What was the origin of the Glorieta de la Palma and what historical events did it survive

Paseo de la Reforma is one of the most important avenues in Mexico City, since its creation it has become a meeting point for more than one person, the relevance it has in the life of the capital of the country can be seen from the political, economic, social and cultural aspects.

In its length of more than 14 kilometres, it runs through strategic points in the centre of the city and among them is the Glorieta de la Palma, a point that, according to historical archives, has been in force at important moments such as the arrival of Maximilian of Habsburg in the country, the consolidation of the Porfiriato, the Revolution Mexicana, the more than 70 years of PRI governments, political alternation and, now, the Fourth Transformation.

For this reason, summarizing the history of La Palma Glorieta is undoubtedly a complicated fact, since few places have survived for so long the onslaught of public life; however, next Sunday, April 21, it will say goodbye and be replaced.

Located on Paseo de la Reforma, until then known as Paseo de la Emperatriz, to connect Rio Rhin and Nice streets, it was part of the original architectural plan of Louis Bollan, the mind behind the capital avenue that was made at the request of the European emperor for his arrival in Mexico.

Based on historiographical information, the Glorieta de la Palma was the second roundabout completed and was inaugurated in 1865, since that time it already had a palm, which, it is said, came from the Caribbean; however, it was until many years later, when the central element gave it the name by which it was known for more than a century.

However, although it is not known exactly when it was changed, some scholars of the subject point out that the palm was changed, between the last years of the Porfiriato and the beginning of the Mexican Revolution, because the plant suffered from a fungus that ended up drying it; a situation similar to that it is currently going through.

At that time, it was not the only modification to the avenue, since trees were also planted, the sidewalks and ridges were modified, lighting was placed and, in addition, more roundabouts were built such as that of the Angel of Independence, as well as that of the Diana the Huntress.

And, although a palm remained, in reality some versions suggest that a monument in honor of Miguel Hidalgo was to be placed in that place, which would be another tribute to Mexico's independence during the 1910 celebrations; this project never saw the light.

Despite the above, this roundabout has witnessed many social changes in the country, as it was the one who witnessed the change from animal transport to motor vehicles, as well as the socialization of public transport or the implementation of a single means with a confined lane.

It has also been a meeting point for social mobilizations from the mass rallies of the Institutional Revolutionary; the triumph of Fox at the beginning of the century; the marches for the increase in violence, demanding human rights; even celebrations for triumphs in national sport have come to it.

And since every story has its end, next Sunday, April 24, it will change, as it will be removed due to a plague that ended up killing life in the plant, which is why, according to the head of government of Mexico City, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, a popular consultation will be held so that the capitals choose which species will be in place and what will be the new name of the roundabout.

KEEP READING: