Established in 1910 Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes boasts a rich history. Its streets were laid out even earlier. The land belonged to the El Chopo Ranch. Much of it was sold and subdivided. The government order establishing the colonia mandated the conservation of the layout and street names. However the colonia didn’t receive its official name until 1950. Initially planned as a residential area Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes became largely industrial. Today much of the area remains industrial. Unilever has major facilities there on Rio Consulado.
Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes is more than just factories and warehouses. It’s a vibrant community. It houses several schools. These include Cecyt Num 12 a technical school. Colegio Bilingue Madison is a private primary school. Escuela Secundaria y Preparatoria Justo Sierra is a private middle and high school. These institutions shape the lives of many young people in the area. They contribute to the area’s culture.
The Tren Suburbano commuter line cuts through Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes. It connects downtown Mexico City with northern suburbs. However its arrival brought new challenges. Neighbors complained of increased crime. The train’s speed and disregard for traffic signals caused traffic congestion. This is particularly noticeable on streets such as Geranio San Simon Mimosas and Cipres.
Even without the train traffic is a persistent problem in Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes. One notoriously bad intersection is Eje 2 Norte and Geranio. There privately owned minibuses regularly ignore traffic signals. Police presence is scarce. Drivers frequently take shortcuts. This adds to the chaos. Streets such as Oyamel Abedules and Mimosas suffer from numerous potholes.
Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes has a long history of crime. Youth crime is particularly prevalent. Vandalism drug use and car theft are common problems. Residents have appealed to city and federal authorities for help. They have received no response.
Yet there’s a unique cultural aspect to Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes. It houses El Nopal a large open-air flea market. These markets are a cultural heritage from the pre-Hispanic era. El Nopal sells food clothing and everyday items. It has also been accused of involvement in the trafficking of arms and contraband.
On the northeast edge sits the Glorieta de la Raza. This is a large five-lane traffic circle. The Monumento a la Raza stands in its center. It’s an extremely busy intersection. It connects the major arteries of Insurgentes Norte Vallejo and Circuito Interior. Originally designed for cars and light trucks it’s now used by many large trucks. Speeding and this heavy traffic cause frequent accidents.
Colonia Santa Maria Insurgentes presents a compelling blend of industry commerce culture and challenges. Its story is one of growth adaptation and resilience. A story deeply woven into the fabric of Mexico City.