Teotihuacan Closed After Deadly Shooting, Disappointing Tourists and Harming Local Economy
Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.
TLDR
- Tourists were unable to visit the Teotihuacan archaeological site after a shooting incident on the Pyramid of the Moon left two dead and 13 injured.
- The closure caused disappointment for visitors, including a Brazilian family celebrating a birthday, and negatively impacted the local economy.
- Authorities are continuing their investigation at the site, with increased National Guard presence for security.
The ancient wonders of Teotihuacan, a site steeped in history and mystique, were abruptly closed to the public following a violent incident that has cast a shadow over this iconic Mexican landmark. The shooting, which occurred on the Pyramid of the Moon, resulted in casualties and forced the immediate closure of the archaeological zone, leaving many, including international tourists, deeply disappointed.
Vivian, a tourist from Brazil, arrived with her son, hoping to celebrate his 13th birthday with a visit to the pyramids. "This is a place worth visiting, we came with great pleasure to see them," she shared, her voice tinged with sadness. "It's our son's birthday and we found out about the incidents on the news, and they don't know when they will open. This is our first time in Mexico and our first time in the archaeological zone. Now we're going to Cancun because we couldn't get in."
This is a place worth visiting, we came with great pleasure to see them. It's our son's birthday and we found out about the incidents on the news, and they don't know when they will open. This is our first time in Mexico and our first time in the archaeological zone. Now we're going to Cancun because we couldn't get in.
Gloria, another visitor who traveled 18 hours by road from Nuevo Leรณn, expressed similar dismay. "I came with the illusion of visiting them, but I am very surprised that they are closed. What sadness that these beautiful areas are hurt. That hurts us as Mexicans, just to see them from afar," she lamented. The closure not only thwarted the travel plans of many but also dealt a significant blow to the local economy, which relies heavily on the influx of visitors.
Ernesto Martรญnez, who owns a shop selling obsidian crafts, barro, and clothing within the site, was unable to sell his wares. Restaurants also suffered from the absence of customers. While the National Guard has increased patrols to ensure safety, the lingering presence of investigators and forensic experts serves as a somber reminder of the violence that disrupted the tranquility of Teotihuacan. The hope now is for a swift resolution to the investigation and a timely reopening of this invaluable cultural heritage site.
I came with the illusion of visiting them, but I am very surprised that they are closed. What sadness that these beautiful areas are hurt. That hurts us as Mexicans, just to see them from afar.
Originally published by El Universal in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.