient and transparent
It is in relation to area d) where the link can be found to the intention of becoming part of the UNESCO Network of Creative Cities. Thusly connected is the effort to improve the model of economic growth that has been established in San Cristóbal de Las Casas since its founding and which has sustained a thriving service sector, principally in the area of tourism.
The City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas recognizes that economic activity is one of the primary factors by which the population can realize better standards of living which, in turn, contributes to improvements in quality of life and further spurs economic growth and community development. As such, it is planned to continue to support and stimulate programs that allow for the promotion of employment through assisting the diverse economic activities of the private sector, as well as state and federal programs, which benefit the municipality.
POPULATION AND ECONOMIC STATISTICS
The municipality of San Cristóbal de Las Casas is urban-rural with a multicultural population. The official language is Spanish. In 2010, the census registered a total population of 185,917 inhabitants, of which 52.13% were women and 47.87% men. The median age was 22 years, indicating that the population is quite young. In fact, the sector of the population which is 50 years or older represents only 9.98% of the total population.
The information generated by the National Institute of Statistics, Geography, and Informatics (INEGI), through the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, indicates that, of the total population of working age adults, only 40.05% are considered part of the Economically Active Population. The result is that approximately 74,452 persons are at work or are in search of work within the municipality. Of these, 63.25% are men and 36.75% are women.
In reference to both the employed and unemployed populations, it can be noted that for the year 2010, amongst the Economically Active Population, only 2.5% were unemployed and that 97.5% were employed. Thus, while it can be stated that the rate of unemployment is quite low, it must also be affirmed that the income level of the employed population is also low by taking into account the fact that, for every 100 persons who are employed, 59 do not have incomes which exceed two times the official minimum monthly salary. As such, only 35.52% of the working population realize an income that is more than twice the minimum.[8]
The information generated by the National Institute of Statistics, Geography, and Informatics (INEGI), through the 2010 Census of Population and Housing, indicates that, of the total population of working age adults, only 40.05% are considered part of the Economically Active Population. The result is that approximately 74,452 persons are at work or are in search of work within the municipality. Of these, 63.25% are men and 36.75% are women.
In reference to both the employed and unemployed populations, it can be noted that for the year 2010, amongst the Economically Active Population, only 2.5% were unemployed and that 97.5% were employed. Thus, while it can be stated that the rate of unemployment is quite low, it must also be affirmed that the income level of the employed population is also low by taking into account the fact that, for every 100 persons who are employed, 59 do not have incomes which exceed two times the official minimum monthly salary. As such, only 35.52% of the working population realize an income that is more than twice the minimum.[8]
REFERENCES
[1] For more information and images concerning this theme visit: http://sancristobalcreativecity.weebly.com/the-city.html) .[2] Aubry, Andrés, San Cristóbal de Las Casas. Su historia urbana, demográfica y monumental, Chiapas 1528-1990,
[3] For more information and images on this topic visit: http://sancristobalcreativecity.weebly.com/multicultural-profile.html
[4] Encyclopedia of delegations and municipalities of México. Consult:
http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/EMM07chiapas/municipios/07078a.html
[5] Municipal Development Plan 2012-2015, Consult: http://sancristobal.gob.mx/download/PLANASUBIR.pdf , p.24, taken from Instituto Nacional de Estadística, Geografía e informática (En adelante: INEGI).
[6] Profile of the City Council of San Cristóbal de Las Casas 2012-2015.
[7] Municipal Development Plan 2012-2015, http://sancristobal.gob.mx/download/PLANASUBIR.pdf , p.18
[8] Ídem, p. 81