Hundreds enjoy Mexico City’s Zócalo after it is cleared of stalls and barriers

Mexico City’s Zócalo filled with families, couples, cyclists, skaters and dogs on Sunday after the plaza was left completely open, a sight residents said they had not seen for several months.

Ahead of Sept. 15, Constitution Plaza stood without tents or barriers. Visitors walked across the open space and took in views of the National Palace, the Cathedral, the Viceroyal Building and the monumental flag. Many took photos, selfies and videos, knowing the plaza would likely fill again with festivities for the Day of the Dead and Christmas.

Children ran through bubbles sold by vendors, while others played with scooters. Young people skateboarded and cyclists rode across the plaza. Vendors selling traditional tlayudas could be seen along the edges.

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I like that it’s calm and clear, although personally I sometimes miss having a bit more people, I mean, seeing more stalls and things like that.

The open layout divided opinion. Jorge Luis Orozco, who arrived by bicycle, said he liked the space being calm and clear because it was more comfortable for pedestrians, although he sometimes missed seeing more stalls and people. “I like that it’s calm and clear, although personally I sometimes miss having a bit more people, I mean, seeing more stalls and things like that,” he said.

Roberto Reynoso, who traveled from Orizaba with friends, said he had never seen the entire esplanade open to pedestrians. “I like seeing it this clean; it gives the city a clean appearance,” he said. He recalled visiting in March, when the Zócalo was full of stalls, and brought his camera this time to capture the open plaza.

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I like seeing it this clean; it gives the city a clean appearance.