Mexico City’s main square, called El Zocalo, was built over the Aztec’s empire former capital- Tenochitlan- which itself was built on an island in the middle of a large lake where the city’s main temple, the Templo Mayor, rose 90 feet in the air. It is not surprising then that the formidable Cathedral, one of the city’s main attractions which you will find here, is sinking despite constant efforts to recuperate it. The inside is a conglomerate of scaffolding trying to keep the structure in place, but nobody really knows if the temple will eventually make it. Today, performers recreate Aztec ceremonies and dances in the Zocalo regularly every Sunday, but only three times a year do the groups come in the hundreds, creating a unique show that begins at around noon lasts about 5 hours. It is, without a doubt, one of the most invigorating attractions you’ll find in Mexico city thanks to the extremely detailed costumes used by the performers and the beating of the drums that can be heard in the distance.
The secret of this performance lies, in my opinion, in the sophisticated costumes used by the actors. Incredibly detailed they have the power to take you back in time, and in a way appreciate the fact that you are not their enemy after all- the head masks can be more than threatening, don’t you think?
Have you been in Mexico City? Did you have the opportunity to watch the performers in the Zocalo? What did you think of the show? Where else have you seen similar displays of ancient culture remembrance? Share your thoughts below, and this post too if you liked it!
Mexico City is a very good city.It is very wonderful.People come here from different-2 countries.I like this place.
Lovely pictures of some truly amazing headdresses, and this happens every Sunday? Mexico is on ‘the list’ of destination to visit – thanks for wetting my appetite 🙂
Awesome. Looks like it would be a wonderful experience.
Amazing! I love shows of any kind, so I’m especially a sucker for experiences like these. No, I did not see a performance when I was in Mexico City. 🙁
Awww, shmucks! Maybe next time!
I have never been to Mexico City, but your pictures are mesmerizing and make me want to someday. The details and colors are amazing. 🙂
The show was quite dazzling I must say!
Wow – I have never seen anything like this in person before! Look how intricate their headdresses are…. Amazing! Thanks for sharing these 🙂
You are welcome Sara!
I have traveled here, but I did not get to see any live performances. I did eat some good food though 🙂
Performances only happen on Sundays 🙂
Well done travel site-very interesting/informative..
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This is amazing! The costume is so impressive. Great photos!
It is indeed James..thanks!
The headgear rocks!
You bet- I found it to be the most fascinating of it all
So cool!! And, really good pics!
Thanks Diana!
Wow! That is WAY more than when we were there. I totally love all the taxidermy going on in these pictures.
I was very lucky indeed Erica! And those masks and decorations are one of a kind!
That is SO friggin cool!
I cannot deny it: it is!
Great photos, so colourful. I am surprised to hear they call them “indians” and not indigenous/native/first nations/aboriginal like in the rest of North America.
In Mexico they call them “indios” most often than not. Though sometimes they do use it as an insult as well… which I find surprising.