# El Walamo

El Walamo (also known historically as Valamo) is a locality in the municipality of Mazatlán, Sinaloa, Mexico. It is located 25 kilometers south of the city of Mazatlán.

## Agriculture and Economy

It is known for its highly productive agricultural valley, particularly in the cultivation of chili and tomato along with different peppers such as jalapeño, serrano, and güero peppers, which are the main crops of the region and contribute significantly to the local economy. The area is also involved in the production of beans and corn, though to a lesser extent.
With a population of over 3,000 inhabitants, El Walamo has become a significant agricultural hub, drawing seasonal workers from across the southern parts of Mexico. These workers, many of whom stay long-term, are employed primarily in the agricultural sector, which provides steady employment throughout much of the year. The region is particularly renowned for producing some of the finest varieties of chili, which are distributed widely across the country, especially in northern Mexico and the State of Mexico.

## Infrastructure

Despite its active and thriving agricultural industry, El Walamo faces significant infrastructure challenges. The community struggles with inadequate development, including poorly paved streets, lack of potable water, and insufficient public lighting, however it has significantly improved since October 2022. The water supplied to the town is often contaminated and non-potable, an ongoing issue that has been repeatedly raised by the residents to local authorities, though these concerns are often ignored until election campaigns approach.

## History
### French Intervention in Mexico and the Battle of El Walamo

During the French Intervention in Mexico (1861–1867), El Walamo (known as "Valamo" at the time) was an important strategic location. It played a key role in the military operations of the Republican forces fighting against the French-backed Imperialists. A notable battle took place in May 1866, when General Ramón Corona, commander of the United Brigades of Sinaloa and Jalisco, led an attack on French forces near El Walamo.
After a series of skirmishes and an advance by the French forces through the region, El Walamo became a point of interest. The French had suffered a defeat in Villa Unión, and in response, they attempted to regroup, moving toward Callejones de Barron, near El Walamo. On May 6, 1866, the Republican forces, led by General Corona, mounted a counteroffensive, which led to a series of engagements between the French and Mexican forces.
Although the French forces were numerically superior, the battle was significant in demonstrating the resilience of the Mexican forces in the region. The town of El Walamo itself suffered from the French retreat, as they burned the area before advancing toward other locations, including the Presidio.
The battle's aftermath marked a crucial moment in the struggle against French occupation, with both sides suffering casualties and the Republicans managing to force the French forces into a retreat. This engagement at El Walamo exemplifies the fierce resistance of local forces during the French intervention, contributing to the eventual victory of the Mexican Republic.

### Origin

During the Porfirista era, El Walamo experienced economic growth with the establishment of a sugar mill known as "Pie de Cochi." The mill, located near the town on the eastern bank of the Presidio River, played a key role in the local economy, providing employment to hundreds of workers and benefiting surrounding areas like Villa Unión. The sugar mill operated around the clock in three shifts, processing cane from local fields.
Before the sugar mill arrived, El Walamo was a small settlement, primarily consisting of rudimentary palm-roofed houses. It was a community built around agriculture and fishing, located in a region rich with resources like water and fertile land. The name "Walamo" is believed to derive from a type of tree once abundant in the area, and "Pie de Cochi," the name of the sugar mill, also came from the local vegetation.
However, despite initial prosperity, the sugar mill faced significant challenges. Mismanagement, particularly under Armando Corona (son of the previous owner Manuel Corona), led to its decline. The company squandered profits and planted sugar cane in unsuitable locations, which further impacted its viability. By 1960, the mill ceased operations, leaving behind only the remains of its infrastructure, including a tall chimney. This closure marked a period of economic stagnation for El Walamo, though the community continued to rely on agriculture and fishing for sustenance, managing to survive despite the challenges.

### Plague Outbreaks in the Early 20th Century

In the early 1900s, El Walamo experienced a series of deaths linked to the outbreak of bubonic plague in the region. In April 1903, the police guard of El Walamo reported multiple fatalities in nearby areas, including the Confite, a small dock used for active trade with Mazatlán via the estuaries. On April 19, the police officer reported the death of Albina González, a young girl who had died that morning, as well as Fernando Romero on April 16, and an elderly woman, Nestora Niebla, on April 4. This raised alarm because the Confite, with a population of only about 25 residents in 1900, had seen a notably high number of deaths in a short period. Despite initial concerns, an investigation revealed that a local resident in the Confite had symptoms that did not align with the plague. This series of deaths was part of a larger pattern of public health issues in the region, as Sinaloa was grappling with the spread of the plague at the time, and health authorities worked to control the outbreak through various measures.

### Military Conscription in the 1940s

In the 1940s, during the period of military conscription in Mexico, Juan Macias, a wealthy business owner of the refineries of Roble and Guayabo, as well as the mill of Walamo in Sinaloa, expressed concerns over the potential disruptions to his businesses caused by the implementation of conscription. In July 1942, Macias raised issues about the interruptions to his work, particularly the disruptions he anticipated from conscription. However, it became clear that military drills would largely take place during workers' free time, reducing the direct impact on businesses. Despite this, the broader concerns of labor militancy during the period played a more significant role in the business community's response to the government's military measures.

## Tourism and Scenic Features
### Tourism and Scenic Features

Visitors to El Walamo are greeted by a scenic journey through Villa Unión, where they can enjoy vast agricultural fields and diverse wildlife. However, once in the town, the streets appear abandoned, with dust and potholes being common complaints from both locals and visitors. The town is also a transit point for people traveling to purchase shrimp and fish, products of its active fishing industry.

## Religion, Cultural and Community Events

El Walamo is home to the San Isidro Labrador Church, which has recently been renovated with the help of local residents. The town also hosts a significant annual celebration on March 23, in honor of the ejido, though the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The local community hopes to resume this celebration once the pandemic subsides.
The Ejido of El Walamo was founded in 1935 by a group of agrarian reformers. The community celebrates its founding with various cultural and civic events. The 75th anniversary celebration, held in 2015, featured a parade, music, a festival of local arts, and a community meal. The festivities were a significant part of the town's identity, with a mix of joyful activities like fairs, dances, and a horse parade. The event was marked by the participation of local residents, who were enthusiastic about the opportunity to celebrate their history and achievements, such as the paving of important streets. The celebrations also included measures to ensure the safety of attendees in response to recent security concerns, with an increased police presence and security protocols.