Did the name “La Gran Espiga” ever cross your mind as you navigated this bustling intersection? Right here, at the cloverleaf intersection of Calzada de Tlalpan and Avenida Taxqueña, stands La Gran Espiga. It’s a massive sculpture, a great sprig of wheat reaching for the sky. Many assume it’s a relic of the 1968 Olympics, another piece of the Ruta de la Amistad collection that dots the southern cityscape. La Gran Espiga’s story, however, starts a few years later, in 1973. The Coyoacán delegation commissioned architect and sculptor Fernando González Gortázar to create a piece for an urban beautification project. González Gortázar, known for his work in Guadalajara and Jalisco, envisioned this giant sprig. He saw it as a “symbol of all that is good”. It represents nourishment, life, nobility, and the harmony of the people. It’s a poetic image, echoing themes found in literature throughout time. But time and neglect took their toll. Traffic, vandalism, and weather battered La Gran Espiga. For years, it stood forgotten. Then, in 2018, fifty years after its creation, La Gran Espiga underwent a complete restoration. Today, it stands tall once more. A testament to the enduring power of art and a symbol of hope amidst the urban sprawl. So next time you pass by, take a moment to appreciate La Gran Espiga. It’s more than just a sculpture. It’s a symbol of resilience, a tribute to the human spirit, and a reminder of the beauty that can flourish even in the most unexpected places.
Embassy of Costa Rica
Amidst the vibrant streets of Mexico City stands a symbol of friendship. It is the Embassy of Costa Rica. This