Coyoacán

Coyoacán
source
Name	Coyoacán
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Mexico
Subdivision type1	State
Subdivision name1	Mexico City
Subdivision type2	Borough
Subdivision name2	Coyoacán (borough)

Coyoacán. Coyoacán is a borough in Mexico City, situated near Xochimilco, Tlalpan, and Benito Juárez, Mexico City. The area is known for its historic center, which features buildings from the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, including the Fernando de Alva Ixtlilxochitl house and the Juan de Zumárraga-founded San Juan Bautista Church. Coyoacán is also famous for being the place where Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera lived, in the La Casa Azul museum, now a popular tourist destination, along with the Anahuacalli Museum, showcasing Pre-Columbian art and artifacts from Mesoamerica, including pieces from the Maya civilization and the Aztec calendar.

Geography

Coyoacán is located in the southern part of Mexico City, bordering the boroughs of Xochimilco to the east, Tlalpan to the south, and Benito Juárez, Mexico City to the north. The area is situated near the Canal de Miramontes, which connects to the Xochimilco-Chalco lake system, including Lake Xochimilco and Lake Chapultepec. Coyoacán's terrain is relatively flat, with some hills and valleys, including the Cerro de la Estrella, a prominent hill that offers views of the surrounding area, similar to the Tepeyac Hill in the Gustavo A. Madero borough. The borough is also home to several parks and gardens, such as the Viveros de Coyoacán and the Parque Ecológico Xochimilco, which are popular recreational spots for residents and visitors, including those from nearby Iztapalapa and Iztacalco.

History

The history of Coyoacán dates back to the pre-Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, when it was an important center of the Aztec Empire, with the Templo Mayor and the Palacio de Quetzalpapálotl being notable landmarks. After the conquest, the area was colonized by the Spanish Empire, and many of its original inhabitants were forced to adopt Christianity, with the Franciscan Order and the Dominican Order playing significant roles in the conversion process, similar to the Augustinian Order in Puebla de Zaragoza. Coyoacán was also an important stop on the Camino Real de Tierra Adentro, a major trade route that connected Mexico City to Santa Fe, New Mexico, and was used by traders and travelers, including Juan de Oñate and Francisco Vásquez de Coronado. The area's history is also marked by the presence of notable figures, such as Hernán Cortés, Moctezuma II, and Andrés de Tapia, who played important roles in the conquest and colonization of Mexico.

Demographics

As of the last census, Coyoacán has a population of over 600,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and occupations, including students from the nearby National Autonomous University of Mexico and Instituto Politécnico Nacional. The borough is home to many families, as well as young professionals and artists, who are attracted to the area's vibrant cultural scene, including the Festival de Música de Coyoacán and the Feria de la Vendimia. Coyoacán is also a popular destination for tourists, who come to visit its historic center, museums, and cultural landmarks, such as the Museo Nacional de Antropología and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, and to experience the local cuisine, including traditional dishes like tacos al pastor and pozole, which are popular in Mexico City and other parts of Mexico, such as Guadalajara, Jalisco and Monterrey.

Culture

Coyoacán is known for its rich cultural heritage, with a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican influences, as seen in the works of artists like Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, and José Clemente Orozco, who were all associated with the Mexican muralism movement. The borough is home to numerous museums, galleries, and cultural centers, including the Museo de Arte Popular, the Museo Nacional de las Intervenciones, and the Centro Cultural Universitario, which host exhibitions, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, such as the Festival Internacional de Jazz de México and the Feria Internacional del Libro de México. Coyoacán is also famous for its traditional markets, such as the Mercado de Coyoacán and the Tianguis de la Lagunilla, which offer a wide range of goods, including handicrafts, food, and souvenirs, similar to the Mercado de San Juan in the Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City borough.

Economy

The economy of Coyoacán is driven by a mix of industries, including services, commerce, and manufacturing, with a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as larger companies like Grupo Bimbo and Coca-Cola Mexico. The borough is also home to a number of universities and research institutions, including the National Autonomous University of Mexico and the Instituto Politécnico Nacional, which are major employers and drivers of innovation, similar to the Universidad Autónoma Metropolitana and the Centro de Investigación y de Estudios Avanzados del Instituto Politécnico Nacional. Tourism is also an important sector, with visitors attracted to the area's historic center, museums, and cultural landmarks, such as the Zócalo and the Catedral Metropolitana in the Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City borough.

Government

Coyoacán is a borough of Mexico City, and as such, it is governed by a local government, headed by a mayor, who is elected by the residents of the borough, similar to the mayor of Mexico City. The borough is divided into several neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and identity, such as La Condesa, Roma, and Doctores, which are popular with tourists and locals alike. Coyoacán is also represented in the Mexico City Legislative Assembly and the Chamber of Deputies (Mexico), with deputies elected by the residents of the borough, including those from the Institutional Revolutionary Party, the National Action Party (Mexico), and the Party of the Democratic Revolution (Mexico). The borough's government is responsible for providing public services, such as transportation, sanitation, and security, as well as promoting economic development and cultural activities, similar to the government of Mexico City.