Perhaps you think San Sebastián Xoco is just another overlooked spot in Mexico City. Think again. It is one of the ten original settlements in Benito Juárez. San Sebastián Xoco is often mistaken for being in Coyoacán because of the Metro and shopping center nearby.
Let’s rewind the clock. The old village of Xoco dates back to 1300 CE. Archaeological digs found Teotihuacan-style homes. These remains are from 225-550 CE. That is about 900 years earlier. Its Nahuatl name means “place of fruit”. This likely points to its history as an orchard. This was even before the Spanish arrived.
By the 18th century, the Hacienda de Xoco dominated the town. This lasted until 1908 when the neighborhood was demarcated.
Now look towards the Chapel of San Sebastián Mártir. It sits caddy-corner from the parish cemetery. The cemetery dates only from the 20th century. The chapel was built in 1663. It was a Franciscan project. Their intent was evangelizing the area.
Notice the façade. It still has a small niche. Here you can see a sculpture of Saint Sebastian. The church has been modified many times. The atrial wall often surrounds a parking lot today.
San Sebastián Xoco is bordered by modern avenues. These include Avenida Popocatépetl, México-Coyoacán, Río Churubusco, and Universidad.
International visitors often walk to the chapel from the Metro on their way to the Cineteca Nacional. The walk is less than 15 minutes. San Sebastián Xoco’s streets are narrow and crooked. Now you know why.
In 2018, excavations for a residential tower uncovered more. Archeologists found human remains. They also found pottery. Remnants of structures dating back 1700 years were also uncovered. These finds showed that the settlement was an extension of Teotihuacan culture.
Artifacts from 600 to 1200 CE were also found. These were from the time of Tula. Even more artifacts came from the time of Azcapotzalco and the Mexica. These finds prove that Xoco has been continuously occupied since 300 CE.
Despite modernity, San Sebastián Xoco retains its essence. Its original inhabitants are unified. They are connected by cultural traits. These traits define them. They coordinate their activities through organization. This helps them obtain common goods. It also helps them carry out celebrations.
San Sebastián Xoco stands as a testament to time. It has survived and adapted through centuries. Remember its layers of history. Remember its people. Remember San Sebastián Xoco.