Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City, is a tourist gem you should know about. If you are visiting the city, we recommend sailing through the canals. Due to its cultural value, this place is one of the most visited by national and international tourists.
We must tell you that Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City, is vital for humanity in terms of history, heritage, and ecology. Everything in Xochimilco has a particular charm. It is a destination tailor-made for those seeking magical experiences. It’s time to live enriching experiences.
A brief history of Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City
The tourist value of Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City, lies in its history and culture. This town is part of the 16 municipalities of Ciudad de México. Xochimilco contains an exceptional mix between Mesoamerican culture and Hispanic heritage. That’s where its most tremendous appeal lies.
Xochimilco is south of the so-called Valley of Mexico, or Anahuac Valley. This geographical region was originally a basin with various lakes. Because of its splendid crops of flowers, fruits, and vegetables on the Chinampas islands, the word Xochimilco means “flower field.”
Chinampas are plots of land intended for agriculture artificially built over water with sediments, trees, and plants. They are an ancient technique practiced by pre-Hispanic civilizations. Much of the Valley of Mexico became islands and canals through which they transported agricultural products.
During the colonial and 19th centuries, they drained lakes and canals due to urban expansion and flooding. But in Xochimilco, they tried to preserve the environment of lakes, canals, and chinampas. It is the last stronghold of the Valley of Mexico, and that’s why you can still observe this landscape.
Xochimilco, Cultural Heritage of Humanity
If you want to visit destinations with high heritage, cultural, and historical value, Xochimilco is suitable. UNESCO declared the chinampas, canals, and other historical monuments the Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
The purpose of the declaration was to preserve the cultural and historical environment of the area. Due to various reasons, Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City, is currently a protected area. Its heritage value lies in the preon of the cultural traditions of Mesoamerican civilizations.
Its place in history is unique in the world. The maintenance of an ancient agricultural tradition such as chinampas makes it exceptional. Xochimilco is one of the few places in the world where you can appreciate pre-Hispanic civilizations’ way of life.
The Chinampas and canals, as examples of pre-Hispanic culture, need to exhaust the reasons for Xochimilco to be a universal heritage. This town has a significant value in terms of environmental and ecological matters. Its richness in biodiversity makes it an ecological heritage and an area suitable for ecotourism.
Xochimilco Environmental Conservation
The UNESCO declaration mainly concerns the danger of these biodiversity-rich areas disappearing. Different reasons, such as the expansion of urban life and pollution, make them environmentally sensitive areas.
Xochimilco and other surrounding areas are among the few in the Valley of Mexico that maintain the lake environment. This southern town provides excellent environmental services to the entire city. In addition, it is protected by the Ramsar Convention for the protection of wetlands, as it is the only place in Ciudad de México in this category.
Mexico’s governments also work to preserve the Xochimilco Lake area. Due to its historical and ecological exceptionality, this town deserves to be respected and preserved correctly. Only a few places have its cultural history and rich biodiversity.
For this reason, the different Mexican governments apply awareness policies through environmental educational programs. They develop sustainable projects and take precautions to avoid contamination. The idea is to protect the natural environment as much as possible while restoring the ecosystem.
Tourist attractions of Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City
This magical town, visited by thousands of tourists annually, has excellent tourist attractions. Many of them have to do with their heritage and historical value. But they also relate to its inhabitants’ customs, gastronomy, music, fairs, and landscape. Let’s see then some of its main attractions:
- Trajinera ride. The main activity in Xochimilco is walking along the canals in the trajineras. Sailing on these boats, you can enjoy the landscape of Xochimilco.
- Ecological Park. You can visit the Xochimilco Ecological Park. In this place, you can see the flora and fauna caring for the environment. In addition, you will enjoy a beautiful view of chinampas and vegetation.
- The island of the dolls. This particular place is an island full of hanging dolls. Its appeal lies in the mystery of who owned the island and why he began hanging the dolls.
- Church of San Bernardino de Siena. This architectural work was built by Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century. It has significant heritage and artistic value for the history of Xochimilco.
- Nativitas Forest. This green space offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and engage in outdoor recreational activities.
- Madre Selva Market. In this market, you can buy various plants, flowers, and accessories that are typical of the place.
- Museum and Archaeological Zone. The museum houses statues, sculptures, and archaeological pieces representing part of Xochimilco’s history and the Cuailama Archaeological Zone and Ceremonial Center.
- Dolores Olmedo Museum. This museum contains thousands of artistic works by Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo as well as pre-Hispanic pieces.
As we can see, there are many possibilities in this marvelous place of Ciudad de México. It is a town with many tourist attractions. Xochimilco is ideal for people who prefer destinations with cultural value and those looking for unique experiences.
Gastronomy and drinks in Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City
You can enjoy delicious food and beverages in Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City. On trajinera rides, there are usually many merchants selling their typical foods. However, visiting restaurants or typical street food stalls is also advisable.
Like almost all Mexican cuisine, the foods of Xochimilco express the cultural mix of pre-Hispanic and Spanish heritage. This fusion offers excellent culinary experiences and unique dishes worldwide.
Some dishes that we can mention are tlapique, chalupas, or corn tamales. A special mention deserves the Enchiladas Xochimilco, an excellent variant of this traditional Mexican dish. In addition, you can find another variety of appetizers, such as tacos and quesadillas.
Meanwhile, among the drinks, you can see “Atole,” a hot drink made with corn, sugar, and cinnamon. Also, “Pulque” is a fermented drink made from maguey mead. In addition, you can have the classic micheladas while taking a ride in trajineras.
Celebrations and traditions of the little Venice of Mexico City
On the other hand, Xochimilco maintains many traditions and celebrations among its inhabitants. This town is particular because of its festivities, customs, and its inhabitants’ joy. Here, we will name some of the most popular celebrations in the little Venice of Mexico City.
- El Niñopa. El Niñopa is a sculpture of the baby Jesus dating from the 16th century. Every year, a new family receives it. On February 2, the inhabitants of Xochimilco demonstrate their faith and go on a pilgrimage to celebrate the change of home.
- Candlemas Day. On February 2, Candlemas Day, the inhabitants of Xochimilco gather to eat tamales. It is a kind of closing to the Christmas celebrations.
- Day of the Dead. On November 1 and 2, people gather in cemeteries to remember their deceased loved ones with offerings and flowers.
- The most beautiful flower in the ejido. This celebration celebrates the beauty of the mestizo woman, and a woman representative of the community is chosen for it.
These are the most essential celebrations in Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City. Some others that are worth mentioning are, for example, the Crystallized Sweet Fair or the Amaranth and Olive Fair.
The magic of Xochimilco, the little Venice of Mexico City
Xochimilco, The little Venice of Mexico City, is a magical tourist destination. The charm of this place lies in its natural landscape, culture, history, and universal heritage. Xochimilco is an extraordinary mix of cultural diversity, nature, and history.
The magic of this place is the maintenance of an ancient culture like the pre-Hispanic one. The traditions and customs of the place make the inhabitants of Xochimilco as remarkable as its historical monuments and natural landscapes.
The city’s commitment to sustainability, gastronomy, and the charm of its canal walks make Xochimilco a unique place. It is, without a doubt, one of the tourist and cultural jewels of Mexico City. It is not for nothing that it has been called the little Venice of Ciudad de México.
In summary, Xochimilco has many reasons for being chosen as a tourist destination. If you want to have magical experiences, you must visit this place. Speaking of mystical experiences, you can also enjoy a helicopter tour of Mexico.
At México Helicopter, we are proud to offer the best option for aerial helicopter tours of CDMX. Our clients can explore the wonders of the capital from an incomparable perspective. All you have to do is contact us and book!
References
https://www.pexels.com/es-es/foto/vacaciones-festival-barca-mexicano-11556608/
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https://www.shutterstock.com/es/image-photo/very-famous-trajinera-boat-mexico-on-1807152577
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