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As one of the major figures of Mexico’s 1910-1920 civil war, Zapata led a southern faction that demanded greater rights and an end to the exploitation of campesinos – a broad term used to describe agricultural labourers, small-plot farmers and the rural poor. Centred around the state of Morelos, Zapata’s faction demanded the dismantling of large estates, along with land redistribution to the poor under the slogan, “tierra y libertad” (land and liberty).

During the speech, AMLO described his presidency as Mexico’s “fourth transformation” – suggesting his platform of social reforms and welfare is comparable to historic events such as the early 19^th Century independence struggle against the Spanish Empire, and Mexico’s liberal reformation half a century later.

From Chiapas state, EZLN spokesperson Subcomandante Moises accused AMLO’s government of plotting a renewed offensive against Zapatista communities.

“Members of the federal army and air force are going into the mountains and appearing in the communities, saying that the war is coming and that they are only waiting for the order,” he said, continuing, “the current bad government is like its predecessors.”

“But now the justification changes: today the persecution, harassment and attacks on our communities are ‘for the good of all’ and are done under the banner of the supposed ‘fourthtransformation’.

Meanwhile at the site of Zapata’s assassination in Chinameca, the local community celebrated the centenary with a parade and festivities.

For the Zapatistas, the day didn’t just mark the death of Zapata, but also the killing of indigenous campesino organiser Samir Flores Soberanes.

“We do not know who murdered Comrade Samir …[but] we know who pointed him out,”�� Subcomandante Moises said, alleging the activist was likely killed by “hit men” who were “anxious to please the head of the federal armed forces”.

The founder of a community radio station in Morelos state, Flores had played a key role in a wave of protests against a gas-powered thermal power station. The station is located in a drought-prone agricultural region of Morelos state, near one of Mexico’s most active volcanoes, Popocatepetl. Local activists such as Flores have warned the power plant poses a risk to scarce local water resources, and have argued the government is endangering communities by running a gas pipeline near the active volcano.

“The communities and Samir responded [to thepower plant] with their determination to resist, something that would make Emiliano Zapata proud,” Moises said.

Speaking to �鶹��ý Weekly, Flores supporter Servando Gaja said, “Zapata is still alive, and so is Samir.”

“Of all the revolutionaries of the 20^th Century, Zapata is remembered for never being corrupted or betraying the people. Samir was the same. Samir lives, and the fight continues,” activist Emilio told �鶹��ý Weekly in Chinameca.