Barrios Mágicos of Mexico City facts for kids

The Barrios Mágicos (which means "Magical Neighborhoods") are special areas in Mexico City. The city government chose these neighborhoods to attract more visitors. This program is similar to the "Pueblos Mágicos" (Magical Towns) program run by the Mexican federal government. However, there's one key difference: the city doesn't require these "Barrios" to change their look to be chosen.

The first of these special neighborhoods were named in 2011. This was done by the city's Secretary of Tourism, Alejandro Rojas Díaz Durán. Each of the twenty-one chosen neighborhoods received a special scroll. This scroll was an official recognition, and their acceptance was also published in the city's official newspaper. The very first neighborhood to get its scroll was Santa María Magdalena Atlitic.

Discovering Mexico City's Magical Neighborhoods

These special neighborhoods are spread across Mexico City. They offer a look into different parts of the city's history and culture.

Which Neighborhoods Are Magical?

There are twenty-one neighborhoods that have been named "Barrios Mágicos." Some of the well-known ones include:

• The historic center of Coyoacán, famous for its beautiful plazas and markets.
• The Roma and Condesa areas, known for their art deco buildings and trendy cafes.
• The historic center of Xochimilco, where you can ride colorful boats called trajineras.
• San Ángel, a charming neighborhood with cobblestone streets and art bazaars.
• San Agustín de la Cuevas, which is the historic center of Tlalpan.
• Santa María la Ribera, home to the Kiosco Morisco.
• Zona Rosa, a lively area with shops and restaurants.
• Garibaldi, famous for its mariachi music.
• Villa de Guadalupe, an important religious site.
• Mixcoac and Tacubaya, historic areas with old buildings.
• Santa María Magdalena Atlitic, the first to be recognized.
• The historic center of Azcapotzalco.
• La Merced, a bustling market area.
• Mixquic, known for its Day of the Dead celebrations.
• The historic center of Cuajimalpa.
• San Pedro Atocpan, famous for its mole sauce.
• Pueblo Culhuacán.
• Tacuba.
• Santa Julia.
• The historic center of Iztacalco.

The city's Secretary of Tourism plans to have even more of these special neighborhoods in the future, possibly up to thirty. Areas like the Los Dinamos ecological reserve have been suggested.

Why Are They Special?

These neighborhoods are recognized for their unique charm and importance to Mexico City. While they are officially named "Magical Neighborhoods," the city and local areas are still working on ways to help more people discover and enjoy them. The goal is to highlight these places so more visitors can explore the rich culture and history they offer.

See also

In Spanish: Barrios mágicos de Ciudad de México para niños

• List of pre-columbian archaeological sites in Mexico City
• List of colonial churches in Mexico City