What if I told you that this bustling colonia was once underwater? Welcome to Agrícola Oriental. It is a vibrant neighborhood in Mexico City with a unique past. It wasn’t always the residential and industrial hub it is today.
Agrícola Oriental’s story begins in the early 20th century. The area was primarily swampland. It used to be part of the vast Lake Texcoco. This lake dominated the Valley of Mexico for centuries. The city began to grow. People began to settle on the edges of the lake.
President Lázaro Cárdenas founded Agrícola Oriental in the 1930s. The area was designated for agriculture. Its location east of the city led to its name. It means “Eastern Agricultural Colony”. The saline plains were ideal for farming.
Over time the lake was drained. The area changed dramatically. In the mid-20th century Agrícola Oriental saw a population boom. People came from other parts of the city and the State of Mexico. They were drawn by the colonia’s proximity to the city center.
President Adolfo López Mateos oversaw significant changes. The colonia transformed into a residential zone. The agricultural roots began to fade. Agrícola Oriental became an attractive option for new residents. It offered easy access to the Centro Histórico.
Today Agrícola Oriental is one of the largest and most populated colonias. It has a population density similar to Zacatecas. Most residents belong to the middle or lower-middle class. However you can also find some upper-middle-class families here.
The colonia is a hub for industry and commerce. It is home to many companies both public and private. These businesses contribute significantly to the area’s economy. Agrícola Oriental is also known for its diverse food scene. Many restaurants and food establishments thrive here.
Agrícola Oriental boasts complete urban services. Water electricity and drainage are readily available. The colonia also features several churches. You can find Christian Catholic and Mormon congregations here. Two libraries a cultural center and public markets serve the community.
The Mercado Agrícola Oriental is the heart of the colonia. It is a massive market with hundreds of vendors. A UAM study counted 344 vendors in 2017. The market offers fresh food cooked daily. It is a great place to eat supporting local businesses.
The colonia is well-connected. Major roads like Calzada Ignacio Zaragoza and Viaducto Río de la Piedad run through it. Two metro stations serve the area. These are Agrícola Oriental and Canal de San Juan.
Agrícola Oriental also offers various attractions. The Faro Cultural y Recreativo Iztacalco is a popular spot. The Centro Social y Deportivo Leandro Valle provides recreational activities. The Iglesia de San Isidro Labrador y Santo Ángel Custodio is a beautiful church.
Many notable people have called Agrícola Oriental home. These include President Lázaro Cárdenas. Carlos Trejo Ávila a paranormal investigator also lived here. Karol Sevilla an actress and singer grew up here. Boxers Juan Manuel Márquez and Rafael Márquez also resided here. The rock band Sur 16 hails from this colonia too.
Agrícola Oriental continues to evolve. It balances its industrial and residential character. It offers a dynamic mix of tradition and modernity. As you explore the area remember its unique history. From a lakebed to a thriving colonia Agrícola Oriental is a testament to change and growth.