From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
Iztapalapa, Mexico City
Iztapalapa borough is named after and centered on the formerly in-
dependent municipality of Iztapalapa, which is officially
— Delegación — called Iztapalapa de Cuitláhuac for disambiguation pur-
poses. The rest is made up of a number of other commu-
nities which are governed by the city of Iztapalapa.
The borough is the most populous and fastest grow-
ing of the city with over 90% of its territory urbanized.
The borough transitioned from a rural area with some
Seal farms and canals as late as the 1970s, to an area with the
only green areas in parks and almost all of its people em-
ployed in commerce, services and industry. This is the
result of a large influx of people into the borough start-
ing from the 1970s and which still continues. The area
has a high level of socioeconomic marginalization, with a
significant number of people lacking sufficient access to
clean potable water. Crime is also a major problem, with
much of it related to drug trafficking and poverty. How-
ever, the borough is home of one of Mexico City’s major
cultural events, the annual Passion Play in which 450 bor-
ough residents participate and about 2 million attend as
spectators.
The borough and city
Iztapalapa today is a borough of the Federal District of
Iztapalapa within the Federal District Mexico City, centered on what used to be an independent
Country Mexico settlement with its origins in the pre-Hispanic period. It
Federal entity D.F. has a territory of 116.67km2 (11,506 hectares), and is lo-
Established 1928 cated on the east side of the Federal District bordering
Named for Ancient Aztec neighborhood the boroughs of Iztacalco, Xochimilco, Tláhuac, Coyoacán
and Benito Juárez. The State of Mexico borders the bor-
Seat Aldama No. 63 esq. Ayuntamiento,
Barrio San Lucas. CP. 09000. ough on the each side, and Iztapalapa has strong cultural
and economic ties to this part of the state.[1][2]
Government
The borough was created in 1928, centered on and
• Jefe Clara Brugada (PRD)
delegacional
named after a formerly independent municipality within
the Federal District, which already had governing au-
Area thority over a number of surrounding communities.[3]
• Total 117 km2 (45.2 sq mi)
The modern borough is made up of 15 “barrios” or neigh-
Population as of 2010 borhoods, considered to be part of city of Iztapalapa, and
• Total 1,815,768 18 other “pueblos” or communities outside of it.[4] To
• Density 15,519.4/km2 (40,195/sq mi) distinguish the original city of Iztapalapa from the rest
Time zone Central Standard Time (UTC-6) of the borough, it was officially named Iztapalapa de
• Summer (DST)
DST) Central Daylight Time (UTC-5) Cuitláhuac in 2006 in honor of the tenth Aztec emper-
or.[4] However, eight of the barrios are considered to be
Postal codes 09000 – 09990
the historic center of the city of Iztapalapa, which are
Area code(s) 55
La Asunción, San Ignacio, Santa Barbara, San Lucas, San
Website http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx Pablo, San Miguel, San Pedro and San José. Records of
the “eight barrios of Iztapalapa” go back at least until
Iztapalapa is one of the Federal District of Mexico City’s
1898.[3][5] Borough authorities have sought “Barrios
16 boroughs, located on the east side of the entity. The
Mágicos Turísticos” (Magical Tourism Neighborhoods)
1
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
status for these, for a program similar to the “Pueblos mate with average temperature not exceeding 6.5C. Most
Mágicos” tourism program run by the federal govern- of the area falls into the temperate category and all re-
ment. The goal is to attract visitors to these neighbor- ceive most of their rainfall in the summer and early
hoods as well as other landmarks of the borough such as fall.[10]
the Cerro de la Estrella, Pueblo Culhuacán, the Churubus-
co Gardens, La Magdalena Atlazolpa, Los Reyes, San Anto-
nio Culhuacán, Mexicalzingo, the San Lorenzo Cemetery,
Urbanization
San Andrés Tetepilco and San José Aculco.[6] Uncontrolled population growth in the area has nearly
wiped out all forms of wildlife in the borough, although
as late as the 1960s, there were still a number of water-
Elevation and climate fowl to be found. Animals found here now are pets or
the few cases in which families still raise domestic fowl,
rabbits and others for food.[11] Almost all of the borough
(90%) is urbanized, with only six percent designated as
ecological reserve, concentrated in to two parks, the Cer-
ro de la Estrella National Park and the Sierra de San-
ta Catarina, declared a reserve in 1994.[2][3][12] However,
both of these areas are under pressure by the continued
urbanization and population growth of the area. [2]
Iztapalapa and most of the east side of the Federal
District was historically rural and poor up until the
mid-20th century. Large-scale urbanization and industri-
alization began in the 1950s, along with high rates of mi-
gration into the borough in the 1970s.[3] Today, it has
Yohualiuhqui volcano, as seen from the San Lorenzo Tezonco
high population density, limited infrastructure and high
cemetery
levels of socio economic marginalization.[2] Social prob-
lems include homelessness, unregulated street vending,
The borough has an average elevation of 2240 masl and
illegal building and crimes associated with the sex
extends over firm land and what was former lake bed
trade.[2] Many live in rundown housing with deficient
of Lake Texcoco.[7][8] Some of the firm land is alluvial
municipal services. The exception to this are the areas
plain but most of it are elevations such as the Cerro de
that border the boroughs of Benito Juárez, Coyoacán and
la Estrella (2,460 masl), Peñón Viejo or Peñon del Mar-
Iztacalco.[2] As of 2010, about 30% of the borough’s build-
qués(2,400 masl), and the Sierra de Santa Catalina, which
ings still have damage from the 1985 earthquake. Most
contains the Cerro Tecuatzi (2,640 masl), Cerro Tetecón
are located in the Peñon Viejo, Ermita Zaragoza, Santa
(2,480 masl), and the Guadalupe Borrego (2,820 masl),
Martha Acatitla, Santa Cruz Meyehualco, El Molino,San
Xaltepec(2,500 masl); and Yuhualixqui (2,420 masl) vol-
Lorenzo and La Hera areas, with about 150,000 damaged
canoes.[1][8] These are recent geological formations, with
homes.[13] Over 95% of the homes in the borough have
evidence of lava flow still existent and none extend over
electricity, running water and sewerage, and the bor-
1000 meters above the valley floor. Culturally, the most
ough provides sufficient educational services and other
important of these elevations is the Cerro de la Estrella,
services such as sports facilities; however, the high pop-
which was the site of the New Fire ceremony.[8] Since
ulation density means that the five or less percent equals
the pre-Hispanic period, Lake Texcoco has been drained,
a large number of people without sufficient services. [2]
leaving behind only two natural river called the Chu-
rubusco and La Piedad, which unite to form the Unido
River, and a few canals. However, the rivers are encased
Crime
in tubes as is one of the canals, and most of the Canal Na- Primary problems facing the borough include crime, es-
cional which forms part of the border of the borough has pecially drug trafficking and sale of stolen auto parts and
been filled into to create Calzada La Viga road. For this lack of water supply.[14] Iztapalpa has the highest rates
reason, there are no longer any naturally occurring sur- of rape, violence against women, and domestic violence
face water.[9] in Mexico City.[15] Most crime is connected with small
The climate of the area is divided into four zones. scale drug trafficking, which is becoming more frequent
One consists of a warm wet climate with temperatures on the borough’s streets. Between 2008 and 2010, there
above 18C in the coldest months. Another is a temperate were 470 murders in the borough, two out of ten for all
wet climate with temperatures between -3 and 18C in of Mexico City, with one occurring every two days.[16] It
the coldest months. One has a relatively dry climate with also has one of the highest rates of muggings and rob-
various temperatures, and the last consists of a cold cli- beries of taxi drivers and public buses.[16] Most of the
2
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
crime problems are concentrated into a group of neigh-
borhoods such as Santa Martha Acatitla Norte, Desarrollo
Urbano Quetzalcoatl, Tenorios, La Polvorilla, Santa Cruz
Meyehualco, San Miguel Teotongo, Xalpa, Lomas Estrella,
Lonas de Zaragoza and Achualtepec. This area has over
100 known points were drugs are sold.[16] Its proximity
to municipalities such as Nezahualcoyotl in the State of
Mexico allows criminals to escape jurisdiction easily.[16]
However, the borough reports that crime rates dimin-
ished 5.41% from 2009 to 2010.[17] Basic services, espe-
cially potable water, is lacking in many of these same
areas, which are close to the Sierra de Santa Catalina
where there is no piped water service; rather it is de-
livered in trucks to home storage tanks.[18] Sometimes
the wait for these trucks can last hours, and there have Procession at the Señor de la Cuevita Sanctuary.
been hijackings of water delivery trucks.[19] About 96% of
homes in the borough do have piped-in water, but about ciscans built monasteries and churches in communities
500,000 residents have insufficient supplies, low pressure
such as Huitzilopohco, San Marcos Mexicaltzingo, Santa
and in many places the water quality is visibly poor.[2][18]
Marta, and Nativitas Tepetlacingo. Most of these church-
Visibly dirty water is locally called “agua tamarindo” es, especially those of San Lucas Evangelista, San Marcos
(tamarind water) because of its brown color.[19] Mexicaltzingo, San Juan Evangelista and the chapels of
Geographical information of Iztapalapa Calvario and Santa Martha Acatitla were built over foun-
dations of pre Hispanic temples, which had been de-
stroyed in the Conquest.[20] The main parish church
building of the city of Iztapalapa dates from at least 1664.
Its main entrance contains various indigenous sym-
bols.[21] Some churches, however, were built later, such
as the Asunción de María parish church built in 1890, and
the current San Juan Evangelista church built between
1880 and 1897.[3]
The two most important religious establishments
have been Señor de la Cuevita Sanctuary and the former
onastery
monastery of Culhuacán. The Señor de la Cuevita Sanctu-
ary is located on Avenida Morelos and 16 de Septiembre
Iztapalapa in the city of Iztapalapa. It was built to house an image
of Christ made of cornstalks which is called the “Señor
(explanation)
Climate chart (explanation)
de la Cuevita” (Lord of the Small Cave). According to leg-
J F M A M J J A S O N D end, this image was taken from here to Etla, Oaxaca, but
it mysteriously disappeared from there to reappear in a
small cave back in Iztapalapa. However, its importance
7 7 9 25 52 104 107 94 85 46 5 4 stems from a miracle attributed to it. In 1833, the area
was hit by a cholera plague. People appealed to this im-
22 24 27 28 28 26 25 26 25 25 24 22
5 6 9 11 12 13 12 12 12 11 8 6 age and when the plague dissipated, this image was giv-
en credit. Yearly rites of gratitude to this image eventu-
Average max. and min. temperatures in °C
ally developed into the borough’s annual Passion Play.[21]
Precipitation totals in mm Since 1853, this church has been the center of most in-
Source: [1] digenous dance held. This is because in that year the
archbishop of Mexico forbade “pagan” dances and to
avoid confrontation, the dances began to be held here in
the main atrium. In 1875, the church was painted by Ana-
Weather Relief and Hidrology
cleto Escutia.[3]
The most important monastery founded in the area
in the colonial period was in Culhuacán by the Augustini-
Landmarks ans. This monastery was begun in 1552 and dedicated to
The borough is home to a number of historic churches, John the Baptist.[3][20] The Augustinians founded a school
many of which were built in the colonial era. The Fran- to teach indigenous languages which operated for over
3
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
100 years. It was also a center of paper making, taking
advantage of springs and canals for water.[20] The origi-
nal church of the monastery was demolished a long time
ago, but parts of the original complex still remain.[21] The
original church was replaced in the late 19th century by
the San Juan Evangelista parish church, built between
1880 and 1897.[3] The rest of the complex has been sec-
ularized since the 19th century and declared a national
monument in 1944. From 1960 to 1984, it was occupied
by INAH, which renovated it.[21] Today, this complex is
home to the Museo del Exconvento de Culhuacán (Muse-
um of the Former Monastery of Culhuacán), inaugurated
in 1987.[3] The grounds around it are referred to as the
Parque Historico y Centro comunitario Culhuacán (Cul-
huacán Historic Park and Community Center). The park Museo Nuevo Fuego
contains an artificial pond and areas planted with na-
tive trees such as ahuejotes. The monastery complex it- is partially conducted on the summit of the cerro each
self still contains a number of frescos on its walls, and its year.[3][22] The area is managed by the Secretaría de Agri-
library is still an important cultural and research center. cultura y Recursos Hidráulicos, but it lost its original for-
A number of the old monks’ cells now contain exhibits re- est cover due to over-cutting of trees. The ecosystem
lated to the institution.[21] now on the site consists only of planted eucalyptus and
Pinus patula trees, along with insects and rodents. There
are also problems with illegal building and farming in ar-
eas.[3][23]
The Museo Fuego Nuevo (New Fire Museum) was
built by architect David Peña and inaugurated in 1998.[3]
The museum is dedicated to the history of the site, espe-
cially as related by the Fuego Nuevo Codex. There is evi-
dence of the hill’s ritual use going back 4,000 years; how-
ever, the New Fire Ceremony was Aztec. Every 52 years
ended one cycle and began another. The worry, however,
was that the sun would not return and the ceremony was
designed to ensure the sun’s return in the morning.[21]
Excavation of this site and others in the borough was be-
gun in 1974 by INAH. This work has also uncovered fos-
silized human and mammoth remains in neighborhoods
such as Santa María Aztahuacán and Santa Marta Acati-
tlán.[3]
The Museo Cabeza de Juárez was constructed in
1976.[3] This museum in Colonia Agua Prieta is an enor-
mous multicolored monument of Benito Juárez’s head
that measures 13 metres (43 ft) in height and weighs six
tons. It was decorated by David Alfaro Siqueiros but he
died before he could finish the work. His brother-in-law,
Luis Arenal Bastar completed it. The work is considered
Path on the Cerro de la Estrella to be a fusion of painting, sculpting, engineering and ar-
chitecture. Today, it contains a number of abstract mu-
The Cerro de la Estrella National Park was established in rals, a permanent collection of lithographs and a large
1938 and is considered to be the most important natur- auditorium. The monument is a symbol of the eastern
al area in the eastern part of the Valley of Mexico.[3][22] part of the city.[21]
The park covers over 1,093 hectares (2,700 acres) and The Central de Abasto (Groceries Center) is Mexico
was established for recreational and cultural purposes. City’s main wholesale market for produce and other
The hill (cerro) was the site of the Aztec New Fire cer- foodstuffs. It was constructed to be the meeting point
emony, last performed in 1507.[23] The park is also cul- for producers, wholesalers, retailers and consumers for
turally important due to the annual Passion Play which the entire country. The site accommodates more than
250,000 people each day and provides foodstuffs for most
4
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
Scene inside the Central de Abastos
The Centro Cultural Iztapalapa was inaugurated in
1999, located between the two largest apartment com-
plexes of the borough, the Iztapalapa and the Unidad Vi-
cente Guerrero. It contains a forum for 800 people, lob-
by with two wings for expositions and workshops. Classes
are given in guitar, dance, candlemaking, ceramics, and
sewing. There is also an area for major event which can
hold 1,500 people.[28]
The community museum of San Miguel Teotongo on
the highway to Puebla contains finds related to the an-
The Cabeza de Juárez museum and monument. cient inhabitants of the area. Most relate to the pre-His-
panic period and include utensils, ceremonial objects, ce-
of the people of Mexico City area. The facility extends ramics, obsidian blades and arrowheads and jewelry.[21]
over 328 hectares (810 acres) and is the most important The Museo de Hidrobiologia (Hydrobiology Museum)
commercial center for the city.[24] It is the largest such mostly contains preserved example of the various species
market in Latin America.[3][25] It was established in the found in the different types of water found in Mexico.
1970s, over what were the remaining chinampa farming These include rivers, lakes, ponds, estuaries, beach areas
plots in the borough, effectively eliminating this tradi- as well as reefs offshore.[21]
tion in this part of the city.[26] The main building was The current borough government building, or “pala-pala-
inaugurated in 1982, built by Abraham Zabludovesky, as delegacional”
cio delegacional were inaugurated in 1989. It contains a
a slightly deformed hexagon measuring 2.25 metres mural by Francisco Cárdenas done in 2003 called “Izta-
(7 ft 5 in) across. It was built to take over from the La palapa: Ayer, Hoy y Siempre” (Iztapalapa: Yesterday, To-
Merced Market, which was no longer large enough to day and Always).[3]
meet the city’s needs for the wholesale distribution of The borough contains two large penal institutions
produce and other foodstuffs.[3][25] called the Centro de Ejecución de Sanciones Penales Va-
The borough is also home to Mexico City and Mexi- ronil Oriente and the Centro de Readaptación Social Va-
Viga,
co’s largest fish market, called La Nueva Viga in Colonia Acatitla.
ronil Santa Martha Acatitla The Centro de Ejecución de
San José Aculco on Prologación Eje 6 Sur. With 202 whole- Sanciones Penales Varonil Oriente (Center for the Exe-
salers and 165 retail outlets, it distributes about 60% of cution of Penal Sanctions for Men East), more common-
the country’s seafood production along with much of ly called the Reclusorio Oriente (East Prison) was inaugu-
what is imported.[24][27] The market begins business at rated in 1987 for adult males. The building extends over
4:00 a.m., when delivery trucks bring in fresh fish from all a 10,400 square metres (112,000 sq ft) surface in colonial
over Mexico to the vendors. This daily delivery is about San Lorenzo Tezonco. It contains five dormitories, intake
500 tons and includes all kinds of seafood from shrimp to center, workshops, sports facilities and classrooms.[29]
fish to shellfish to small sharks and manta rays. The main The Centro de Readaptación Social Varonil Santa Martha
fish market is here due to Mexico City’s role as economic Acatitla (Center for Male Social Readaptation Santa
center since the pre Hispanic period.[27] Martha Acatitla) is for juvenile males which was inaugu-
rated in 2003. It has a maximum population of 672 housed
5
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
in four buildings with basketball court, dining hall, work- portation includes several trolleybus lines, busses, taxis
shops, classrooms and computer room. A new building and bicitaxis. Line 8 and Line A of the Metro also pass
is under construction to bring the capacity up to 900 in- through the borough.[2]
mates.[30]
Demographics
Transportation With a population of 1,815,768 as of the 2010 census,[32]
Iztapalapa is the most populous and fastest growing bor-
ough in Mexico City.[3][14][16] It is also the most populous
locality (localidad) in Mexico, larger than Ecatepec de
Morelos or Guadalajara. Until the mid-20th century, the
area was rural, but migration into the borough began in
the 1970s as this is the only area with significant land
that could be developed.[33] From 1970 to 1980, it ac-
counted for 54.3% of the city’s population increase. From
1980 to 1990, Iztapalapa gained 341,988, more than 1.6
times that of the rest of the city. Most of the migration
came from families leaving the center of the city, but
more importantly many migrants from other parts of
Mexico into the city settled in the relatively cheap Iz-
tapalapa. In the last decades, the population increase of
Metro Peñón Viejo the borough has accounted for 83% of the population
growth of Mexico City. Today, the population of the bor-
For most of the borough’s history, most transportation of ough accounts for over 20.5% of Federal District’s total.
people and freight was done on the waters of the lake and The population growth has slowed somewhat, but at its
through canals. However, these began to dry up start- peak in the 1990s, it was over 100%.[3][34] This population
ing in the 19th century. They remained important up un- growth has spurred the location of most of the city’s
til the early 20th century, with even steamships passing housing projects of the last decades in this area.[34] The
through at one time. In the 1930s, many of the barrios borough’s population is still expected to increase at a
of Iztapalapa were still marked by canals and still grew rate of 0.77%.[35] While migration into the borough is sig-
vegetables, fruits and flowers. Eventually, major traffic nificant, there is very little migration out into other parts
was confined mostly to the Canal Nacional. As the canals of Mexico or abroad.[36]
dried up, newer modes of transportation were intro- Most of the borough’s residents are poor to middle
duced. In 1903, mule-drawn trolleys were introduced into class, with a very large percentage of youth.[2][34] Just
the municipality to link it Mexico City via Jamaica. These over 42% of the population is considered to be socioeco-
trolleys would be used to bring Mexican president Fran- nomically marginalized, meaning there are fully or par-
cisco I. Madero to celebrate his inauguration in 1912. Sev- tially excluded from social and/or municipal services of
eral train lines linked the area to other parts of Mexico by one type or another. While this is not the highest level
1922. The first bus services between the center of Mexico of all the boroughs, since Iztapalapa has the highest pop-
City and the large market was begun in 1952.[3] ulation by a significant margin, most of the city’s mar-
Today, most transportation in the borough is on vari- ginalized are here with just under 9% of Mexico City’s to-
ous roadways via public or private vehicle. Main avenues tal.[2] The population between 0 and 19 years of age rep-
include Calzada Ermita-Iztapalapa, Calzada Ignacio resents about 40% of the total. Next are those between 20
Zaragoza, Calzada Benito Juárez, Calzada La Viga, Anillo and 34, who account for about 29% of the total.[2] A large
Periférico Norte, Circuito Interior, Avenida Tláhuac, percentage of the population of the borough is under 15
Avenida Plutarco Elias Calles. The “Eje” road system in at 36.4%, with only 7.6% over 50.[34]
the area includes Eje 3 Sur, Eje 4 Sur, Eje 5 Sur, Eje 6 Sur,
Eje7 Sur, Eje 8 Sur, Eje 2 Oriente, Eje 3 Oriente, Eje 4 Ori- Languages
ente and Eje 5 Oriente.[2] The main highway leaving Mex-
During the colonial period into the 19th century, Izta-
ico City towards Puebla cuts through the borough. Each
palapa was mostly indigenous, with small population of
day about 80,000 vehicles pass through, making it the
European descent and mestizos. Migration into the area
second busiest highway section in Mexico City. Many of
eventually would change the ethnic composition to pri-
these are local and intercity buses which can block two
marily mestizo and the Nahuatl language would essen-
out of the three lanes. Construction work has been done
tially disappear.[3] As of 2005, only about two percent
to widen the highway, but political disputes have kept
of the population speaks an indigenous language, with
new lanes from opening as of early 2011.[31] Public trans-
6
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
94.8% bilingual in Spanish as well. This is about equal to cent of all business establishments are dedicated to com-
the city average. However, the borough contains about merce, which employ 42% of the people and accounts for
25% of the total ethnic indigenous of the city.[37] Most of 45% of the borough’s GDP. Commerce and services to-
the indigenous languages found in the borough are those gether employ 63.3% of the population. Twenty-four per-
associated with the state of Oaxaca, such as Zapotec, Mix- cent of this commerce is wholesale, much of which is tied
teca and Chatina. Oaxacan languages account for 34.9% to the Central de Abasto and the La Nueva Viga markets.
of the total. Uto-Aztecan languages account for 23.32% However, wholesale businesses have declined 2.8% while
which include Tarahumara, Mayo, Yaqui, Cora and Hui- retail establishment have increased 8.1%. This has a pos-
chol. Another significant percentage are those of the Oto- itive effect on employment, but this activity adds less to
Pamean languages which include Otomi, Mazahua and the GDP. The largest sector of retail sales is in street mar-
Matlatzinca.The only language which has been spoken in kets called tianguis, followed by public markets, street
Mexico not represented in Iztapalapa is Kickapoo.[38] peddlers and lastly through the Central de Abasto.[24]
A total of 32.5% is employed in industry, minerals and
Religion construction. Industry includes food processing, bottling,
The overwhelming majority of the population is Catholic, tobacco products, metals, machinery, surgical equip-
although this has declined by 1.9% since the 1990s. ment, paper and printing and textiles. Only 0.3% is now
Protestant and Evangelical sects have grown to about employed in agriculture or livestock.[24]
6% of the population, with less than 2% professing no
faith.[39] Culture
Education Passion Play
The first public primary school classes in Iztapalapa were
established in 1914 under the government of Venustiano
Carranza at Escuela Enrique Laubscher and in the San Lu-
cas Church. However, during the government of Lázaro
Cárdenas, many in the borough refused to send their chil-
dren to school, afraid that they would be indoctrinated
against the Catholic faith.[3] Today, the borough has suf-
ficient educational infrastructure, with most schools be-
longing to the primary level. There are a number of insti-
tutions of higher education such as UAM, and the Facul-
tad de Estudios Superiores Zaragoza of UNAM. There are
452 preschools, 612 primary schools, 191 middle schools,
21 vocational schools, 35 high schools, and two teachers’
colleges.[2] Ninety-five percent of children between five
and nine years of age attend school, with 96% of those
between 10 and 14. Only 62% of those between 15 and
19 attend school and 27% of those between 20 and 24.[40]
About 4% of the population above the age of six is illit-
erate with 63% of this number being female. The highest
rates of illiteracy are in the 65 and older age group. [41]
The Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana was estab-
lished in 1974 with three campuses in Azcapotzalco,
Xochimilco and Iztapalapa. Iztapalapa was constructed
first and covers an area of 177,966 square metres
(1,915,610 sq ft). Most of the institution’s research work
is conducted at the Iztapalapa campus.[3][42] Other in-
stitutions include the University Autónoma dela Ciudad
de México, San Lorenzo Campus and the Instituto Tec-
Man carrying cross during Holy Week in Iztapalapa
nológico de Iztapalapa.
The Passion Play of Iztapalapa has its origin in an out-
Economy break of cholera in 1833, which left many dead and many
The two most important economic activities in the bor- children orphaned. A procession was performed to a im-
ough are manufacturing and commerce. Sixty-three per- age of Christ called the “Señor de la Cuevita” (Lord of the
7
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
Little Cave) to end the epidemic. When it subsided, it was media.[43] It is the most crowded and best known of its
considered a miracle and various cults to this Christ fig- type in Mexico.[43][44] The most crowded day is Good Fri-
ure appeared.[3][21] Expressions of gratitude to this figure day, but as many as 40,000 are expected on Palm Sunday
eventually consolidated into two annual events. The first at the start of the event.[5][45] The reenactments start on
is a Mass in honor of this images, now known as the Fi- Palm Sunday and last until Easter Sunday with various Bi-
esta de Solteras de Septiembre. The second is the annual blical scenes related to the life and death of Jesus played
Passion Play.[3][43] out.[43] The most important episodes include the blessing
The Passion Play is considered to be part of “folk reli- of the palms on Palm Sunday, Maundy Thursday in the
gion,” supported by clergy but not considered to be litur- Cuitláhuac Garden, and Good Friday, with the sentencing,
gy.[5] The Passion Play has antecedents in the plays put the crown of thorns and the crucifixion.[5] At the Señor
on by evangelizers to teach the Catholic faith and to get de la Cuevita Sanctuary, the scene of the expulsion of
the indigenous to renounce their former beliefs. Howev- the money changers from the temple is re enacted. The
er, the passion play incorporates areas which were spe- Palm Sunday procession proceeds then to the Casa de la
cial or sacred to the pre Hispanic world, including the Mayordomía in the San Miguel barrio followed by hun-
gardens that once belonged to the emperor Cuitláhuac dreds dressed as Nazarenes and thousands more specta-
and the hill on which the New Fire ceremony was per- tors.[5] After the death of Jesus is played out, the “body”
formed.[5] The Passion Play started as a number of reen- is lowered and taken to the Cuitláhuac Plaza where it
actment events held in a number of places in the borough is “buried” and “guarded” by people playing Roman sol-
during Lent and Holy Week, including a procession with diers.[44] In 2010, the Passion Play was submitted to
the Señor de la Cuevita on the fifth Friday of Lent.[3] UNESCO to become a intangible cultural heritage.[45]
However, by the early 20th century, one main passion Most Iztapalapa residents seek roles but not all are
play for the borough had come into existence. According selected. The most coveted role is that of Jesus, which
to one local legend, Emiliano Zapata lent his horses for is selected each year by the Comité Organizador de Iz-
the 1914 version of the play.[3] tapalapa.[43] Next is the role of the Virgin Mary. These
are reserved for single young people, who do not have
children, addictions, tattoos and can demonstrate their
Catholic faith.[43] The role of Jesus requires physical con-
ditioning to carry the cross, which weight about 198
pounds. For a year, the chosen Jesus exercises daily as
well as prays to prepare physically and spiritually. The
Passion and Death are played out at the Cerro de la Estrel-
la, emulating Calvary. The man playing Jesus must carry
the cross 2.5 miles (4.0 km) from the center of Iztapalapa
to the summit of the Cerro de las Estrellas to be crucified.
The day after Easter Sunday the selection committee
meets to choose the next Jesus and Mary.[43]
While this Passion Play is the best known, events re-
lated to Holy Week take place in all parts and parishes of
the borough including other re-enactments done by chil-
dren as well as smaller events in Santiago Acahualtepec
and Culhuacán which are more recent.[3] Prisoners at the
Reclusorio Oriente hold their own Passion Play with the
involvement of about 80 people.[44]
Nuevo Fuego Festival
The Festival del Fuego Nuevo (New Fire Festival) is an
annual event held in November/December with events
such as music, dance, theatre, cinema and art exhibi-
Participant dressed as Roman soldier. tions.[46] This event is named after the Aztec New Fire
ceremony, which was celebrated every 52 years at the
Since that time, this Passion Play has become a major summit of the Cerro de la Estrella hill. This was a solemn
event with the participation of 450 actors and attended ceremony when all fires were extinguished with a “new
by 2 million people over the course of the week and 2,000 fire” ignited at night to provoke the return of the sun
police to provide security.[5][43][44] This includes people in the morning as well as the mark the beginning of a
from other parts of Mexico, from abroad and from the new 52-year cycle on the Aztec calendar. This “new fire”
8
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
would then be distributed among the populace. The last led by a chief named Mixcoatl and would become known
ancient ceremony was held in 1507.[47] While named for as the Culhuas.[47] At that time, the area was a penin-
the ancient New Fire ceremony, the modern version is a sula jutting onto the lake formed by the Sierra de Santa
cultural festival dedicated to the area’s culture past and Catarina. The first city on this peninsula was Culhuacán
present. The festival is divided into four “axis” called on the south side next to the Cerro de la Estrella, which
“Traditions of the Ancient Mexicans,” “The Footsteps of grew to contain various neighborhoods surrounded by
Zapata,” “Sounds of the Underworld” and New Fire and chinampas, or artificial islands in the lake used to grow
Mexican Contemporary Cinema.”[46] food.[47][50] These and the exploitation of lake resources
was the basis of the city’s economy.[47]
Other events Chinampa agriculture would be important in many
To celebrate the Christmas season, the borough sponsors areas of the Valley of Mexico, including the area of Iz-
various activities such as Christmas plays, processions tapalapa. Chinampas here were made from reeds, tree
“posadas” as well as cultural events such as dance branches and lake mud,[7] growing corn, beans and wide
recitals.[48] variety of vegetables. These chinampas, now known as
neighborhoods called Tezontitla, El Bordo, El Moral, Las
Largas, Las Cuadradas, Tecorrales, Zapotla and others
History were separated by small canals and some of them had
docks. They were also an ecosystem home to wide variety
of land and aquatic flora and fauna, including storks,
flowers, trees, reeds, quetzals, frogs, and fish. The chi-
nampas remained in private hands until 1970, when they
were expropriated to construct the Central de Abasto,
which eliminated them.[26]
Culhuacan was moved to a site called Tollantzingo in
the 950s, and shortly after that migrants from Tula came
into the area to settle as well, bringing with them the
worship of Quetzalcoatl.[47][50] Other pre-Hispanic settle-
ments in the Iztapalapa area were established and grew
as well, including Hitzilopochco (Churubusco), Mexi-
caltzingo and Iztapalapa. These would be the four main
settlements of the area, with close relations that would
last into the colonial era, when they were part of the
Mexicaltzingo corregimiento. The village of Iztapalapa
has its origins in the fall of Teotihuacan in the 8th cen-
tury. Ancient Iztapalapa has alliances and disputes most-
ly with the other dominions with economies based on
chinampas, such as Xochimilco, Chalco and Mixquic.[51]
By the 11th century, the Toltec descendants had become
dominant with the area with Culhuacán becoming the
capital of a dominion in 1114. The main rulers of this city
included Nauhyotl, Cuauhtexpetlatzin, Huetzin, Nonoal-
Map of the Valley of Mexico in 1519, showing Iztapalapa and catle and Cuauhtonal who ruled between 1120 and 1251.
causeway running north from it to Villa Guadalupe. In the middle of the 13th century, the Toltecs were dis-
placed by the Chichimecas, who ruled it from 1250 to
The borough is named after a city which was founded 1400 under various rulers.[50]
here in the pre-Hispanic period. “Iztapalapa” comes from One of the tribes that moved into the Valley of Mex-
Nahuatl and means “in the waters of the banks,” refer- ico in the 14th century were the Mexica, at a time when
ring to its position along the lakeshore, situated partly on the city of Culhuacán was powerful. However, the area
dry land and partly over water.[7][49] was divided into a number of dominions around the lake
Like the pre-Hispanic villages of Xochimilco and system of the valley, which vied among themselves for
Tláhuac, Iztapalapa began as a village on the shores of the dominance.[50] As late arrivals, the Mexica wandered
lake system and dedicated to farming on chinampas.[21] among the various dominions and were granted permis-
The first settlements on this side of Lake Texcoco were sion to settle in Culhuacán territory. They lived together
formed by refugees from the fall of Teotihuacan at the mostly peacefully. However, records indicate that the
base of the Cerro de Culhuacán hill.[50] These people were Mexicas were forced into servitude as punishment for
raids by young warriors to carry off women from neigh-
9
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
The Aztec Triple Alliance would be formed in the early
1400s, as part of the process of uniting the Nahuatl-
speaking peoples of the valley.[51]
Part of this process included legitimizing the lineage
Tenochtitlan’s rulers. These Mexica rulers used the time
they spent in Culhuacán territory, and the links formed
from it for this purpose. The ruling family could trace
its ancestors back to Culhuacán ruler Nahuyotl. This and
various marital ties from the past would make these new
rulers descendents from the old. This was formalized
with the government of Acamapichtli, who was granted
the title of “culhua tecuhtli” (Lord of the Culhuas) .[51]
The Alliance came to include thirty dominions, with
Tenochtitlan, Texcoco and Tlacopan, with Texcoco dom-
inating the formerly powerful city of Culhuacán as well
as Iztapalapa. As Tenochtitlan’s power grew, it eventually
ruled the new empire alone.[51]
As one of the first members of the Alliance, Iztapalapa
was not conquered.[51] It was indirectly ruled by
Tenochtitlan as part of a confederation of four city-states
(along with Mexicaltzingo, Huitzilopochco and Cul-
huacán) allied with the Mexica.[47] Later, Itzcoatl’s son,
Huehua Cuitlahuatzin would be made ruler of Iztapalapa.
Under this arrangement, Iztapalapa did not pay tribute
to Tenochtitlan, they did have to supply labor for major
projects as well as military service.[51] Iztapalapa was im-
portant in pre Hispanic times militarily and religiously as
the side of the Huixachtécatl, today called the Cerro de
la Estrella. This was the site of the New Fire ceremony,
held once every 52 years, beginning anew cycle of years.
The ceremony also required the destruction of all house-
hold goods to be replaced by new. Women and children
would stay at home while the men participated in the
distribution of the “new fire.” It was celebrated a total
of nine times, with the last one in 1507 (2 acatl by the
Aztec calendar). For this last celebration, Moctezuma had
a temple construction on the summit called the Ayauh-
calli, later named “the church of the New Fire” by the
Spanish.[47][51]
By the time the Spanish arrived, Culhuacán was no
longer an important city; rather it had been eclipsed by
Iztapalapa as one of the Aztec royal town, chosen as such
due to its defensive position. At that time, the area has
Image of Xilomatzin, one of the rulers of Culhuacan. about 10,000 inhabitants dedicated to chinampa agricul-
ture and the raising of fish and birds.[47] A causeway link-
boring settlements. One legend states that problems be- ing Iztapalapa and Tenochtitlan was one of the most im-
tween the two peoples began when the Mexica asked for portant roads in the area. The construction of this cause-
and received a Culhua princess, Achitómetla, to become a way began in 1429 under Itzcoatl, using labor from peo-
goddess of war. The ceremony required the woman to be ples from the south of the valley such as the Xochimil-
sacrified, angering Culhuacán.[51] The Mexica were even- cas. It consisted of artificial land built up from the shal-
tually forced off Culhua lands and forced to settle on an low lake bottom, rising about a meter and a half over
island on the west side of the lake, although the stronger the lake’s surface and extending for about 8 kilometres
city of Culhuacán maintained relations with them.[47] (5.0 mi). It was wide enough for horses to cross in pairs.
This new settlement, called Tenochtitlan, would begin The causeway was divided by a fort called Xoloc, made
rising and dominating since its establishment in 1325. of stone with towers, merlons and gates to control en-
trance and exit. This causeway also had a branch leading
10
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
to Coyoacán.[47] Its ruler was Cuitláhuac, born in 1476 as
younger brother of Moctezuma Ilhuicamina and son of
Axayacatl. Cuitláhuac received the Spanish in Iztapala-
pa before they went onto Tenochtitlan. They met in a
garden which most Aztec lords had as a refuge and to
demonstrate culture. In the center of the garden was a
large palace made of sandstone and fine woods such as
cedar.[4]
In 1519, the Spanish took Moctezuma, Cacamatzin
(ruler of Texcoco), Cuitlahuac and other nobles as pris-
oners. Cortés was then forced to return to Veracruz to
face Spanish authorities, leaving Pedro de Alvarado in
charge. Alvarado had hundreds of Aztec nobles killed.
After Cortés returned, he liberated Cuitláhuac in ex-
change for supplies, allowing the lord to organize an
army against the Spanish. Cuitlahuac succeeded
Moctezuma as Aztec emperor and forced the Spanish to
flee during the Noche Triste. However, Cuitlahuac was
ruler only somewhere between 40 and 80 days according
to various records. He spent that time repairing the city
of Tenochtitlan as the Spanish regrouped in Tlaxcala.
Cuitlahuac died of smallpox in December of 1520, with
Cuauhtémoc succeeding him.[4][52]
After the Spanish and their allies regrouped in Tlax-
cala, Cortés decided to attack Iztapalapa before besieging
the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlan, in part to secure sup-
plies. The city of Iztapalapa had about 10,000 people with
about two-thirds of its structures built over water. Eight View of the San Lucas Church in Iztapalapa.
thousand Aztecs defended the city on land and on water.
Cortés and his indigenous allied burned, massacred and
foundations of pre-Hispanic temples which the Spanish
destroyed the city completely. But after the battle, when
had destroyed. These were built with much of the mate-
the Spanish let down their guard, Iztapalapa opened wa-
rial from the destroyed temples. However, by the end of
ter channels to flood the city and drown the invaders.
the 18th century, all of these would be in the hands of
Most of the Spanish survived, but many of their Indian
normal clergy.[20]
allies did not and were drowned. The Spanish lost all of
Iztapalapa and several other nearby communities
their gunpowder.[52]
were initially under the direct control of Mexico City,
After the Conquest, the pre-Hispanic temples of the
but shortly after only Iztapalapa would remain so. Mex-
area were destroyed, the Iztapalapa and surrounding
icaltzingo belonged to the Spanish Crown from early on.
cities were subjugated by Gonzalo de Sandoval.[7][20] The
Iztapalapa became a tributary of Mexico City, required
process was brutal, as the area was highly loyal to
to provide food, manual labor and more. At the end of
Tenochtitlan, with more than 5,000 people killed by both
the 16th century, it too became property of the Spanish
war and epidemics. By the first census of New Spain in
Crown. Other areas of the modern borough were made
1552, Culhuacan was down to 817 inhabitants, and 260 in
into encomiendas. Culhuacan came under the control of
Mexicaltzingo.[20]
Cristobal de Oñate, which remained in the family until
Following the destruction of the temples, Augustini-
the system was abolished. Later in the colonial period,
ans and Franciscans moved in to build churches and
the area would become a corregimiento headed by Mex-
monasteries. The Augustinians began construction of the
icaltzingo and later an “alcaldia mayor” as it grew to in-
Culhuacán monastery in 1552, built in various stages. It
clude areas such as Los Reyes and Santa Marta.[20]
was dedicated to John the Baptist. They founded a school
During the colonial period, Iztapalapa was very rural,
to teach indigenous languages which operated for 100
notable only as one of the primary providers of produce
years. The Franciscans built a monastery in
and flowers to Mexico City and its lake and canal trans-
Huitzilopochco as well as small churches in San Marcos
portation.[12] Culhuacán had eighteen villages surround-
Mexicaltzingo and in Santa Marta and Nativitas Tepet-
ing it in the pre Hispanic era, butby the 18th century, on-
lacingo. The churches of San Lucas Evangelista, San Mar-
ly San Lorenzo Tezonco and Santiago Acahualtepec re-
cos Mexicaltzingo, San Juan Evangelista and the chapels
mained. In the middle of the 18th century, there were
of Calvario and Santa Martha Acatitla were all built over
11
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
still only 80 families in Iztapalapa, with 31 of them being poor huts. In 1916, the haciendas and ranches of Iztapala-
Spanish. By the end of the same century, that would be- pa were broken up and divided into ejidos; however the
come 130 indigenous families distributed into nine bar- area remained extremely poor and there were disputes
rios and three villages. At the end of the colonial period between Iztapalapa and neighboring Zapotitlán over eji-
Iztapalapa would also include three haciendas and two do land.[3] In 1920, the population was over 20,000[7] Iz-
ranches.[20] During much of this time, Iztapalapa was also tapalapa would remain rural and poor until the 1950s,
a stopover for travelers between Mexico City and Puebla when its population and its urbanization began in
or Veracruz. There were two main canals through here earnest. In the 1940s, the urban sprawl of Mexico City
that connected the area with Chalco and Xochimilco. One had reached sections of the borough and furthering this
of these was the Canal de la Viga, which was an important was promoted by the federal government which favored
means of transporting corn, beans, vegetables and more industry over agriculture.[3] In 1940, the chinampas suf-
into the capital[7] These canals had control and customs fered when the Canal de la Viga was drained, and only
checkpoints which divided Mexico City from rural areas. runoff from the Cerro de la Estrella was still available.[12]
The most important of these was the La Viga control Groundwater pumping dried swamps, allowing for more
point due to the merchandise that passed through.[3] urbanization.[3]
After the Mexican War of Independence, the Federal Iztapalapa had been semi-independent of Mexico City
District of Mexico City was established as the new na- since the colonial era, but politically organized in various
tion’s capital in 1824. The village of Iztapalapa became ways.[7] It has been part of the Federal District since it
part of this district at the same time, but the borough had was created, but this District was an unstable entity in
not yet been established. It would remain an autonomous the 19th century as Liberals, who favored a federalist
settlement. In 1828, it was one of the municipalities out- government, fought with Conservatives, who favored a
side of Mexico City proper.[3] The rest of the 19th century more centralized regime. Thus much of the borough
would be concerned with disease and the status of the would either be part of the Federal District or the State/
area’s water transportation. A cholera epidemic in 1833 Department of Mexico, depending on who was in power
prompted the first passion play to be performed in this during the first half of the 19th century. The Federal
area, which has been performed since. In the middle of District, including Iztapalapa, would be permanently re-
the 19th century, the town of Iztapalapa had 3,416 inhab- stored in 1848, and then enlarged to its current dimen-
itants.[7] Drainage of the lakes in the Valley of Mexico sions between 1853 and 1854. Since that time, the Federal
would have an effect on the size and arrangement of District has been reorganized several times, usually sep-
water transportation. According to records, the ancient arating the Mexico City and making the other areas of
“Calzada de los Indios” (Indian Causeway) that linked Iz- the District either districts or municipalities. The current
tapalapa and the Villa Guadalupe was destroyed in 1835. borough system was established in 1928. This created the
Much of what is now the borough was lake or criss- current borough of Iztapalapa, centered on and named
crossed by various canals, which carried barge, canoe over the former municipality of Iztapalapa. This bor-
and even steamship traffic until the late 19th century. ough’s government was appointed by the Mexican feder-
New canals were dug to connect Mexico City with Peñón al government until 1970, when borough presidents be-
Viejo, Chalco and San Isidro as well as the villages of Ay- gan to be democratically elected.[3]
otla, Tlapicahua and Tlapacoya.[3] By the end of this cen-
tury, much of the lake and many of the small canals had
dried. The main ones were the Mexicaltzingo canal and
those near the Churubusco River. The Mexicalcingo canal
was widened for steamships.[3]
The canals would remain a part of the borough until
the mid 20th century. Efforts to preserve the system be-
gan in 1920, when ejido owners turned over land to con-
struct new ones. In the 1930s, many of the barrios of Izta-
palapa were still marked by canals and still grew vegeta-
bles, fruits and flowers. Major traffic was confined most-
ly to the Canal Nacional on the borough’s border. How-
ever, groundwater pumping started in the 1950s lowered Groundbreaking for an apartment complex in the 1980s in the
water tables and began the process of destroying the borough.
rest of the canals, and most of the chinampas along with
them.[3] From the 1950s to the present, the borough’s history
Industrialization began in the area in the 1890s but has been dominated by its population growth and urban-
agriculture remained the most important economic ac- ization, along with the problems that come with it. Be-
tivity. Most of the population in the area still lived in
12
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
fore 1970, the area still had various types of flora includ- [5] ^ "Cuarenta mil personas se reúnen en Iztapalapa"
ing forested hills, ponds and other surface water, grass- (in 40,000 people gather in Iztapalapa). El
lands and more. Chinampas and other farmland still ex- Informador (Guadalajara, Mexico). March 29, 2010.
isted as well.[12] In the 1970s, waves of migrants from http://www.informador.com.mx/mexico/2010/
other parts of the country began to move into the bor- 189497/6/cuarenta-mil-personas-se-reunen-en-
ough. This prompted the building of a number of large iztapalapa.htm. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
apartment complexes including Unidad Vicente Guer- [6] "Iztapalapa quiere tener Barrios Mágicos para
rero, Unidad Ejército de Oriente, Unidad Santa Cruz atraer turistas" (in Iztapalapa wants to have
Meyehualco, Conjunto Urbano Popular Ermita Zaragoza Barrios Mágicos to attract tourists). Terra (Mexico
and Unidad Habitacional Ejército Constitucionalista.[3] City). February 10, 2011.
By 1980, all the of land that could be developed legally http://www.terra.com.mx/Turismo/articulo/
was, but the population continued to grow.[2] In the 1041508/
1990s, the borough had growth rates of over 100% ac- Iztapalapa+quiere+tener+Barrios+Magicos+para+atraer+turistas.ht
cording to INEGI. By 2000, the population of the borough Retrieved March 3, 2011.
accounted for over 20% of the total of the Federal [7] ^ 010000_2005.html "Introducción [Introduction]"
District, the largest in population.[3] Now almost all of the (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
land in the borough has been urbanized, with only the http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/0101
highest elevations and a few family farm plots without 010000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
buildings. The only green spaces are parks controlled by [8] ^ "Orografía [Geographic layout]" (in Spanish).
local or federal authorities, where various types of trees Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
can still be found.[12] http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
In 2006, there was a dispute in the election for bor- 0103050000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
ough president, between Rafael Acosta Angeles, better [9] "Hidrografía [Water Resources]" (in Spanish).
known as “Juanito” and Clara Brugada.[53] Juanito and Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
supporters blocked the main entrance to the borough of- http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
fices, but allowed employees access through other en- 0103040000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
trances. The protest was to have him declared the winner [10] "Clima [Climate]" (in Spanish). Mexico City:
of borough president elections. In the end, Brugada re- Borough of Iztapapala.
tained the position.[54] http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
0103030000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
References [11] "Fauna [Fauna]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough
of Iztapapala. http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
[1] ^ "Introducción [Introduction]" (in Spanish). 0103060000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala. [12] ^ "Vegetación [Vegetation]" (in Spanish). Mexico
http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ City: Borough of Iztapapala.
0103010000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
[2] ^ (in Spanish) Delegación Iztapalapa. Mexico City: 0103070000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
Comisión de Organización Electoral (Government [13] Ríos, Fernando (September 19, 2010). "Iztapalapa,
of Mexico City). 2003. ISBN 968 5505 26 8. entidad más vulnerable de la capital" (in
http://www.iedf.org.mx/de/deoyge/SEE2000/ Iztapalapa, the most vulnerable entity of the
Iztapalapa.pdf. Retrieved March 3, 2011. capital). El Sol de México (Mexico City).
[3] ^ "Tabla cronológica de hechos históricos de http://www.oem.com.mx/oem/notas/
Iztapalapa en el contexto nacional y del Distrito n1786606.htm. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
Federal [Chronological table of historical facts of [14] ^ "Iztapalapa" (in Spanish). Mexico City: El
Iztapalapa in the context of the nation and the Universal newspaper.
Federal District]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: http://interactivo.eluniversal.com.mx/
Borough of Iztapapala. contactanos/
http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ n_wcontactanos_vercomentariosEC.html?p_id_categoria=17.
0101090400_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
[4] ^ Mariam Salazar Hernández (2008). "Cuitláhuac, [15] Ríos, Fernando (October 8, 2010). "Tiene Iztapalapa
Señor de Iztapalapa y décimo tlatoani mexica el más alto índice de violencia hacia las mujeres
[Cuitláhuac, Lord of Iztapalapa and tenth Aztec [Iztapalapa has the highest rate of violence against
ruler]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of women]" (in Spanish). El Sol de México (Mexico
Iztapapala. http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ City). http://www.oem.com.mx/LAPRENSA/notas/
0101090200_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. n1809618.htm. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
13
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia Iztapalapa, Mexico City
[16] ^ Brito, Luis (January 22, 2011). "La capital http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
mexicana esconde su cara más violenta en 0101020100_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
Iztapalapa [the Mexican capital hides its most [27] ^ Mónaco Felipe, Paula (April 11, 2008). "La Nueva
violent face in Iztapalapa]" (in Spanish). CNN Mexico Viga, paseo marino en el DF fuera de las guías
(Mexico). http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2011/ turísticas". La Jornada (Mexico City).
01/22/la-capital-mexicana-esconde-su-cara-mas- http://www.jornada.unam.mx/2008/04/11/
violenta-en-iztapalapa. Retrieved March 3, 2011. index.php?section=gastronomia&article=a10n1gas.
[17] Rivera, Francisco (February 4, 2011). "Asegura Retrieved March 3, 2011. "La Nueva Viga, marine
Iztapalapa que delitos bajaron 5.41% en 2010" (in passage in the Federal District outside of tour
Iztapalapa assures that crime dropped 5.41% in guidebooks"
2010). El Universal (Mexico City). [28] "Centro Cultural Iztapalapa" (in Spanish). Sistema
http://www.eluniversaldf.mx/iztapalapa/ de Información Cultural. Mexico: CONACULTA.
nota19924.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. http://sic.conaculta.gob.mx/
[18] ^ Rocha, Carolina (March 16, 2005). "Se agudiza ficha.php?table=centro_cultural&table_id=1045.
escasez de agua en Iztapalapa [Water scarcity Retrieved March 3, 2011.
worsening in Iztapalapa]" (in Spanish). Noticias [29] "Centro de Ejecución de Sanciones Penales Varonil
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Mexico: Instituto Latinamericano de la Comunición Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
Educativa. http://redescolar.ilce.edu.mx/ http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
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[25] ^ "Antecedentes" (in Spanish). Mexico City: [36] "Migración [Migration]" (in Spanish). Mexico City:
Government of the Federal District of Mexico. Borough of Iztapapala.
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editorial.php?idEditorial=2. Retrieved March 3, 0102090000_2009.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
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14
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[38] "Población en hogares indígenas por lengua del http://gritamx.com/festival-del-fuego-nuevo-
jefe de hogar y/o cónyuge [Population in iztapalapa-2010/. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
indigenous homes by language of the head of [47] ^ "Fundación Fuego Nuevo [New Fire Foundation]"
household and/or spouse]" (in Spanish). Mexico (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
City: Borough of Iztapapala. http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
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0102080003_2009.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. [48] Carrasco, Sandra (December 12, 2010). "Festejará
[39] "Religión [Religion]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: Iztapalapa diciembre con Pablo Milanés" (in
Borough of Iztapapala. Iztapalapa will celebrate December with Pablo
http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ Milanés). El Universal (Mexico City).
0102060000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. http://www.eluniversaldf.mx/iztapalapa/
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Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala. [49] "Significado de Iztapalapa [Meaning of Iztapalapa]"
http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
0102050002_2009.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
[41] "Condiciones educativas; Alfabetización [Education 0101020000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
conditions:Literacy]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: [50] ^ "Primeros Pobladores [First Inhabitants]" (in
Borough of Iztapapala. Spanish). Mexico City: Borough of Iztapapala.
http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/ http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
0102050001_2009.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. 0101030000_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
[42] "Highlights" (in Spanish). Mexico City: Universidad [51] ^ Mariam Salazar Hernández (2008). "Época
Autónoma Metropolitana-Iztapalapa. Prehispánica - Breve Historia del señorío de
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3, 2011. Borough of Iztapapala.
[43] ^ López Yebra, Elia (April 4, 2007). "El Viacrucis de http://www.iztapalapa.gob.mx/htm/
Iztapalapa [The passion play of Iztapalapa]" (in 0101090100_2005.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
Spanish). Univision (Mexico City). [52] ^ Mariam Salazar Hernández (2008). "La Conquista
http://noticias.univision.com/mexico/actualidad/ [The Conquest]" (in Spanish). Mexico City: Borough
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[44] ^ "Viven en Iztapalapa su mayor tradición [53] "Quién gobierna Iztapalapa, pregunta la Corte
[Iztapalapa experiences its greatest tradition]" (in [Who governs Iztapalapa, asks Court]" (in Spanish).
Spanish). El Siglo de Durango. El Universal (Durango, El Economista. Notimex (Mexico City). February 9,
Mexico). April 3, 2010. 2010. http://eleconomista.com.mx/distrito-
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tradicion.html. Retrieved March 3, 2011. [54] Cedillo Cano, Alejandro (July 9, 2009). "Juanito: de
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2010. http://mexico.cnn.com/nacional/2010/04/ Retrieved March 3, 2011.
02/la-semana-santa-de-iztapalapa-espera-ser-
patrimonio-cultural-de-la-unesco. Retrieved March
3, 2011.
External links
[46] ^ "Festival del Fuego Nuevo Iztapalapa 2010 [New • (Spanish) Delegación Iztapalapa Official site
Fire Festival Iztapapala 2010]" (in Spanish). Grita • Biggest Enchilada record
Radio (Mexico City). November 22, 2010. Coordinates: 19°21′30″N 99°05′35″W / 19.35833°N
99.09306°W / 19.35833; -99.09306
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