The Zócalo is Mexico City's huge central plaza, one of the largest city squares in the world (only Red Square in Moscow is larger). It is surrounded by historic buildings such as the Cathedral and the National Palace. It is one of the most impressive sights in the city.
Yet, more often than not, when I visit Mexico City, there is something filling the plaza and obstructing the grand view. Last week I went downtown and found these enormous tents set up for a Science and Technology Exposition. They nearly filled the square, and, as you can see in the photo above, the bell towers of Cathedral are peaking above them.
I am not the only one who feels this way. My friend Alejandro, a native of the city, finds the various expositions that are erected on the Zócalo to be a blight on the heart of the city's historic center. He says that they need to find somewhere else to hold these events.
Just imagine if the city of Rome decided to pitch a bunch a tents in St. Peter's square blocking the view of the Basilica!!!
If it were possible, I would agree with you 250% !
ReplyDeleteI also would like to say that the Zócalo belongs to all Mexicans and not only to those who are in some way privileged. When during a certain time period an artificial ice skating ring is set up in the Zócalo, only those with money can enjoy it.The same is true for other exhibitions and fairs where the majority of the people cannot participate, because they don't usually have extra money to spend. I went a few years ago to a regional fair and wanted to buy some " Mole de Xico " from Veracruz. The usual price for special mole was around 85.-$ MN at the time. At the fair it was 240.-$ MN. Even now, ten years later mole de Xico costs less.
I don't mind at all, if the Zócalo is used for events ( like the four free of charge concerts by Juan Gabriel, or a New Years party, or the exhibition of ofrendas on Nov. 1st/2nd), but not when it means that the plaza is occupied for weeks, someone earns a lot of money and the people do no have any benefits from it.
Rant over...
Glad to hear that someone else agrees with me on this! Of course the government surely gets a cut from whatever company is holding the event, so I doubt if it will ever change. Meanwhile visitors to Mexico City (unless they happen to be here between events) get to see an ugly Zócalo.
DeleteThanks for your comment!
I agree as well. Even the ice skating arena each December is an eyesore. My first visit to the city had an enormous Christmas tree in one corner and nothing else. Now there is a skating rink, a toboggan hill, a snowmobile track, a jumbotron, and other distractions.
ReplyDeleteIt's such a shame that first time visitors to D.F. might find the Zócalo filled with a bunch of clutter!!!
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