January
The largest demonstration of Zapatistas up until now takes place in San Cristobal. On the 19th, the government effectively rejects the law drafted by Cocopa (the Commission of Concord and Pacification) which would have implemented the San Andres agreement.
April - May
As the state sponsored paramilitary groups become more blatant in their operations, the military build up reaches massive proportions. Military bases are now near 80% of the Zapatista communities.

July
The Second 'Encounter against Neoliberalism and for Humanity' begins in Spain.
September
Despite attempts to stop Zapatistas from leaving Chiapas, 1,111 travel to Mexico city for the National Indigenous Congress and to observe at the founding conference of the FZLN.
December
On December 22nd 1997 pro-government paramilitaries enter the community of Acteal, and over the course of several hours massacre 45 refugees there, mainly unarmed women and children belonging to the pacifist group, Las Abejas (Zapatista sympathisers).