Condé Nast Traveler does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Take this self guided walk to explore the rich culture heritage that Mexico City has... After the Spanish conquest of Tenochtitlán, Spanish settlers destroyed the Mexica capital, building a European-style settlement atop the ruins – and, in many cases, using the stones from fallen Mexica temples to construct their own churches and palaces. Architecturally, the Zócalo follows the Spanish plaza-style found in Spain and Latin America. It is located on the Chapultepec Hill, that has a major historic importance for Mexicans. Mexico’s plazas are great tourist attractions. The Zocalo is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the National Palace, the Historic City Hall and the Government Building. You can see the birth of the nation here, standing at the largest plaza in Latin America, with the Spanish colonial cathedral that has been constructed on top of the Aztec Templo Mayor: the two great cultures whose influence have defined the city. Inside each Rosca is a small figurine of baby Jesus; whoever receives the piece containing the figurine must then host and provide tamales at the next celebration of Candlemas (Candelería). The tower miraculously withstood both the 8.1-magnitude earthquake of 1985 and the 7.1-magnitude quake of September 2017, making it a rare feat of engineering. Mexico City also has a rich history of artistic expressions. The Zocalo is surrounded by the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the National Palace, the Historic City Hall and the Government Building. The exact spot where the city is said to have been founded is now marked by a statue of an eagle and serpent, just south of the plaza. Such a plaza is an essential part of a city’s history and identity. Why are you here? The Zócalo is an open-air auditorium for campaign rallies and protest rallies.
Xochimilco Carnival (Carnaval Xochimilco): This event began in 2004 and consists of a series of musical concerts of various genres, art exhibits, food and crafts displays and plays for children. Condé Nast Traveler may earn a portion of sales from products that are purchased through our site as part of our Affiliate Partnerships with retailers. ), the vast majority of visitors to the country are lured mainly by, let's face it, bodily pleasures. This square was the center of Tenochtitlan before the arrival of the Spanish conquerors and still remains the political and religious center, centuries after. Xochimilco Festival (Xochimilco Festival de la Flor mas Bella): This four day event takes place two weeks before Easter in the south of the city. Mexican culture is vibrant and colorful, and Mexico City is the largest city in Spanish-speaking Latin America. Workers parade through the streets in some areas of the city. The Torre defines Mexico City's skyline (much like the Empire State building in New York) and is a useful tool for orienting oneself in downtown. Some street processions are still organized in the streets to commemorate Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, but mainly this is a time of parties where family and friends get together to recreate the arrival of the Holy Couple at the Inn, and children take turns to break open the pointed piñatas, full of sweets and candy, while the audience sing traditional accompanying songs and drink traditional ponche.
Ad Choices, 14 Best Things to Do in Zócalo, Mexico City. In recent years, an ice skating rink has even been installed in the Zócalo over the Christmas vacations. It takes place from mid to late March. So be careful crossing! At midnight the Mexican birthday song, Las Mañanitas, is sung at the Basilica, usually by well-known performers. Palacio de Minería International Book Fair (Feria Internacional del Libro del Palacio de Minería): Based in the Palacio de Mineria in the historic center of Mexico City, the primary objective of this fair is to introduce and celebrate the latest developments and publications in Mexico's editorial industry. To see the beautifully preserved Diego Rivera murals that are possibly more impressive than those in the Palacio National. First Wednesday to Sunday in February.