Mexico City Trivia

By Robert Nickel


Mexico is made up of 31 states, and one Federal District: Mexico City. As the capital of Mexico, Mexico City is the seat of the federal power in the Mexican Union and a separate entity of the country - but is still belongs to the federation as whole. Mexico City is governed by the federal government while all the other 31 states have their own governing body. Mexico City is one of the most important financial centers in North America, the most populated region in the Western Hemisphere and the fifth largest in the world. With a population of 8.84 million people as of 2009 and a 700 year history, the city certainly has its share of obscure information! Test your Mexico City knowledge here!

Question #1 - The Aztec people were the first to inhabit the area that is now Mexico City, and like most ancient cultures they had a central 'plaza' where religious ceremonies took place. That area is still standing and still used today. Do you know what it is called?

Question#2 - We know the Aztec and Mayan people were important cultures in the area, and populated the Mexico City area hundreds of years ago. What did the Aztec people call their city that stood where Mexico City is now?

Question #3 - Mexico City is rich with culture of all varieties. Many world celebrated artists have either been born or lived in the city for a significant part of their life. Frida Kahlo was a very popular artist with the people, particularly women, for her portrayal of the female endurance and strength. During the early 20th century Mexico City was a haven for controversial political figures, authors, poets and revolutionaries. What legendary non-Mexican revolutionary sought political shelter in Mexico City?

Question #4 - Continuing on the avenue of culture, what art movement in Mexico has become the most prevalent form of expression and political protest for both artists and the people?

Are you ready to see how you did? Don't feel too bad if you weren't able to answer all the questions, they were rather obscure.

Answer #1 - In the center of Mexico City is a historic center in which the UNESCO has declared is a World Heritage Site. Within the center are several ancient landmarks, including the Zocalo plaza which is officially referred to as Plaza de la Constitucion. Within a few steps are the Aztec temple ruins Templo Mayor, the Spanish Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Palace.

Answer #2 - When the Spanish conquered the area they found the largest city they had ever seen, and the indigenous peoples called it Tenochtitlan. It was the Aztec capital for their nation.

Answer #3 - In 1938 Russian Bolshevik and Marxist theorist, Leon Trotsky arrived in Mexico city seeking asylum from the wrath of Joseph Stalin. The Mexican President at the time, Lazaro Cardenas, welcomed Trotsky with open arms and made sure to find him a safe haven in Mexico City. He lived with painter Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo for a year before finding his own home. On August 21st 1940 Leon Trotsky died as a result of an assassination attempt.

Answer #4 - Mexican Muralism is a purely Mexican art movement first expressed by a group of artists many referred to as the "Three Greats". Diego Rivera, Jose Orozco and David Siqueiros formed the group and are thought to be the driving force behind Mexican Muralism during the post-revolutionary era. They took inspiration from indigenous traditions and subject matter, using the style as a means to speak for the people of Mexico.

Mexico City is truly an interesting place. The history of the geographical area is incredibly diverse, the artistry of the people shines through every aspect of architecture, music and picture. Explore the city and discover something new!




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