Next to the flowers. That’s what Xochinahuac means in Nahuatl. A fitting name for this ancient neighborhood nestled in Azcapotzalco. San Martín Xochinahuac. Imagine chinampas flourishing here beside the lake. This was a vibrant center of agriculture. Flowers and vegetables thrived. San Martín Xochinahuac was one of the original 27 settlements recognized by the Dominicans in the 16th century. It remains one of Azcapotzalco’s 25 original neighborhoods.
Today San Martín Xochinahuac boasts a charming church. Its dome and bell tower stand as silent witnesses to history. The church dedicated to San Martín Obispo was started in the late 18th or early 19th century. It has been modified many times. The nave was lengthened in 1974. The original vault was replaced. Several significant paintings date back to 1947. This church is considered the heart of this ancient neighborhood.
But San Martín Xochinahuac holds more secrets. In 1967 a giant skeleton was unearthed. It belonged to a man reportedly measuring 2.4 meters tall. The discovery stunned the world. This was not the only remarkable find. Mammoth remains were found 600 meters away. Twelve sets of mammoth bones were found during the construction of the Metro’s Line 6. These ancient giants roamed the earth between 16000 and 20000 years ago. San Martín Xochinahuac’s history stretches far back into prehistory.
The neighborhood’s evolution is equally fascinating. From lakeside chinampa farming to a dairy farm. From a railway strategically used by revolutionary troops to its present-day blend of factories and residential units. The railway line dividing San Martín Xochinahuac from the Nueva España colony is still visible. It now forms a part of a cycle path. This railway line connected Tlalnepantla directly to Tacuba. It was crucial for transporting Francisco Villa’s troops during the Mexican Revolution. San Martín Xochinahuac was even known as Las Ánimas at one point.
Even today you can stroll through its quiet streets. You might hear pregoneros pushing their carts. They call out their wares. They are selling trinkets and small items. San Martín Xochinahuac’s past is rich. Its present is unique. The strong sense of community persists. The communal cemetery is where only natives and their families may be buried. But it’s more than a burial ground. It’s a place of gathering for those who honor their ancestors. The main annual celebration takes place on November 11. It honors San Martín Obispo the patron saint.
The annual feast begins the day before. Streets are closed. Music from mariachi bands fills the night air. The celebration includes a novenario a nine-day devotion. Food is shared throughout the neighborhood. It all ends with the burning of fireworks. San Martín Xochinahuac is a living testament to a rich history. This neighborhood combines pre-Hispanic roots with colonial influences and modern developments. It is a testament to the endurance of a community. The name San Martín Xochinahuac speaks of flowers. It also speaks of resilience. It is a place worth exploring and remembering.