About 150 people showed up for a March for Science in Irapuato, a city of a half million people in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico.
Many of the participants were researchers and students at the Center for Research and Advanced Studies of the National Polytechnic Institute, usually identified by its Spanish-language acronym, CINVESTAV.
The march started at the Monumento de la Bandera, across from Irekua Park. This monument commemorates several Mexican battles, including Veracruz in 1914, the revolt in 1810, and the Battle of Puebla in 1862, which is where “cinco de Mayo” came from. The march went down Avenida Guerrero to the town centre, and finished at the Plaza de los Fundadores.
This crowd was really big on chanting. Some highlights:
- “La tierra está caliente. Cuida el medio ambiente.” (The Earth is hot. Protect the environment.)
- “En defensa de la tierra, la mujer es la primera.” (In defense of the Earth, the woman comes first.)
- “Menos politicos, mas cientificos.” (Fewer politicians, more scientists.)
The primary organizers included Paul Decena and Biologist Sean M. Rovito.