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Arena Mexico

Along the metroline ‘Arena Mexico’ the exhibition explores the political arena of Mexico City. The city had its first election for City Mayor in 1997 and a new atmosphere has risen in the city, allowing the inhabitants to take more initiative and being responsible for thier own lifes

One party for over 70 years

Mexican presidencialismo, which allowed the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) to remain in power for over 70 years, impacted on Mexico City in many ways. 

Perhaps the most dramatic consequence was the loss, in 1928, of citizens’ right to vote for the government of their own city. The absence of a directly-elected local government to respond to citizens’ needs, together with their lack of awareness of their political rights - and responsibilities - meant the city was flooded with conflicts and contradictions.

New epoch of responsibility

In 1985 Mexico City suffered an earthquake that, in spite of the grave damage it caused, shook the citizenry out of their apathy and reawoke the ideas generated by the student revolt of 1968. The solidarity and self-organization that emerged amongst the citizens in the face of the tragedy paved the way for a new epoch in which inhabitants assumed their responsibilities and demanded better management from the authorities.

First democratic election in 1997

This societal self-organization helped to bring about the elections of the first City Mayor in 1997. Since then, the city has seen notable improvements and citizens have gradually discovered that their commitment and initiative are fundamental for the city to function.

At the ONOs and Crisis

At the six stations of this line you hear about i.e. the ONOs, an Objeto No Olvidable, or Unforgettable Object. ONOs can be rods, bolts and metal plates left rooted in pavements that serve no purpose except to demonstrate the negligence of those in charge of urban infrastructure as well as the con of a job never properly finished.

Another stop is Crisis. Accustomed to a crisis that has been going on for decades, the inhabitants of Mexico City have developed diverse ways of dealing with it, ranging from esoteric remedies to a whole range of informal activities. Thanks to its flexibility, employment-generating capacity and its ability to offer cheaper products and services, the informal economy is engaged.

Read more about the exhibition Citámbulos - Drifting Through the Mexican Megalopolis