Why the streets of the historic center of CDMX are named after Latin American countries

The historic center of Mexico City is recognized as a place that has great cultural and historically relevant sites, which is why most of its streets allude to characters from the past such as the avenue Francis I Bois, Pin Suarez, Noble and further.

However, there is a section where these names begin to change to make way for country names, specifically the Central and South America. These appointments were not a random decision, but were the result of a desire to reinforce the idea of ​​construction and national recognition.

After the Mexican Revolution, the government tried to create a nationalist identity that recognized the great fighters of the homeland, which is why many streets and avenues were named after social revolutionaries who helped bring the idea of the nation-state that today is known.

However, it was the then rector of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), José Vasconcelos, who proposed in 1921 to name certain streets and avenues with the countries that first recognized the new political order established after the Revolution, as a reason for thanks and appreciation for your solidarity.

During the celebration of the commemoration of the 100 years of independence and the celebration of the new Political Constitution of 1917, the Mexican government of the time organized a committee so that he was in charge of making the relevant arrangements for the said occasions, which is why they were amended around 12 streets from the historic center.

-Republic of El Salvador

-Republic of Colombia

– Republic of Uruguay

-Republic of Guatemala

– Republic of Brazil

-Republic of Cuba

-Republic of Venezuela

-Republic of Bolivia

-Republic of Peru

– Republic of Nicaragua

-Republic of Paraguay

– Republic of Ecuador

The streets of Mexico City, especially those of the historic scepter, have experienced a series of important changes as a point of reference for the important events that have occurred, since the old world, with the conquest of the Spanish crown, came established in Aztec lands, the various avenues and roads were named after their traditions.

In colonial times, it was common for streets in and around central Mexico City to be named after Viceroys and saints belonging to the Catholic religion. However, some have kept names from Aztec traditions referring to their religion, such as Tlaloc, Huacalco and more. Denominations that are still present in certain parts of the city.

However, these names have gradually changed over time. An example of these was the Chaussée de Tepeyac, which dates back to the ancient civilization of the Aztecs, as one of the most important avenues. Currently, this route is known as Causeway of the Mysteries.

Another avenue that has known different names over time is the now famous Reform Marchformerly known as Empress’ March, Name referring to the Empire of Maximilian of Habsburg and Charlotte Amalia of Belgium. It was considered an avenue that directly connected the Imperial Palace (now the National Palace) to Chapultepec Castle.

It should be noted that under the government of Porfirio Díaz, many streets in Mexico City were radically renamed to follow the idea of ​​modernization and similarity with European cities, renaming them “Calle Sur 10K”, “Avenida Westeros 7J” , For example. However, this idea did not last, for after its overthrow in 1910, the revolutionary members changed many of their practices, with the definition of streets and avenues being one of the main tasks at hand.