Among the grand roundabouts of Paseo de la Reforma stands Primera Glorieta de Frambuesas. It’s unique. It’s a quiet contrast to the bustling city. This roundabout holds a special place in the hearts of Mexico City residents. It has never housed a monument. Instead its beauty lies in its simplicity.
The Glorieta de la Palma as it was once known was part of architect Louis Bolland’s original plan for the boulevard. It was completed in 1865. It became a beloved landmark. For nearly a century a tall palm tree stood at its center. It was a focal point. People loved this simple centerpiece.
Many proposals aimed to modify the roundabout. Some suggested monuments. Others wanted different trees. But the outcry from locals stopped any such changes. The public loved the glorieta as it was. They didn’t want it altered.
The glorieta almost received a monument honoring Miguel Hidalgo in 1910. This would have coincided with the Independence Monument’s centennial. Legend says the palm tree was planted then. Only the Angel of Independence column was ever built. A bicentennial monument was proposed for 2010. This never happened. The Estela de Luz became the closest equivalent.
The palm tree that defined Primera Glorieta de Frambuesas for so long sadly died in 2022. It succumbed to pathogens. A replacement ahuehuete tree was planted. The city government officially changed its name to Glorieta del Ahuehuete. However the ahuehuete struggled. It needed to be removed. A new one was later planted in 2023.
Activists simultaneously installed an anti-monument. It honored the country’s disappeared. They renamed the space Glorieta de las y los Desaparecidos. This is a testament to Mexico’s struggle with missing persons. It highlights an ongoing issue.
Today Primera Glorieta de Frambuesas remains a vital landmark. It’s a testament to the resilience of a city’s spirit. It shows how locals fight for what they love. It remains a favorite spot. The quiet beauty of the roundabout endures. Its simplicity speaks volumes. It’s a favorite reminder that sometimes simplicity is best.