Nezahualcóyotl, Mexico
Region: State: Mexico
Geographic Coordinates: 19.400600, -99.014800
Population: 1077208
Language: Spanish
Nezahualcóyotl is a city located in the State of Mexico, Situated in the central region of Mexico. The city was named after the famous Aztec poet and philosopher Nezahualcóyotl who lived during the 15th century. Today, Nezahualcóyotl has a population of over 1 million people. The history of Nezahualcóyotl dates back to pre-Columbian times when it was inhabited by various indigenous groups such as the Mexica and Tepaneca peoples. During this time, It served as an important trading center for goods such as cotton and salt.
In 1521, Spanish conquistadors arrived in what is now modern-day Mexico and began to colonize the area. Over time, They established several settlements including what would become known as Nezahualcóyotl. Today, Nezahualcóyotl is known for its vibrant culture and rich history. The city boasts several museums that showcase its indigenous roots including Museo Casa de Carranza which showcases artifacts from ancient civilizations like Teotihuacan and Toltec. Nezahualcoytol also has a thriving arts scene with many galleries showcasing works from local artists. One notable gallery is Galería José María Velasco which features paintings by one of Mexico’s most renowned landscape painters.
The city also has several parks where visitors can relax or take part in recreational activities like jogging or cycling. One popular park is Parque del Pueblo which features a large lake where visitors can rent paddle boats or enjoy a picnic on its shores. In terms of food culture, Nezahualcoytol offers an array of delicious dishes that reflect its diverse population including tacos al pastor (marinated pork tacos), Tamales (corn dough filled with meat and spices), And mole (a rich sauce made with chocolate, Chili peppers, And spices).
Overall, Nezahualcóyotl is a vibrant city that offers visitors a glimpse into Mexico’s rich history and culture. From its museums to its art galleries to its parks and food scene, There is something for everyone to enjoy in this bustling metropolis.
- Plaza Ciudad Jardín: A central square in the city that hosts cultural events and concerts.
- Parque del Pueblo: A large park with walking trails, playgrounds, and sports facilities.
- Iglesia de San Francisco de Asís: A historic church built-in 1954 with beautiful architecture.
- Centro Cultural y Deportivo Nezahualcóyotl: A cultural center that features art exhibitions and performances.
- Mercado Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: A traditional market where you can buy fresh produce and local handicrafts.
- Museo Casa de Cultura Emiliano Zapata: A museum dedicated to the life of Emiliano Zapata, a Mexican revolutionary leader.
- Cinepolis Plaza Ciudad Jardin: An entertainment complex featuring cinemas and restaurants.
- Teatro Juárez Neza: An iconic theater that hosts plays and concerts throughout the year.
- Parroquia San Juan Diego Tepalcates Norte – One of the most important churches in this area
- Palacio Municipal – The town hall building is also an attraction for its architecture
- Manufacturing
- Construction
- Retail
- Service sectors
The city is home to several industrial parks that house factories producing:
- Textiles
- Plastics
- Metal products
Additionally, there are numerous small businesses such as:
- Restaurants
- Grocery stores
The city also has a growing tourism industry with various hotels and attractions such as:
- Parque del Pueblo amusement park
- Nezahualcóyotl himself: He was a philosopher, poet, and ruler of the city-state of Texcoco in pre-Columbian Mexico. He is known for his poetry that celebrated nature and the human spirit.
- The founding of Nezahualcóyotl: The city was founded in 1954 as part of a plan to provide affordable housing for low-income families.
- The Battle of Texcotzingo: This battle took place in 1473 between the Aztec Empire and the combined forces of Texcoco, Tlacopan, and Huexotzinco resulting in a victory for the coalition forces.
- The arrival of Spanish conquistadors: In 1521 Hernán Cortés arrived in Tenochtitlan (modern-day Mexico City) with his army and conquered the Aztec Empire.
- The Mexican Revolution: In 1910 a revolution broke out against President Porfirio Díaz’s long dictatorship that led to significant political changes throughout Mexico.
- Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz: A renowned scholar and writer who lived during the colonial period in Mexico is said to have visited Nezahualcóyotl during her travels across Mesoamerica.
- Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla: A leader during the Mexican War of Independence who fought against Spanish rule also passed through this region while leading his troops towards Tenochtitlan.
- Club Deportivo Neza was founded in 1950 and was a professional football club located in Nezahualcóyotl. The team played in the Mexican Primera División for several years and even made it to the final of the Copa México twice.
- Toros Neza FC, another professional football club based in Nezahualcóyotl, was founded in 1991 and played in the Mexican Primera División until 2000 when it was relegated to Liga de Ascenso.
- Guerreros de Neza is a basketball team that plays within Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional (LNBP). The team has quickly become one of the top teams since its founding in 2015.
- Diablos Rojos del Estado de México is a baseball team that plays at Estadio Beto Ávila, located within Ciudad Deportiva Bicentenario Park on the border between Iztapalapa and Chimalhuacán municipalities adjacent to Ciudad Netzahualcoyotl.
- Cachorros-Nezahualcóyotl Rugby Club is a rugby union club based out of Ciudad Netzahualcoyotl, Mexico State that competes primarily within Mexico’s domestic rugby competition structure but also participates internationally on occasion as well as hosting international tours from overseas clubs & national teams alike occasionally too.
- Festival del Maíz (Corn Festival)
- Feria de la Cultura Indígena (Indigenous Culture Fair)
- Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
- Semana Santa (Holy Week)
- Fiesta Patronal de San Francisco Tlaltenco
- Fiesta Patronal de San Juan Bosco
- Festival Internacional de Danza Folklórica Mexicana (International Mexican Folk Dance Festival)
- Feria del Libro y la Lectura Neza-Libro
- Expo Arte Neza
- Festival Cultural en el Parque Chimalhuacán
- Tacos de Canasta Los Especiales – famous for their steaming hot tacos filled with various meats and vegetables.
- El Rincón del Bife – a steakhouse that serves delicious cuts of meat cooked to perfection.
- Taquería Don Pancho – specializes in traditional Mexican dishes such as chilaquiles, enchiladas, and quesadillas.
- La Casa del Pavo – a restaurant that serves turkey-based dishes including the famous mole de guajolote.
- El Charro Mexicano – offers authentic Mexican cuisine such as pozole, tamales, and birria.
- La Cabaña del Abuelo – known for its hearty breakfasts and delicious coffee.
- El Fogón de la Abuela – a family-owned restaurant that serves homemade-style food including stews, soups, and mole sauces.
- La Nueva Fonda Michoacana – this restaurant is known for its carnitas (pork) served with fresh tortillas and salsa.
- Antojitos Mexicanos “La Lupita” – offers traditional street food such as tacos al pastor (marinated pork), huaraches (thick corn tortilla with toppings), sopes (thick fried corn dough topped with beans or meat).
- Los Jarochos – specializes in seafood dishes from the Gulf of Mexico region including ceviche, shrimp cocktails, fish fillets among others.
- Parque Nezahualcóyotl
- Parque del Pueblo
- Deportivo Neza 86
- Parque Bicentenario
- Parque Alameda Oriente
- Centro Deportivo Ciudad Jardín Bicentenario
- Unidad Deportiva Santa Cruz Meyehualco
- Unidad Deportiva Adolfo López Mateos
- Bosque de Aragón (located nearby)
