Friday’s gathering was funereal, and the dress code was black. We — a group of maybe 200-or-so gringos, old enough to clearly remember JFK’s assassination, when the bottom dropped out of our youthful political naivete — assembled in front of the soaring Parroquia Church in the central Jardin here in San Miguel de Allende, at the exact hour that Trump was being inaugurated, to quietly express to our Mexican hosts: He’s NOT our President.
It was a peaceful demonstration. Participants held banners and placards (“No to the Wall,” “Vile Trump,” and much more) wore politically expressive black T-shirts (“Reinvent Democracy” was just one), and sang “We Shall Overcome.”
We walked slowly around the Jardin, while Mexican onlookers cheered, applauded, and gave thumbs up. It felt good to stand up for these deeply held beliefs, to let our Mexican friends and neighbors know we’re with them, but it was indeed a sad day.
Twenty-five hours later, though, on a sunny, clear afternoon in the beautiful Parque Juarez, only a few blocks from the Jardin, the mood had changed entirely, and the dress code was white and red. This was a momentous occasion, one of hundreds of “sister” marches around the world in support of the Women’s March on Washington, D.C., which drew, altogether, roughly three million people.
An estimated 3,000 participants here — mostly women of all ages, but also many men and children, expats as well as Mexicans — filled the park with hope and joy in a balloon-festooned rally and walk in support of women’s rights worldwide. Trump’s name was hardly mentioned, as if he were already old news. This was a bright, new day.
Here are just a few of the dozens of photos I took at yesterday’s joyful, hope-filled gathering:
Women’s Solidarity Rally and Walk in San Miguel
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Merci pour tes mots et tes photos, chère Bonnie. Des jours inquiétants qui s’annoncent mais c’est réconfortant de savoir que, partout dans le monde, des femmes, des hommes se mobilisent pour dire NON à cette politique anti-démocratique.
Merci, chere Isabelle! Yes, it is comforting to know that people all over the world can still stand up and say NO to anti-demoncratic politicians. Much love to you, BB xx
Excellent Bonnie…you caught the mood perfectly! Let’s hope our demonstration, along with our sisters’ demonstrations will change the direction of this current administration!
Thank you, Pamela dear! Si, vamos a ver!
The World’s Chorus of Solidarity. We the people❤
Arti, did you see Trump’s criticism of the Saturday marchers: “Why didn’t these people vote?” He’s living in an alternative reality with its own “alternative facts.” Sad.
That one sign said it all—everything we voted for on November 8 and will still work for from now to the end of our lives: “Solidarity Without Borders.” Loved your photos and narrative.
Yes, Barb, “Solidarity Without Borders” siempre! Wish I could have included ALL of my photos so WOW readers could have seen the whole scene here. — xx
Bravo Bonnie!
you know I would have been by your side.
MLxxx
Yes, I know, M-L. You would have enjoyed being here with us too. — xx
Thanks for sharing, what a great event. Even though I was unable to attend my heart was there 100%
De nada, Beatriz. My pleasure. Wish you could have been there! — xx
Wonderful post, Bonnie. I went to the march in Santa Fe and they are saying that there were 11,000+. The march was exceptional and also the speeches.
But…we have only touched the tip of the iceberg and there is much work to be done!
Thank you, Gayle. It’s thrilling to see this groundswell of resistance, isn’t it? Such an antidote to the inauguration.
You really have it, Bonnie … You articulate so beautifully the sentiments most of us share. I look forward to every WOW email. Thank you !
Thank you, Jan. It’s great to hear from you. Best, BB
Hi, Bonnie —
I just noticed a picture of me on your blog. Great to see. I am on the hunt for a good picture of the march banner for use in follow-up. Is there any way we could use yours or do you have others? Thanks!
Please feel free to use this one, Cate!