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113-646: The “Cuahilama Cerro” or Cuailama , is located at “prolongación 2 de abril” Street, between streets Cacalanco and 3 de mayo, very near the Santa Cruz Acalpixca town. In the Xochimilco borough, south east of México City The Xochimilco area was inhabited by Preclassical groups Cuicuilco , Copilco and Tlatilco (1500-200 BCE), and subsequently, in the period Classical period, by the Teotihuacano (CA. 200 BCE-700 CE). Apparently, Acalpixca

226-479: A borough when the Federal District was reorganized, including the communities of Mixquic , San Juan Ixtayopan and Tetelco. These and other territories would be lost and its final dimensions attained in 1931. In the 1920s, Xochimilco lost control of most of its water supply, taken by the city for its needs. The urban sprawl of Mexico City reached Xochimilco in the mid 20th century and it still affects

339-510: A larva, which no other amphibian can do. While mostly aquatic, it does have limited ability to breathe air. As of 2003, there were only 600 axolotls known to exist in the wild. Most of the threat to the species is loss of habitat and pollution, but the introduction of non-native fish such as tilapia has also had disastrous effects on the population of this and other species. Conservation efforts include research and environmental education. The Grupo de Investigación del Ajolote en Xochimilco (GIA-X)

452-680: A multitude of written sources transcribed by Nahua peoples and Spaniards in the Latin script. Classical Nahuatl is one of the Nahuan languages within the Uto-Aztecan family . It is classified as a central dialect and is most closely related to the modern dialects of Nahuatl spoken in the valley of Mexico in colonial and modern times. It is probable that the Classical Nahuatl documented by 16th- and 17th-century written sources represents

565-586: A new governor, Omácatl, onto Xochimilco due to the arrival of the Spanish, but this governor was forced to return to Tenochtitlan , when the emperor was taken prisoner. He was then succeeded by Macuilxochitecuhtli , but eighty days later he too went to Tenochtitlan to fight the Spanish alongside Cuitláhuac . He was followed by Apochquiyautzin , who remained loyal to Tenochtitlan. For this reason, Hernán Cortés decided to send armies to subdue Xochimilco before taking Tenochtitlan. This occurred on 16 April 1521. During

678-405: A particularly prestigious sociolect . That is to say, the variety of Nahuatl recorded in these documents is most likely to be more particularly representative of the speech of Aztec nobles ( pīpiltin ), while the commoners ( mācēhualtin ) spoke a somewhat different variety. Stress generally falls on the penultimate syllable. The one exception is the vocative suffix (used by men) -é , which

791-470: A reforestation program over 5,000 hectares of chinampas and forested areas at a cost of 20 million pesos . This program includes the cutting of non native species such as eucalyptus and certain pines and cedars to eradicate plagues associated with them. However, residents near forests such as in Nativitas oppose the cutting of healthy trees. These will be replaced by native species, especially junipers in

904-607: A school. Xochimilco was made an encomienda of Pedro de Alvarado in 1521 and remained such until 1541. The Spanish used the lakes and canals of the Valley of Mexico much as the indigenous did, at least at first. Xochimilco remained an important agricultural area, shipping its produce to Mexico City in the same ways. However, problems with flooding, especially the Great Flood of 1609 in Mexico City and Xochimilco, spurred

1017-712: A small alley in San Lucas Xochimanca. A plaque commemorates the site. When the Zapatistas were confronted by troops loyal to Venustiano Carranza in Cuemanco, they damaged pumps and set the center of Xochimilco and the original municipal palace on fire. In 1914, Francisco Villa and Emiliano Zapata met in San Gregorio and signed an alliance called the Pact of Xochimilco . After the war, Xochimilco became

1130-566: A total of 170 km . These canals, and the small colorful boats that float on them among artificially created land called chinampas , are internationally famous. These canals are popular with Mexico City residents as well, especially on Sundays. These canals are all of what is left of what used to be a vast lake and canal system that extended over most parts of the Valley of Mexico , restricting cities such as Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) and Xochimilco to small islands. This system of waterways

1243-399: A turkey kept by an old woman. In 2005, the borough had a population of 404,458, 4.6% of the total population of the Federal District. The growth rate is 1.8% for the past decade, lower than the decade previous. However, a large percentage of the borough's population lives in poverty and many live illegally on ecological reserves, lacking basic services such as running water and drainage. In

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1356-652: A variety of aquatic species. Some of these endemic species include a freshwater crayfish called an acocil , and the Montezuma frog . However, the most representative animal from these waters is the axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). This amphibian was used as a medicine, food and ceremonial object during the Aztec Empire . It was considered to be an incarnation of the god Xolotl , brother of Quetzalcoatl . It has been studied due to its abilities to regenerate limbs and other body parts. It can also reach sexual maturity as

1469-448: Is a borough ( demarcación territorial ) of Mexico City . The borough is centered on the formerly independent city of Xochimilco , which was established on what was the southern shore of Lake Xochimilco in the precolonial period. Today, the borough consists of the 18 barrios , or neighborhoods, of this city along with 14 pueblos , or villages, that surround it, covering an area of 125 km (48 sq mi). The borough

1582-399: Is a nonprofit research group dedicated to the preservation of the axolotl, which is in danger of extinction. It works to better understand the creature as well as with the local community to protect what is left of its habitat. In addition to species that live in the area year round, the wetlands here host about forty percent of the migratory bird species that arrive to Mexico, roughly 350, use

1695-550: Is a pre-Hispanic style skull. The organ is Baroque from the 17th century. The pews are made of red cedar as are the two pulpits, all made by Juan Rojas in the 18th century. The San Pedro Tlalnahuac Church was one of the first “poza” chapels (used for processions) built in Xochimilco, dating from 1533. The main church has a masonry façade. In front, a small paved yard contains a cross sculpted in wood and sandstone. A significant number of pre-Hispanic artifacts have been found on

1808-1103: Is a representation of the area's spongy soil from which two flowering plants emerge. In spite of the serious environmental issues, 77.9% of the territory is designated as ecological reserve, 15.2% as residential and 4.6 as commercial and industrial. The borough is divided into eighteen “barrios,” which make up the old city of Xochimilco and fourteen communities outside the traditional city called “pueblos.” The barrios are El Rosario, Santa Crucita, Caltongo, San Lorenzo, San Diego, La Asunción, San Juan, San Antonio, Belem, San Cristóbal, San Esteban, La Santísima, La Guadalupita, La Concepción Tlacoapa, San Marcos and Xaltocan, The fourteen pueblos are Santa María Tepepan , Santiago Tepalcatlalpan, San Mateo Xalpa, San Lorenzo Atemoaya, Santa Cruz Xochitepec, San Lucas Xochimanca, San Francisco Tlalnepantla, Santa María Nativitas, San Gregorio Atlapulco , Santiago Tulyehualco, San Luis Tlaxialtemalco, San Andrés Ahuayucan, Santa Cecilia Tepetlapa and San Cruz Acalpixca. There are also 45 smaller divisions called “colonias” and twenty major apartment complexes. The city acts as

1921-428: Is added to the end of a word and is always stressed, e.g. Cuāuhtli quetz qui (a name, meaning " Eagle Warrior "), but Cuāuhtliquetz qué "O Cuauhtliquetzqui!" When women use the vocative, the stress is shifted to the final syllable without adding any suffix. Oquichtli means "man", and oquichtlí means "O man!" Maximally complex Nahuatl syllables are of the form CVC; that is, there can be at most one consonant at

2034-522: Is also the first church established in the area, the San Bernardino de Siena church and former monastery founded by Martín de Valencia . The current church building was constructed between 1535 and 1590 under the direction of Francisco de Soto , but the cloister and monastery area were not finished until the early 17th century. In 1609, a monastery school was founded at the site with classes in rhetoric , theology and arts and letters. Most of

2147-520: Is covered in 24karat gold leaf. It contains a relief of San Bernardino surrounded by two groups of indigenous sculptures, who are helping to build the church. Above San Bernardino, there is a depiction of the Virgin of the Assumption and the Virgin of Xochimilco. The paintings represent episodes from the life of Jesus and have been attributed to Simon Pereyns and Andrés de la Concha . This is one of

2260-678: Is dedicated to the Holy Burial, with mayordomos sponsoring breakfast. It is located in the La Asunción neighborhood. Classical Nahuatl language Colonial Nahuatl Classical Nahuatl, also known simply as Aztec or Codical Nahuatl (if it refers to the variants employed in the Mesoamerican Codices through the medium of Aztec Hieroglyphs ) and Colonial Nahuatl (if written in Post-conquest documents in

2373-418: Is happening so fast, that UNESCO has threatened to pull Xochimilco World Heritage Site status. Other major problems facing the canal system is the damage by introduced species and disease destroying native ones. Water lilies were introduced to the canals from Brazil in the 1940s. Since then, they have become a serious problem as their overgrowth depletes minerals and oxygen from the water. Up to 400 tons of

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2486-545: Is in the southeastern part of the city and has an identity that is separate from the historic center of Mexico City , due to its historic separation from that city during most of its history. Xochimilco is best known for its canals, which are left from what was an extensive lake and canal system that connected most of the settlements of the Valley of Mexico . These canals, along with artificial islands called chinampas , attract tourists and other city residents to ride on colorful gondola -like boats called trajineras around

2599-495: Is one of the oldest neighborhoods of the borough. Xaltocán began as a ranch or hacienda that belonged to the indigenous caciques . It was later donated to the San Bernardino de Siena monastery . After the monastery was secularized, it became hacienda land again, but over time, parts were sold and it became the current area of Xochimilco. The church for this community was built in 1751 as the hacienda chapel. Originally, it

2712-480: Is related to this popular Catholic festival calendar, intolerance of religious minorities generally takes the subtle form of being excluded from events, although a number of non-Catholics participate in festivities anyway. These mostly religious festivals and other traditions have been maintain despite the urbanization of the borough. The calendar of celebrations here is extensive. Some are civic or political events such as Independence Day or local celebrations such as

2825-584: Is to sponsor and organized any many religious festivals and celebrations that occur through the year, as well as other duties. This may be paid for by collecting donations or paid for directly by the mayordomo. There are 422 officially recognized festivals during the year, including those local to specific communities. One of these more localized festivals is on May 3, Day of the Holy Cross , which has been celebrated in communities such as Santa Cruz Xochitepec (or Magdalena Xochitepec), Santa Cruz Acalpixcan and

2938-468: Is treated as a single sound, and not all consonants can occur in both syllable-initial and syllable-final position. The consonants /l/ and /w/ are devoiced in syllable-final position. Likewise, /j/ is also devoiced and merged into /ʃ/ in syllable-final position. At the time of the Spanish conquest, Aztec writing used mostly pictograms supplemented with a few ideograms . When needed, it also used syllabic equivalences ; Diego Durán recorded how

3051-429: Is what is left of the lake. The elevated areas of the borough contain small forests of ocotes , strawberry trees , cedars , Montezuma cypress and a tree called a “tepozan.” Xochimilco, along with other southern boroughs such as Milpa Alta and Tlalpan , have lower crime statistics than most other areas of the Federal District. However, crime, especially that related to kidnapping and drug trafficking has been on

3164-578: The Cuicuilco , Copilco and Tlatilco settlements during the Classic period . The Xochimilca people , considered one of the seven Nahua tribes that migrated into the Valley of Mexico , first settled around 900 BC in Cuahilama , near what is now Santa Cruz Acalpixca. They worshipped sixteen deities, with Chantico , goddess of the hearth; Cihuacoatl , an earth goddess; and Amimitl , god of chinampas,

3277-632: The Latin Alphabet ), is a set of variants of Nahuatl spoken in the Valley of Mexico and central Mexico as a lingua franca at the time of the 16th-century Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire . During the subsequent centuries, it was largely displaced by Spanish and evolved into some of the modern Nahuan languages in use today (other modern dialects descend more directly from other 16th-century variants). Although classified as an extinct language , Classical Nahuatl has survived through

3390-540: The Latin script , which was then used to record a large body of Aztec prose and poetry, which somewhat diminished the devastating loss caused by the burning of thousands of Aztec codices by the Spanish authorities. Nahuatl literature is extensive (probably the most extensive of all Indigenous languages of the Americas), including a relatively large corpus of poetry (see also Nezahualcoyotl ). The Huei tlamahuiçoltica

3503-619: The Metztitlán and Oaxaca valleys . For their service, Ahuizotl , granted the Xochimilcas autonomy in their lands, and the two cities coexisted peacefully. Aztec emperors would pass by here on royal barges on their way to Chalco/Xico , then an island in Lake Chalco . For centuries Xochimilco remained relatively separate from Mexico City but provided much of the larger city's produce. Aztec emperor Moctezuma Xocoyotzin imposed

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3616-458: The Nahuatl suffix “-pan” (place) to mean “child of the place.” The image was thought to have been made of orange tree wood, but this was proven false when the image was dropped and a finger damaged, allowing for the taking of a small sample. The analysis showed that it was made in the local area of a tree called a chocolín , in the 16th or 17th century. The prestige for becoming a mayordomo for

3729-510: The tlacuilos could render a prayer in Latin using this system but it was difficult to use. The writing system was adequate for keeping such records as genealogies, astronomical information, and tribute lists, but it could not represent a full vocabulary of spoken language in the way that the writing systems of the Old World or the Maya civilization 's script could. The Spanish introduced

3842-410: The 170 km (110 mi) of canals. This canal and chinampa system, as a vestige of the area's precolonial past, has made Xochimilco a World Heritage Site . In 1950, Paramahansa Yogananda , in his Autobiography of a Yogi , wrote that if there were a scenic beauty contest, Xochimilco would get the first prize. The borough of Xochimilco was created in 1928, when the federal government reorganized

3955-456: The 17th century, about two thousand barges a day still traveled on the waters that separated the two areas. In 1749, Xochimilco became a " corregimiento " or semi-autonomous area from Mexico City and would remain so until Independence . It would also increase in importance as a stopover for those traveling between Mexico City and Cuernavaca . Also during this time, Xochimila Martín de la Cruz , wrote Xihuipahtli mecéhual amato , better known as

4068-554: The 17th or 18th century. Another dedicated to Christ on the south side is from the 16th or 17th century. One dedicated to Martin de Porres is notable because it has no columns. The church's only chapel serves as a tabernacle . This room contains a large painting of Calvary . There are also a large number of notable paintings by names such as Echave Orio , Simón Pereyns, Sánchez Salmerón Caravaggio , Francisco Martínez , Luis Arciniegas and Juan Martínez Monteñés . The baptismal fonts are decorated in acanthus leaves, among which

4181-585: The 360 km (220 mi) that exist in the lake area. This involves the planting of juniper trees and the sinking of tezontle pylons into the lakebed. These remaining chinampas are part of the Xochimilco World Heritage Site. Have since changed use and become residences and businesses. Those that remain agricultural are mostly used as nurseries, growing ornamental plants such as bougainvilleas , cactuses, dahlias , day lilies , and even bonsai . As they can produce up to eight times

4294-554: The 450 hectares of illegal settlements. UNESCO demands their eviction, but the borough says this would be too difficult and better to legalize the settlements, putting efforts into preventing more. From the pre-Hispanic period to the present, religion has pervaded the life of people in this region. Since it was imposed in the early 16th century, the Catholic religion has permeated and molded popular culture. As in other parts of Mexico, indigenous beliefs and practices, such as those of

4407-777: The Aztec Herbal Book or the Cruz-Badiano Codex . It is the oldest book on medicine written on the American continent. It was translated into Latin by Juan Badiano . The original is in the Vatican . After Independence, Xochimilco became a municipality in what was then the State of Mexico . It would later become a part of the Federal District of Mexico City after the Mexican–American War , when this district

4520-526: The Canal del Desagüe were built to further drain the valley . This and excessive aquifer pumping lowered water tables and canals near Mexico City center dried up and cut off an inexpensive way to get goods to market for Xochimilco. This had a major effect on the area's economy, along with the effects of the loss of fishing for communities such as Santa Cruz Acalpixca, San Gregorio Atlapulco and San Luis Tlaxialtemalco.(rescartarlo) In 1908, an electric tram serves

4633-460: The Dolls. It is the best-known chinampa , or floating garden, in Xochimilco. It belonged to a man named Don Julián Santana Barrera, a native of the La Asunción neighborhood. Santana Barrera was a loner, who was rarely seen in most of Xochimilco. According to the legend, one early morning a young girl and her sisters went swimming in the canal but the current was too strong. The sisters got separated and

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4746-399: The Federal District of Mexico City into sixteen boroughs . The Xochimilco borough was centered on what was the city of Xochimilco, which had been an independent settlement from the pre-Hispanic period to the 20th century. The area's historic separation from Mexico City proper remains in its culture. While officially part of the city, its identity is more like a suburb. This historic center

4859-533: The Niñopa is so great, that the waiting time to become one is decades long. The mayordomo receives nothing for the care of the image and pays all expenses out of pocket, which includes building rooms for the image to stay, and sponsoring the nearly daily events dedicated to this image. The annual cycle begin on February 2, when the image is received by a new mayordomo. During the year, the image visits homes and hospitals, accompanied by Chinelos dancers. In addition to

4972-833: The Niñopan, other important child Jesus figures include the Niño Dormidito in the Xaltocan neighborhood, the Niño de Belen at the Salitre Embarcadero, the Niño Tamalerito, and the Niño de San Juan. These images, along with the Niñopan, are celebrated together on April 30, at an event called the Niños Sagrados. There are various replicas of the Niñopa, which are owned by former mayordomos. Fifteen of

5085-525: The Spanish to begin projects to drain the lakes. As a result, these lakes, including Lake Xochimilco, has suffered one of the most radical transformations in the history of urbanization. Five hundred years ago, the lake extended 350 km (140 sq mi) and contained 170 km (66 sq mi) of chinampas and 750 km (470 mi) of canals. Today, there are only 25 km (9.7 sq mi) of chinampas and 170 km (110 mi) of canals, and they are still disappearing. Xochimilco

5198-521: The Xochimilca, were not completely eradicated. Instead, many were integrated and readapted to Catholicism . One example of this is the building of churches over former temples and other sacred sites. These churches' decorations often have indigenous elements as well. Despite the fact that 91% of the population self identifies as Catholic, there are still many indigenous traditions related to the agricultural cycle. A more important syncretism has been

5311-468: The Xochimilcas would have extended over the southern shore of the Xochimilco lake, the islets of Tláhuac and Míxquic , and towards the Sierra de Ajusco-Chichinauhtzin . At Cuahilama (Nahuatl= “old woman head”) is an observatory, a shrine and a prehispanic causeway that runs east- west and provided access to the top of the hill, where the ceremonial area was probably located, and to agricultural terraces;

5424-456: The amount of conventional land, they are still an important part of the borough's agricultural production. There have been various attempts to save the remaining chinampas, including their cataloging by UNESCO , UAM , and INAH in 2005, and various reforestation efforts, especially of juniper trees. About an hour long canal ride from an embarcadero lies Isla de las Muñecas, or the Island of

5537-404: The area's look for tourists, businesses in the center agreed with the borough and INAH to change their façades to certain colors. Much of the borough's land is former lakebed. Its main elevations include Xochitepec and Tlacualleli mountains along with two volcanoes named Teutli and Tzompol . It contains two natural rivers called Santiago and Tepapantla along with the various canals, which

5650-851: The area. The Petroglyphs are unprotected, damaged by graffiti and abandonment. The zone is private property, but the owners lack title to land, only private contracts, so purchase of the land is not possible. Cuahilma is not a relevant site: INAH When INAH was questioned on the lack of maintenance, they responded that in Mexico there are more than 10 thousand archaeological sites, and some "are of great relevance". The petroglyphs found in this area of Xochimilco are Aztec and were venerated deities; are stars representations, constellations and figures apparently associated with fertility cult. Xochimilco Xochimilco ( Spanish pronunciation: [sotʃiˈmilko] ; Classical Nahuatl : Xōchimīlco , pronounced [ʃoːtʃiˈmiːlko] listen )

5763-507: The areas of the borough are still semi-rural, with communities that still retain many old traditions and economic activities. For example, San Antonio Molotlán is noted for textiles and its Chinelos dancers. San Lorenzo Tlaltecpan is known for the production of milk and there are still a large number of stables in the area. The most notable neighborhoods/communities include Xaltocan, Ejidos de Tepepan, La Noria, Las Cruces, Ejidos de Xochimilco and San Gregorio Atlapulco. San Francisco Caltongo

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5876-452: The arrival of the new sun. The site is famous for the petroglyphs located on the hillside and the slopes of the Hill, are prehispanic Petroglyphs dating back to between 1200 and 1500 CE, these expressed the Xochimilcas views , and have been attributed ceremonial functions and deity veneration. The Petroglyphs are stars, constellations and figures representations reportedly associated with

5989-528: The atrium has a mixture of Plateresque , Gothic and indigenous feature. The west gate has three arches, which represent the Spanish, indigenous and mestizo peoples of the area. This was the space where the first baptisms of the indigenous were done. The church/monastery complex is tall and has a fortress appearance, again something common for the time period. The church interior conserves its original 16th-century main altar, with four stories tall, contains indigenous, Italian, Flemish and Spanish influence and

6102-435: The axolotl, whose eggs they eat. Despite tons of the fish being caught in the canals, they are still a serious problem. Another major problem is the loss of trees, especially junipers in the ecological zone. Over sixty percent of the area is considered to be serious deforested and eighty percent of the junipers have the parasitic plant mistletoe . Since being declared a World Heritage Site, there have been attempts to rescue

6215-486: The basements of residential quarters are registered over an area of 400 m and a Xochimilca “jolla or military training camp. The site depicts cultural Aztec characteristics and possibly was a ceremonial center linked with agricultural fertility festivities and worship of the Sun reflected on calendar and astronomical events. This prehispanic settlement celebrated every 52 years, the “Fuego Nuevo” (New Fire) ceremony, to ensure

6328-478: The battle, Cortés was almost killed when he fell off his horse, but he was saved by a soldier named Cristóbal de Olea. The battle was fierce and left few Xochimilca warriors alive. The invaders later raped and pillaged the city. According to legend, it was after this battle that Cuauhtémoc came to Xochimilco and planted a juniper tree in the San Juan neighborhood to commemorate the event. Pre-Hispanic Xochimilco

6441-450: The beginning and end of every syllable. In contrast, English , for example, allows up to three consonants syllable-initially and up to four consonants to occur at the end of syllables (e.g. str e ngths ) ( ngths = /ŋkθs/ ). Consonant clusters are only allowed word-medially, Nahuatl uses processes of both epenthesis (usually of /i/ ) and deletion to deal with this constraint. For such purposes, tl /tɬ/ , like all other affricates,

6554-439: The birth of poet Fernando Celada , the birth of Quirino Mendoza y Cortés , composer of “Cielito Lindo,” and the commemoration of the meeting of Francisco Villa and Emiliano Zapata on December 4 in this area. However, most events are tied to religious activity and tradition, organized by volunteers called mayordomos. The mayordomia system is the most important social structure in the borough. The primary task of these volunteers

6667-464: The borough today. In the 1970s, the federal government began to replace the lost supply to the canals with treated water from the nearby Cerro de la Estrella . This is most of the water that now flows in the canals. The treated water is clear, but not potable due to bacteria and heavy metals . However, it is used to irrigate crops grown on the chinampas , even though the canals are further polluted by untreated sewage and garbage. The biggest threat to

6780-604: The canal system. The first major effort occurred between 1989 and 1994, which was called the “Rescate Ecológico.” It had the goal of constructing a large artificial lake for tourism and sports covering 360 hectares, ten times the size of the lake in Chapultepec Park . These would be divided into two parts called the Ciénega Grande and Ciénega Chica on the side of the Periférico Sur . It would also include

6893-510: The canals and their ecosystem is uncontrolled sprawl, mostly due to illegal building on conservation land. These settlements are polluting canals with untreated garbage and waste, and filling in canals to make "new land." There are thirty-one illegal settlements in the historic center, with 2,700 constructions. Ten of these are in the chinampas of San Gregorio Atlapulco, San Luis Tlaxialtemalco, Santa Cruz Acalpixca, and Santa María Nativitas. The borough and UNESCO are at odds over what to do about

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7006-437: The canals still receive untreated wastewater and other pollution Another major problem, especially in the past two decades has been the population explosion of Mexico City, pushing urban sprawl further south into formerly rural areas of the Federal District. This prompted authorities to seek World Heritage Site status for the canals and the pre-Hispanic chinampa fields to provide them with more environmental protection. This

7119-663: The canals to reach the lake. Another similar performance is called “Retorno al Mictlan “or Return to Mictlan , the Aztec land of the Dead, which is performed in the historic center of Xochimilco. After the Conquest , Spaniards began to build churches and monasteries in the various villages in what is now the borough. Typical of these is the monastery at Santa María Tepepan , constructed between 1525 and 1590. Today, Xochimilco has nine parishes and five rectories. The most important of this

7232-429: The center of Mexico City. However, with the pumping of underground aquifers since the early 20th century, water tables have dropped, drying canals, and all that are left are the ones in Xochimilco. The canals are fed by fresh water springs, which is artificially supplemented by treated water. This is because water tables are still dropping and human expansion and filling in of canals is still occurring, threatening to have

7345-468: The center of Xochimilco for over 400 years. However, the best known mayordomo position is not for a festival, but rather for the care of an image of the child Jesus called the Niñopa . The image is over 435 years old and has a following of about 25,000 in the Xochimilco area. It measures 51 cm (20 in) and weighs less than a kilo. The name “Niñopa” comes from the Spanish word “niño” (child) and

7458-430: The chinampa areas. However, it is still estimated that because of the continuance of urban sprawl, the remaining canals and protected land will disappear within fifty years. The canals of Lake Xochimilco were initially created along with artificial agricultural plots called chinampas . Chinampas were invented by the pre-Hispanic peoples of the region around 1,000 years ago as a way to increase agricultural production. On

7571-461: The city from the mainland to the island of Tlilan. In this respect it was like another island city in the area, Tenochtitlan . Although no longer an island, the city center is still in the same spot. In 1376, Tenochtitlan attacked Xochimilco, forcing the city to appeal to Azcapotzalco for help. The conquest was unsuccessful, but Xochimilco was then forced to pay tribute to Azcapotzalco. Tenochtitlan succeeded in conquering Xochimilco in 1430, while it

7684-461: The colonial city. The city in turn, was the most important settlement in the south of the Valley of Mexico in the colonial era. It became a settlement of Spanish, criollos and mestizos , with the indigenous living in rural communities outside of the city proper. During the Siege of Tenochtitlan , Hernán Cortés attacked the city and the "great number of warriors" in it. During the battle, Cortes

7797-590: The creation of a chinampa zone and areas for culture and commerce and elevated buildings over the two sides of the Periférico Sur similar to those in the San Jerónimo area. However, this plan was stopped by agricultural communities in the area, which have a long history of defending their rights. However, since then, the area has been urbanized. It was replaced by a much smaller lake, with ecological area and plant market . In 2008, borough authorities began

7910-597: The cult of fertility. A sad situation affects the archaeological zone of Cuahilama, predators, vandalism and undeniably apathy of authorities and society itself. Little has been done against the deterioration of the archaeological remains, which is on the verge of losing every cultural value as a result of urban growth and lack of protection by municipal authorities and the Instituto Nacional de Antropología e Historia (INAH), in spite of public complaints of looting of archaeological pieces, nothing has been done in

8023-442: The current pulled one of the sisters all the way down the canal when Santana Barrera discovered the young girl while she was drowning. When Santana finally got to her she was already dead. He also found a doll floating nearby and, assuming it belonged to the deceased girl, hung it from a tree as a sign of respect. After this, he began to hear whispers, footsteps, and anguished wails in the darkness even though his hut—hidden deep inside

8136-400: The dark, polluted water of the canals. The most deteriorated chinampas are located in the communities of Santa María Nativitas, Santa Cruz Acalpixca, San Gregoria Atlapulco, and Ejido de Xochimilco. Together, these have a total of thirty eight illegal settlements. To repair a number of chinampas, the borough, along with federal authorities, has reinforced 42 km (26 mi) of shoreline, of

8249-654: The dolls whisper to them. The dolls are still on the island, which is accessible by boat. The island was featured on the Travel Channel show Ghost Adventures and the Amazon Prime show Lore . It was also featured in BuzzfeedUnsolved where Ryan and Shane visited the island with a guide, who lead them around the island during the night. It was also featured on the show Expedition X in season 1 episode 3, where Phil Torres & Jessica Chobot explore

8362-420: The eighteen pueblos of Xochimilco hold major events for Day of the Dead , including costume parades, exhibitions, especially of altars, in cemeteries, museums, plazas and more. The Dolores Olmedo Museum has an annual monumental altar to the dead for the occasion As per traditions, the cemeteries of smaller communities such as San Francisco Tlalnepantla, Santa Cruz Xochitepec and Santa María Nativitas are lit with

8475-540: The few 16th-century altarpieces to have survived and the only one similar to it in size and construction is located in the monastery in Huejotzingo , Puebla . There are seven other altarpieces , which date from the 16th to the 18th centuries. The one dedicated to Christ on the north side is from the 16th century, but it is incomplete at its base and sides. The one dedicated to the Holy Family dates from either

8588-783: The funding of the project came from indigenous leaders of the area, especially Martín Cerónde de Álvaro. In 1538, the Church wanted to bring the complex's Franciscans into Mexico City, but the local people opposed and won. However, in 1569, there were still only four monks serving over 5,000 native people. Soon after, the indigenous population was organized into neighborhoods for indoctrination and census purposes: Santiago Tepalcatlalpan, San Lucas Xochimanca, San Mateo Pochtla, San Miguel Topilejo, San Francisco Tlalnepantla, San Salvador Cuautenco, Santa Cecilia Ahuautla, San Andrés Ocoyoacac, San Lorenzo Tlatecpan, San Martín Tiatilpan, Santa Maria Nativitas Zacapan y Santa Cruz Acalpixcan. Major restoration work

8701-475: The glow of numerous candles and loved ones sit vigil over the graves. The best known event associated with Day of the Dead is the “la Cihuacoatle, Leyenda de la Llorona,” which is a spectacle based on the La Llorona spectre, which runs from late October to mid November. It takes place on the waters of the old Tlilac Lake. Spectators watch the event from trajineras that depart from the Cuemanco docks and travel

8814-453: The grounds. It is located on Calle Pedro Ramírez del Castillo. The La Asunción Colhuacatzinco Church is Neoclassical with arches serving as buttresses . It main altar is modern, from the end of the 20th century. This church is important due to its association with a number of traditions including the Burning of Judas on Easter Sunday and fireworks on frames called toritos. Good Friday

8927-466: The lake were reduced to canals. These “floating gardens” were an important part of the economy of the Aztec Empire by the time the Spanish arrived. Today, only about 5,000 chinampas, all affixed to the lake bottom, still exist in their original form, surrounded by canals and used for agriculture. The rest have become solid ground and urbanized. In the center of Xochimilco, there are about 200 chinampas, covering an area of 1,800 hectares. However, one reason

9040-404: The last of these canals disappear despite their importance to tourism. These remaining canals and their ecosystem was declared a World Heritage Site in 1987, with the purpose of saving them. An important part of this ecosystem is a willow tree called a “ ahuejote ” that is native to the shallow waters of the lake/canals. These stem erosion, act as wind breakers and favor the reproduction of

9153-592: The local government for all the communities of the borough, whether part of the city or not. These offices are located on Calle Guadalupe I. Ramirez 4, in the El Rosario area. The borough has 11.4 km (7.1 mi) of primary roadway and 4,284,733 square metres (1,058.8 acres) of paved surface. Major thoroughfares include the Xochimilco-Tulyehualco road, Nuevo León, Periférico Sur, Avenida Guadalupe and Calzada México-Xochimilco. However, many of

9266-413: The many religious festivals that occur through the year, and the means by which these festivals are sponsored and organized. Much of religious practice in the borough is through symbolic processes that work to produce a kind of social cohesion. The most visible of these are the large civic/religious festivals. There is some religious plurality in the borough although they represent a very small minority of

9379-428: The most important. The Xochimilcas were farmers and founded their first dominion under a leader named Acatonallo. He is credited with inventing the chinampa system of agriculture to increase production. These chinampas eventually became the main producer, with crops such as corn, beans, chili peppers , squash, and more. The city of Xochimilco was founded in 919. Over time, it grew and began to dominate other areas on

9492-417: The mysteries of the island & the dolls. The name "Xochimilco" comes from Nahuatl and means "flower field." This referred to the many flowers and other crops that were grown here on chinampas since the pre-Hispanic period. The first human presence in the area was of hunter gatherers, who eventually settled into farming communities. The first settlements in the Xochimilco area were associated with

9605-413: The number has decreased is that smaller chinampas have been combined to create larger ones. While there are still those who maintain chinampas traditionally, and use them for agriculture, the chinampa culture is fading in the borough, with many being urbanized or turned into soccer fields and sites for housing and businesses. The deterioration of many of these chinampas can be seen as their edges erode into

9718-416: The past, houses in the area were constructed from adobe and wood from juniper trees, but today, most constructions are boxy cinderblock constructions, many of which are not painted. By the 2010 census its population had grown to 415,007 inhabitants, or 4.69% of Mexico City's total. What was the city of Xochimilco, now sometimes called the historic center of the borough, began as a pre-Hispanic city on

9831-424: The plant has been extracted from the canals monthly. In 2006, a Brazilian insect ( Anthonomus grandis ) was introduced to the canals to help control the plant. However, some need to be maintained because the axolotls are using them for reproduction purposes. Introduced species include carp and tilapia , which were introduced in the 1960s. However, these have been very detrimental to the native ecosystem, especially

9944-475: The population. There are thirty six non-Catholic congregations in the borough with about seventy places of worship. Almost all are Protestant or Evangelical groups established by missionaries, mostly from the United States. The first was established 120 years ago, but most have been established in the last twenty years, with a small but growing number of followers. However, since almost all social activity

10057-524: The protected zone. Each year the borough loses six hectares of former lakebed to illegal settlements. According to the borough, about 90,000 people in Xochimilco live in illegal settlements, such as those in ecological zones, and 33,804 families live illegally on the chinampas. The most problematic are those closest to the canals, which cause the most pollution. The area is also sinking 18 cm (7.1 in) per year due to over pumping of groundwater, and canals are being filled in illegally. The deterioration

10170-404: The rise, and more rural communities have taken to vigilante justice. Residents state that this is necessary because there is insufficient police protection. Xochimilco has only one policeman for each 550 residents on average, and there have been complaints that police have taken over 30 minutes to respond to calls. The borough has a population of 368,798, but only 670 police and 40 police cars. There

10283-614: The settlement with Acatonalli, its first ruler, who while facing food shortages proposed before the Council of elders, placing wooden rods filled with organic dirt, thereby over the water, creating the Chinampa in the Lake, agricultural method that has been transmitted from generation to generation since prehispanic times until the present day, they produced corn , chili , beans , pumpkin and flowers as well as other crops. From Cuahilama,

10396-428: The shallow waters by a pole. Up through the centuries, the valley lakes continued to shrink but there were still canals that linked Xochimilco to the center of Mexico City. In the late 19th century, Mexico City had outgrown its traditional water supplies and began to take water from the springs and underground aquifers of Xochimilco. Degradation of the lakes was fastest in the early 20th century, when projects such as

10509-427: The shallow waters of the lakes, rafts were constructed of juniper branches. Onto these rafts floating on the water, lakebed mud and soil were heaped and crops planted. These rafts, tied to juniper trees, would eventually sink and a new one be built to replace it. Over time, these sunken rafts would form square or rectangular islands, held in place in part by the juniper trees. As these chinampa islands propagated, areas of

10622-525: The south side of the lakes such as Mixquic , Tláhuac , Culhuacan and even parts of what is now the State of Morelos . Xochimilco had one woman ruler, which did not happen anywhere else in Mesoamerica in the pre-Hispanic period. She is credited with adding a number of distinctive dishes to the area's cuisine, with inclusions such as necuatolli , chileatolli ( atole with chili pepper), esquites and tlapiques . In 1352, then emperor Caxtoltzin moved

10735-415: The southern shore of Lake Xochimilco. After the Conquest , the Spanish built the San Bernardino de Siena monastery and church, which is still the center of the borough. The main street through the center of town, Guadalupe I.Ramirez, was originally a land bridge connecting this area, then on an island, to the causeway that led to Tenochtitlan (Mexico City). As the lake dried, the bridge became road, and it

10848-412: The wet areas around Xochimilco for nesting. Many of these come from the United States and Canada. However, much of this habitat has been urbanized. About 700 species have been found in the area overall. Some of the migratory species include pelicans , storks , buzzards and falcons . The destruction of the last of these canals began in the 1950s. At that time, groundwater pumping under the city center

10961-533: The woods of Xochimilco—was miles away from civilization. Driven by fear, he spent the next fifty years hanging more and more dolls, some missing body parts, all over the island in an attempt to appease what he believed to be the drowned girl's spirit. After Barrera's death in 2001—his body reportedly found in the exact spot where he found the girl's body fifty years before—the area became a popular tourist attraction where visitors bring more dolls. The locals describe it as "charmed"—not haunted—even though travelers claim

11074-535: Was an island connected to the mainland by three causeways. One of these still exists in the form of Avenida Guadalupe I.Ramirez, one of the city's main streets. This causeway led to the main ceremonial center of the town, which was called the Quilaztli. The Spanish destroyed the Quilaztli during the Conquest, and replaced it with the San Bernardino de Siena Church, which would become the social and political center of

11187-462: Was baptized with the name of Luís Cortés Cerón de Alvarado in 1522 and he was allowed to continue governing under the Spanish. Evangelization was undertaken here by Martín de Valencia with a number of others who are known as the first twelve Franciscans in Mexico . Their monastery was built between 1534 and 1579, along with many chapels and churches in the Xochimilco area, a hospital in Tlacoapa and

11300-549: Was called the Puente de Axomulco in the colonial era. It received its current name in the 1970s to honor a delegate of the borough. This town center also has a large plaza and to the side of this, a large area filled with street vendors, many selling ice cream. There is also a “ Tianguis de Comida” or market filled with food stalls. This center underwent renovations in 2002 at a cost of sixty million pesos . Drainage and sidewalks were improved and security cameras installed. To improve

11413-411: Was causing severe subsidence. These wells were closed and new ones dug in Xochimilco and other southern boroughs. High rates of extraction have had the same effect on water tables and canals began to dry. Since then reclaimed wastewater has been recycled to flow into the Xochimilco canals to supplement water from natural sources. However, this water is not potable, containing bacteria and heavy metals and

11526-522: Was dedicated to Jesus, then Candlemas and finally the Virgin of the Sorrows (Virgen de los Dolores). It officially became a sanctuary in 1951, declared by the archbishop of Mexico . In 1964, Xaltocán became a parish and in 1976, this church became the official parish church. The main celebration of the church is to an image of the Virgin Mary, which is said to have miraculously appeared in the pen of

11639-453: Was designated as a "Barrio Mágico" by the city in 2011. The borough is center-south of the historic center of Mexico City, and bordered by the boroughs of Tlalpan , Coyoacán , Tláhuac and Milpa Alta . It extends over 125 km (48 sq mi), accounting for 8.4% of the Federal District's territory. It is the third largest borough, after Tlalpan, and Milpa Alta. The borough has an emblem, also known as an Aztec glyph , which

11752-494: Was done on the church in its decorative elements in the 1970s. This also included removing two schools that had been established on the large atrium area as well as banning commercial activities from the same. The church maintains is very large atrium , which was common to monasteries during the evangelization efforts of the very early colonial period. These atriums were meant to hold large congregations of indigenous peoples, who were ministered to by very few monks. The side gate of

11865-456: Was expanded. Manuel Payno in his novel "Los bandidos del río Frio" related a journey through here between San Lázaro and Chalco . In 1850, the first steam-powered boat traveled through here, connecting Mexico City with Chalco. Steam powered ships remained in Xochimilco waters from then until the 1880s, when they faded from use. Before, during and after, Xochimilco continued to make more traditional rafts, canoes and trajineras , pushed along

11978-556: Was founded by the xochimilcas around 1254 CE, the first nahuatlacas tribes arrived from Aztlán in the north to the Anáhuac Valley in 1265 CE, the first Xochimilca Lord, Acatonalli, founded the village on the Hill Cuauhilama. Between 1450 and 1521, Santa Cruz Acalpixca was a small village, although capital of the area, it was during this period that the petroglyphs were made. Those settlers were farmers, founded

12091-436: Was granted in 1987, but these same major environmental problems still exist. A 2006 study by UNESCO and Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana has shown that there are still very high levels of pollution (both garbage and fecal matter) in the canals and there still a rapid rate of deterioration 2,000 hectares of protected area. UNESCO has placed the most blame for the problems on the proliferation of illegal human settlements in

12204-494: Was granted the title of city by Felipe II in 1559. Through much of the colonial era, the city's native population was decimated by epidemics, especially typhoid . Despite this, and because of the apparent acceptance of Christianity, the Xochimilcas were permitted to retain a number of their traditions and their identity as a people. The area remained mostly indigenous for much of the colonial period. Its importance as an agricultural center with easy access to Mexico City meant that in

12317-580: Was inaugurated that was supposed to reach Tulyehualco, but never did. During the Mexican Revolution , the first Zapatistas came into the borough through Milpa Alta . They burned areas in Nativitas and San Lucas in 1911 and then stayed without further attacks. They then took the city of Xochimilco in 1912, burning the southern part. The Zapatistas then controlled most of what is now the borough. On 23 April 1913, 39 youths were shot to death in

12430-527: Was knocked from his horse, and almost captured by the Mexicans. The following day, Guatemoc sent ten thousand warriors by land and two thousand by canoe to attack the Spaniards, followed by ten thousand reinforcements. The Mexicans were defeated, and Cortes was able to capture five Mexican captains. Cortes then proceeded with his march. After the Conquest, Apochquiyauhtzin, the last lord of Xochimilco,

12543-492: Was one case of vigilante justice in 1999, when a youth accused of robbery was caught and beaten by residents before handed over to police. But the police did not pursue the charge. The Xochimilco Light Rail line, locally known as El Tren Ligero , of STE , provides light rail service connecting the borough to the Mexico City Metro system. Xochimilco is characterized by a system of canals, which measure about

12656-474: Was ruled by Tzalpoyotzin. Shortly thereafter, Aztec emperor Itzcoatl built the causeway or calzada that would connect the two cities over the lake. During the reign of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina , the Xochimilcas contributed materials and manpower to construct a temple to Huitzilopochtli . They also participated in the further conquests of the Aztec Empire such as in Cuauhnáhuac (Cuernavaca) , Xalisco and

12769-421: Was the main transportation venue, especially for goods from the pre-Hispanic period until the 20th century. In the pre-Hispanic period, parts of the shallow lakes were filled in, creating canals. Starting in the early colonial period, the interconnected lakes of the valley, including Lake Xochimilco , were drained. By the 20th century, the lakes had shrunk to a system of canals that still connected Xochimilco with

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