“Me da uno tioooo” A familiar cry echoes through the ages. This wasn’t just any neighborhood. This is Santa Maria Tomatlan. Imagine the scene. Canoes glide along the ancient Xochimilco Lake. Their cargo? Fresh produce from the fertile lands of Xochimilco and Chalco. Santa Maria Tomatlan was a bustling river town. It thrived at the edge of the lake. It was a vital link between the lake’s bounty and the heart of Mexico City.
Santa Maria Tomatlan’s name itself speaks volumes. “Tomatlan” means “place of abundant tomatoes”. A 1550 map shows the town’s glyph a vine laden with five tomatoes. The town’s history stretches back much further than that though. It was one of the original settlements of Iztapalapa an ancient neighborhood of Culhuacan. The parish church the Purísima Concepción stands as a testament to this rich past.
Before the modern avenues and metro lines its central area Mas Arriba Island was a key stopping point for canoeists. These intrepid traders ferried goods along the canals. They rested and replenished their supplies on the higher ground. This area gave its name to the entire neighborhood until the late 19th century. The salty language of those passing canoes still seems to linger in the air. Children would call out “Me da uno tioooo” begging for a handful of produce. The canoers often tossed them a gift. This wasn’t because people in Tomatlan went hungry. They were farmers too. It was simply a playful interaction between the town and its visitors.
Today Santa Maria Tomatlan is sandwiched between the Canal Nacional and Avenida Tláhuac. The Metro stations San Andrés Tomatlan and Lomas Estrella serve the area. The area remains a place of unique character. It’s a reminder of a time when life revolved around the canals and the bounty of the ancient lake. The vibrant annual festivals the lively markets all speak to the town’s enduring spirit. They bear witness to Santa Maria Tomatlan’s resilience. Its continued importance as a vital part of Mexico City’s cultural fabric is undeniable. It’s a place where the past and present intertwine a place to experience the enduring soul of Mexico City.