Discovering Xochimilco: Canals, trajineras, ajolotes and cultural legacy
March 15, 2024
Jean
Latest Modification Date: 3/15/24
Located in the middle of Mexico’s city busy south Periférico, the Ecological Park of Xochimilco hides a protected ecological area known for its extensive canal system, artificial islands called chinampas and colorful floating gardens, bringing together a remnant of pre-Hispanic agricultural practices.
The chinampas are floating gardens created by lacing together layers of vegetation and soil on a base of lightweight roots, used for growing flowers, vegetables, and other crops while the trajineras, long colorful canoes or rafts with charismatic tones that sail through the canals propelled by a paddle that gets stuck in the mud of these fertile lands.
The name "Xochimilco" is derived from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and means "flower field”. The park is surrounded by protected ecological areas, wildlife and an encounter with nature, and at the same time, a lively atmosphere, live Mexican music, food and drinks.
The Xochimilco Ecological Park, which was reopened in 2020 and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, aims to provide a cultural perspective on the majesty of the ancient Mexico Basin and the agricultural system that emerged—the chinampas—as a result of a harmonious coexistence between nature and the indigenous people who lived thousands of years ago in these lands.
Since ancient times, the Aztecs used the canals as communication routes to navigate through the entire Mexico Basin that included the lakes of Zumpango, Xaltocan, Texcoco, Chalco, and Xochimilco. With the arrival of the Spanish and the development of the Spanish colony, the lakes began to dry up due to human activity.
Besides the trajineras, you can visit La Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the dolls), located within the ecological zone in a journey filled with terrifying legends that manifest in a chilling temple, providing solace to souls haunted by tragedy.
Another highlight of the park are the adorable Ajolotes (Axolotl), which is an adorable local creature that is endangered. You can discover them in the reptile enclosures that safeguard its survival. Additionally, you'll see crocodiles, turtles, fish, and snakes.
What are the trajineras made off?
The trajineras are handcrafted with thick logs, planks, and beams, and as for the paint colors of the canoes, yellow and red represent the Maquizcóatl, a serpent that existed in the swamps. Their origin lies in the customs of Veracruz that locals adopted.
These boats represent a unique cultural legacy and are a true symbol of the region's identity. They are adorned with bright colors and eye-catching designs that reflect the joy and festive spirit of Xochimilco.
Related Posts
December 19, 2023
Get the knowledge from the locals and meet other Xpats in this community.
200+ Xpats already joined!
Jack
Monika
Lili
Jasper
XPATS is a cross border embedded finance platform designed to provide access to borderless financial and non financial products for Expatriates and Global Remote Workers.
Keep updated. Get Priority Access
XPATS is a cross border embedded finance platform designed to provide access to borderless financial and non financial products for Expatriates and Global Remote Workers.
Keep updated. Get Priority Access
Discovering Xochimilco: Canals, trajineras, ajolotes and cultural legacy
March 15, 2024
Jean
Discovering Xochimilco: Canals, trajineras, ajolotes and cultural legacy
March 15, 2024
Jean
Located in the middle of Mexico’s city busy south Periférico, the Ecological Park of Xochimilco hides a protected ecological area known for its extensive canal system, artificial islands called chinampas and colorful floating gardens, bringing together a remnant of pre-Hispanic agricultural practices.
The chinampas are floating gardens created by lacing together layers of vegetation and soil on a base of lightweight roots, used for growing flowers, vegetables, and other crops while the trajineras, long colorful canoes or rafts with charismatic tones that sail through the canals propelled by a paddle that gets stuck in the mud of these fertile lands.
The name "Xochimilco" is derived from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, and means "flower field”. The park is surrounded by protected ecological areas, wildlife and an encounter with nature, and at the same time, a lively atmosphere, live Mexican music, food and drinks.
The Xochimilco Ecological Park, which was reopened in 2020 and is considered a UNESCO World Heritage Centre, aims to provide a cultural perspective on the majesty of the ancient Mexico Basin and the agricultural system that emerged—the chinampas—as a result of a harmonious coexistence between nature and the indigenous people who lived thousands of years ago in these lands.
Latest Modification Date: 3/15/24
Since ancient times, the Aztecs used the canals as communication routes to navigate through the entire Mexico Basin that included the lakes of Zumpango, Xaltocan, Texcoco, Chalco, and Xochimilco. With the arrival of the Spanish and the development of the Spanish colony, the lakes began to dry up due to human activity.
Besides the trajineras, you can visit La Isla de las Muñecas (Island of the dolls), located within the ecological zone in a journey filled with terrifying legends that manifest in a chilling temple, providing solace to souls haunted by tragedy.
Another highlight of the park are the adorable Ajolotes (Axolotl), which is an adorable local creature that is endangered. You can discover them in the reptile enclosures that safeguard its survival. Additionally, you'll see crocodiles, turtles, fish, and snakes.
What are the trajineras made off?
The trajineras are handcrafted with thick logs, planks, and beams, and as for the paint colors of the canoes, yellow and red represent the Maquizcóatl, a serpent that existed in the swamps. Their origin lies in the customs of Veracruz that locals adopted.
These boats represent a unique cultural legacy and are a true symbol of the region's identity. They are adorned with bright colors and eye-catching designs that reflect the joy and festive spirit of Xochimilco.
