Axolotl and Quetzalcoatl figures linger in Historic Center as World Cup decorations removal crawls
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
At a glance
- Decorations featuring axolotls and Quetzalcoatl from the World Cup remain in Mexico City's Historic Center two weeks after the event concluded.
- Removal of the World Cup-themed ornaments is proceeding slowly, with some figures already showing signs of damage.
- The decorations were installed in early June as part of the city's preparations for the sporting event.
Two weeks after the conclusion of the World Cup, decorative figures of axolotls and Quetzalcoatl, along with other World Cup-themed ornaments, are still visible in Mexico City's Historic Center. These decorations were installed by the capital's government to welcome visitors during the sporting event.
A crane was observed removing one of the figures on Avenida 20 de Noviembre, but the process is slow. Benches with World Cup motifs also remain along the avenue, some still being used by pedestrians. A Quetzalcoatl figure was seen being dismantled in the same area.
Figures of pink axolotls and green Quetzalcoatl continue to adorn lampposts on Avenida 20 de Noviembre and the Madero pedestrian corridor. However, some of these decorations are already showing damage, with one figure's head detached from its body.
Decorations related to the World Cup, including a green column with the phrase โThe ball returns home,โ are also still present on Calle 16 de Septiembre. The city authorities began installing these luminous mosaics and other decorative elements in early June, coinciding with the Fan Fest at the Zรณcalo. The removal of the Fan Fest and other decorations commenced just one day after the World Cup final match on July 20.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.