Azcapotzalco

Lore & Background

Azcapotzalco was founded in the pre-Hispanic era and served as the seat of the Tepanec dominion until the Aztec Triple Alliance overthrew it. In the centuries that followed it was a rural farming area. In the mid-19th century it became part of the Federal District of Mexico City, and in the 20th century it was engulfed by the urban sprawl of Mexico City.

Reader's Guide

The historic center is marked by Plaza Hidalgo, which has fenced stone paths surrounding gardens, a statue of Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, and a six-sided kiosk. The parish and former monastery of San Felipe and Santiago Apóstoles dates from 1565 and has the largest atrium in Mexico City. The Casa de Cultura cultural center, built in 1891 as the municipal hall, now hosts art exhibits, workshops, and classes. Parque Tezozomoc, inaugurated in 1982, is a scaled replica of the Valley of Basin of Mexico in the pre-Hispanic era. Alameda Norte park is next to the Ferrería station and has a pond rehabilitated in the 2000s. Other green areas include community squares, sports centers, college campuses, and cemeteries. The municipality has 54 parks covering 100.51 hectares, and sports facilities cover about 67 hectares with 70 fields and sports centers open to the public.

Did You Know?

• The name Azcapotzalco comes from āzcapōtzalli 'anthill' + -co 'place', meaning 'In the place of the anthills'.
• The historic center was designated as a 'Barrio Mágico' in 2011.
• The parish church has a legend that when a red ant climbs the bell tower, the world will end.
• The municipality produces 571 tons of solid waste per day, a nearly seven-fold increase since the 1980s.