Sunday, May 18, 2025
This morning, after our now-routine breakfast of pastries and espresso, we caught an early Uber ride downtown to the Palacio de Bellas Artes (Palace of Fine Arts). We arrived about half an hour before the 9:00 a.m. opening, so we strolled around the building, admiring its distinguished Art Nouveau exterior and the other interesting surrounding structures.
Once inside, we spent a while simply taking in the stunning blend of Art Deco elegance and Mexican artistry. The grand foyer, sweeping staircases, and stately halls were adorned with marble, onyx, and crystal, creating a luxurious and stately atmosphere.
After having our tickets scanned, we entered the theater and were immediately struck by the grandeur of its multi-tiered auditorium. The centerpiece of the space is the spectacular stage curtain, a massive stained-glass mosaic made by Tiffany & Co., made up of thousands of small pieces of glass, depicting the Valley of Mexico.
As we were soaking in the beauty of the room, a friendly usher led us to our seats—second row, center. Unfortunately, a couple was already sitting there. After some back and forth, the usher discovered that Jane had accidentally booked tickets for the same performance next week through Ticketmaster. Kindly, she found us a pair of aisle seats farther back. Later, another couple arrived with tickets for those seats as well, so we moved over two spots. In the end, we had an excellent view of the performance—arguably better than being too close to the stage.
—— Palace of Fine Arts ——
The Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández was a dynamic and immersive performance that beautifully showcased the rich tapestry of Mexican culture through dance, music, and vibrant costumes. Most pieces featured large ensembles of both male and female dancers, moving in synchronized patterns full of energy and emotion. The repertoire reflected the diverse traditions of Mexico’s regions, from the ceremonial movements of ancient civilizations to the spirited, more modern dances. A live mariachi band accompanied the performers throughout—sometimes on stage, sometimes off—enhancing the experience with authentic music.
We were captivated for the entire 90-minute performance and left with a deep appreciation for the diversity and splendor of Mexico’s cultural heritage. After leaving the theater, we wandered around the building once more, eventually climbing to one of the booths in the highest balcony to take in the space from a new perspective. From that lofty perch, we couldn’t resist snapping a selfie—our own little moment suspended in the grandeur of the Palacio.
—— The Folkloric Ballet of Mexico ——
After leaving the Palacio, we made our way toward the Plaza de la República. Our initial route took us through the adjacent Alameda Central Park, a serene oasis in the city filled with wide, tree-lined walkways, elegant fountains, and classical sculptures that blend history and nature beautifully.
—— Enroute to Plaza de la República ——
As we approached the expansive Plaza de la República, our attention was immediately drawn to the Monument to the Revolution (Monumento a la Revolución), a striking, massive domed structure that commanded the far end of the square. Strolling up the plaza toward the monument, we observed locals leisurely enjoying their Sunday morning—children splashing in the ground-level fountains and youth bands rehearsing off to the side.
The Monument to the Revolution was inaugurated on November 20, 1938, to commemorate the 28th anniversary of the start of the Mexican Revolution. Its purpose is to honor the revolutionary ideals of justice, democracy, and agrarian reform, and it serves as a mausoleum for key figures of the Revolution. The structure blends Art Deco and modernist styles, featuring a copper dome supported by four arches and rising to a height of almost 250 feet.
We strolled around the monument before entering the ticket office at the rear, where we purchased our passes and began our tour by following a yellow line painted on the floor, as instructed. The path led us downstairs through a winding maze of corridors filled with exhibits detailing the purpose and construction of the monument, including a striking installation of glass rifles and, later, glass bullets.
Next, we took a glass-walled elevator at the center of the structure up into the dome, where an open-air viewing deck encircled the interior. From there, we enjoyed a remarkable 360-degree view of Mexico City. After lingering to take in the sights, we climbed a series of steep iron stairs in the dark interior, eventually emerging at the very top of the monument for a higher—though enclosed—panoramic view through clear plastic barriers.
We then began our descent, pausing along the way to purchase digital copies of photos where Jane had posed in front of a green screen. With those fun souvenirs in hand, we completed what had been both an adventurous and memorable climb—and descent. Few tourists visit this site, which allowed us an easy self-guided tour.
—— Monument to the Revolution ——
After visiting the monument, we set out to find a spot for lunch. Jane was craving burgers and fries, so we zeroed in on Monumental Burger, known for its plant-based options. Unfortunately, it was closed, so we turned to Don Core, a neighboring restaurant in the same building that served traditional Mexican cuisine. Alas, they didn’t offer any meatless dishes, so we settled for drinks to rehydrate before continuing our search for a more suitable lunch spot.
—— Our No-Lunch Venues ——
Jane soon found the perfect spot—Vegamo, a cozy vegan restaurant not too far away. She indulged in a satisfying Beyond Burger with fries, while I savored a flavorful veggie bowl, all in a small but welcoming setting that offered a much-needed break from the afternoon heat and walking.
—— Our Lunch Venue ——
Wearily, we hailed an Uber ride back to Durango 219 and rested in our room for a few hours. Later, we joined Jeff and Comeka for a light supper at Latizona, an affordable fast-food Mexican restaurant. After a pleasant meal, we walked to Casa 1900 Bakery near our hotel to pick up pastries for tomorrow’s breakfast. While there, we couldn’t resist treating ourselves to cups of ice cream for dessert. Jane chose maracuyá, a type of passion fruit that brought back nostalgic memories of her time in Ecuador 45 years ago. With our sweet treats enjoyed, we returned to our room and began packing for our departure from Mexico City tomorrow morning.
—— Dinner at Latinzona ——
