At the edge of the grass stands San Pedro Zacatenco. A small town it may seem today but its history stretches back millennia. San Pedro Zacatenco is one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in Mexico City. Its name itself speaks volumes. Zacatenco means “at the edge of the grass” in Nahuatl. This refers to the abundant grazing lands that once surrounded this ancient village.
Imagine the Olmec people arriving around 1500 BCE. They established themselves here. They likely focused on salt and tequesquite extraction. These were vital resources for the region. The town thrived for centuries before the arrival of the Mexica. They built Tenochtitlan nearby. San Pedro Zacatenco participated in the veneration of the goddess Tonantzin. This pre-Hispanic goddess played a significant role in the spiritual life of the area.
The colonial period marked a new era. The impressive Aqueduct of Guadalupe divided San Pedro Zacatenco. Its arches still stand. Despite the readily available water San Pedro Zacatenco remained a small town for centuries. This speaks to the enduring nature of the community. It continued to exist even when other settlements flourished.
The heart of San Pedro Zacatenco is its Church of San Pedro Apóstol. This church boasts the notable Our Lady of the Rosary Chapel. This 19th-century chapel rests on foundations possibly dating back to 1000 BCE. This shows the layers of history built into this place. A religious cult once thrived there. They specialized in the intriguing practice of embalming the dead.
Inside the Rosary Chapel are three colonial-era paintings. One is a striking depiction of a crucified Christ. Another shows the Virgin of Loreto. A procession is depicted in the painting on the east wall. This procession portrays Mexico City residents seeking the Virgin’s help. They did so during a devastating measles epidemic in 1727. The Virgin of the Rosary a corn-paste sculpture was widely venerated.
The 2017 earthquakes caused significant damage. The chapel underwent extensive renovation. Researchers noted that the painting of the procession probably came from the Loreto Church. That church is now situated in the Historic Center. It was being constructed during the early 19th century.
Even today San Pedro Zacatenco retains its unique character. The cemetery remains on the church grounds. The Cerro de Zacatenco provides a majestic backdrop. It’s only a 20-minute walk from Metro Indios Verdes. So San Pedro Zacatenco is readily accessible. Yet it feels far removed from the bustle of modern Mexico City. It maintains its history. It invites us to reflect on its long and rich past. It reveals stories of faith perseverance and resilience.