A MAGAZINE IN THE FULL REVOLUTION

Plaza Mayor of Mexico Federal District. Circa 1915.

Vintage photographic piece. Gelatin silver print, without white margin. Measurements of the photograph: 14.5 x 19 cm. Unidentified photographer. Circa 1916. Work in good condition.

In the Latin American historical tradition, the main squares, main squares or main squares, have always been sounding boards for great civic and military events. Of course, Mexico does not escape this tradition, which goes back even to the Aztec or pre-Hispanic period. Through this more than century-old image, we appreciate first-hand an imposing parade of the famous Mexican military cavalry in the convulsive years of the Revolution.

The Plaza de la Constitución - popularly known as the Zócalo -, with an area of ​​approximately 46,800 m2, was the setting for that imposing parade in front of the flag-bearing National Palace; The image gives us a view of the neat squads of horseback riders wearing their typical wide-brimmed hats.

The plein air registration was carried out at noon and our expert photographer was surely located on one of the high balconies of the Gran Hotel Nacional, precisely to more fully capture the colorful parade. All the citizens had gathered for the event, and the sultry heat was fought with dark umbrellas. In the details of the image, an excellent festive organization can be seen, with a multitude of awnings, chairs for spectators and even street sweepers ready to clean up the horse droppings.

At that time, the Plaza maintained its trees and even the curved trace of the urban tramway. In the visor of the extensive official awning, advertising plays its commercial role promoting the establishment of Rosa Crespo Viuda de Elzaurdía and its well-known "Chairs "La Alameda", with its location on the Sta. María road and telephone No. 1566.

A great photographic work, little known, about the famous Mexican Revolution (1910-1917).

Abel Alexander

President of the Ibero-American Society for the History of Photography