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Oaxaca's Zócalo
Posted On Friday April 6, 2007 By Mateo
The zócalo in Oaxaca, Mexico is an UNESCO World Heritage Site known as one of the most beautiful and historic public spaces in the world. It’s design dates back to 1529 Spanish colonial rule. It is home to a municipal government building, hotels, shops, cafes and last but not least la Catedral. The zócalo is brought to life every day by the Oaxacans who come to work there as merchants, relax under the large shade trees, and to meet friends and family members for celebrations as well as political rallies and protests. When you are there conversation, music, and the smell of amazing food comes from all around.
But the zócalo has been under siege the past several years. In 2002 McDonald’s wanted to establish a fast-food restaurant within the zócalo. Some felt that the business would help the local economy and provide jobs to Oaxacans while others felt it would compromise this historic place. The opposition, led by artist Francisco Toledo, won this battle and McDonald’s has been prohibited from opening a restaurant in the zócalo for now.
However, in 2005 the government began a massive renovation to the zócalo in which they replaced most of the stonework. During the renovations several of the large shade trees fell due to careless construction practices and all the ornate metal benches were removed and replaced with solid stone. After the loss of these trademark items Toledo and others once again came to the rescue of the zócalo. The photo above was taken the day before Toledo staged a protest to have the original benches restored. They were re-installed the next day and the fallen trees have been replanted so I am told.
I haven’t been back to the zócalo since they finished the renovations in 2006 but I look forward to seeing it again soon. My friend Oscar, who lives in Oaxaca, insists that the zócalo is still very much alive and as beautiful as it ever was. I know I will always compare what it was like my first visit with what it is now. I just hope that when I visit later this year or next I don’t have to walk past three Starbucks on my way to the other side like I do walking down my own block in NYC. And I can’t help but worry about the future of the zócalo if it should ever loose Toledo and it’s other supporters.
Tags: beautiful, historic, mcdonald's, mexico, oaxaca, renovation, toledo, zócalo
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