Why is this Stone Monument here? Let’s unravel its story. This monument stands as a silent witness to Mexico’s rich past. It is a tribute to the indigenous peoples of the Americas and their descendants.
The Monumento a la Raza. That’s what it’s called in Spanish. It translates to Monument to the People. It is a towering pyramid. The Monumento a la Raza rises 50 meters high. That is 160 feet. It dominates the intersection of major roads. Avenida de los Insurgentes crosses Circuito Interior and Calzada Vallejo here.
Construction began in 1930. It took ten years to complete the Monumento a la Raza. It was inaugurated on Columbus Day in 1940. This day is known as D\u00eda de la Raza. The engineer Francisco Borbolla designed the monument. He wanted to capture Mexico’s history in its structure. Architect Luis Lelo de Larrea helped him.
The Monumento a la Raza consists of three pyramids. They are stacked on top of each other. Sculptures adorn each side. An eagle with spread wings crowns the Monumento a la Raza. The copper and steel eagle grips a snake in its beak. Georges Gardet, a French artist, created it. The eagle was first made for the Federal Legislative Palace. This palace was never finished.
Look closely at the pyramid’s sides. Bronze reliefs depict important rulers. Itzcoatl ruled Tenochtitlan. Nezahualcoyotl governed Texcoco. Totoquihuatzin led Tlacopan. Cuauht\u00e9moc was the last Aztec Emperor. Jes\u00fas Fructuoso Contreras created these reliefs. They were displayed at the 1889 Paris Exposition.
Two staircases lead to the top of the Monumento a la Raza. Serpent heads decorate the staircases. Lelo de Larrea created two sculptures. One shows the founding of Mexico. The other depicts the defense of Tenochtitlan.
Interestingly, the interior was meant to be a museum. But pumps and motors for the fountains were installed instead. Over time the Monumento a la Raza gave its name to this area. The La Raza Hospital is nearby. The La Raza metro station is close. Even the metro bus stations borrow the monument’s name. The pyramid’s silhouette marks them.
However, the Monumento a la Raza has faced challenges. It has suffered from neglect. Graffiti marred its surface in 2022. It became a temporary home for some. Fires have damaged the interior. There’s been little investment in maintenance since 2018. Some consider it to be a reminder of the country’s past.
Despite these issues there are calls to protect the Monumento a la Raza. Some want it declared a Cultural Heritage site. This would ensure its preservation for future generations.
As you stand here reflect on the Monumento a la Raza. It represents Mexico’s complex heritage. It links the past with the present. It connects indigenous roots to the modern nation.