Chimalhuacán

What secrets does Chimalhuacán hold beneath its bustling streets? Chimalhuacán, meaning “place of those who have shields,” whispers stories of ancient warriors and powerful empires. This city, located in the State of Mexico, just outside Mexico City, is a fascinating blend of pre-Columbian history and modern urban life. Chimalhuacán’s roots stretch back to 1259. Three chiefs, Huauxomatl, Chalchiutlatonac, and Tlatzcantecuhtli, led their people from Tula and Culhuacán to establish this settlement. They spoke Chichimeca and Mexica languages, but Nahuatl eventually became the dominant language. In 1431, Chimalhuacán became part of the Aztec Triple Alliance, ruled through Texcoco. The Spanish founded their own town here in 1529. The Dominicans followed, constructing a church and monastery in 1563. The city is virtually the same size as the municipality. In 2005, the population of the city was reported as 524,223, nearly identical to the municipality’s total of 525,389. Chimalhuacán’s modern development is evident in the Plaza Estado de Mexico Chimalhuacan, a new park in the city center. This park features a library, theater, and other entertainment venues. At the entrance to the municipality stands the Guerrero Chimalli, a towering 60-meter steel statue. This monument serves as a striking symbol of Chimalhuacán’s identity. But Chimalhuacán’s story isn’t just one of ancient empires and modern progress. A darker chapter unfolded in September 2015 with the attacks of “La Degolladora,” or “The Throat-Slitter.” This individual terrorized the city with random knife attacks. More recently, in March 2021, six members of the “Loca Tristeza Mexicana” band were arrested for two murders committed in 2020. These band members were heavily armed, involved in drug activities, and implicated in the 2018 kidnapping and murder of a local firefighter. Chimalhuacán’s story is complex, woven with threads of ancient history, cultural blending, urban growth, and moments of darkness. It is a city that continues to evolve, holding onto its past while forging its future.