In Iztapalapa, the history of Cerro de la Estrella, museums with archaeological collections, and an important Passion tradition come together. Those interested in the New Fire will find both an archaeological site on the Cerro and exhibitions that explore its historical context. Other stops focus on the area’s cultures and history; the annual Passion play offers a distinctive perspective on community life in Iztapalapa.

Cerro de la Estrella and the New Fire

The Cerro de la Estrella archaeological site is located at the summit of Cerro de la Estrella. Its settlement history spans from the Preclassic period, beginning in 1000 BCE, to the conquest of Mexico in 1521. The New Fire ceremony, held here every 52 years, is also part of the site’s history. It is also known as atadura de años or xiuhmolpilli.

The New Fire Pyramid is the temple where the ceremony took place. Its five superimposed construction phases correspond to five different building periods. These layers make it possible to trace different periods of construction in a single structure; at the same time, the site connects its architecture with the ritual’s traditional significance.

The Museo del Fuego Nuevo is also located on the Cerro, in a pyramid-shaped building. Exhibits include a depiction of the pre-Columbian calendar, reproductions of codices, and maps of Culhuacán and Iztapalapa from 1580. Models illustrate both the New Fire ceremony and the historic lake region. The museum thus offers another way to explore themes associated with the archaeological site.

Museums spanning archaeological finds and urban history

The Museo Ex Convento de Culhuacán houses pre-Hispanic and colonial objects from the surrounding area. A pre-Hispanic ballgame marker ring is displayed in the courtyard. The complex also includes the ruins of the 16th-century Parroquia de San Juan Evangelista. The collection, courtyard artifact, and church ruins each offer a different perspective, bringing finds and architectural history together.

The Museo de las Culturas Pasión por Iztapalapa is designed as an interactive space. Several halls feature changing and permanent exhibitions offering different perspectives on Iztapalapa. The Museo Cabeza de Juárez Guelatao is both a museum and a monument; it was built or dedicated in 1972 to commemorate the centenary of Benito Juárez’s death. The Museo Yancuic is a community space that aims to offer playful, meaningful, and inspiring experiences.

The Passion play and the annual cycle

The portrayal of the Passion, death, and resurrection of Christ in Iztapalapa was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2025. It attracts millions of visitors every year. Iztapalapa residents take part as actors, facilitators, decorators, and in other roles. The tradition is therefore not just a performance, but also an occasion for a wide range of community contributions.

The annual cycle begins in December with community preparations and ends on May 3 with a ceremony to bless the cross. If you would like to plan a trip around the Passion play, check the specific event dates for your travel year. This lets you plan around the annual event without conflating the preparation period with its conclusion in May.

Historic center and food

Macroplaza Cuitláhuac is considered the most important part of Iztapalapa’s historic center. Excavations in its garden uncovered the remains of a Mexica Templo Mayor. The Bazar Iztapalapa is located right next to the Macroplaza: a cluster consisting mostly of restaurants, as well as taco stands and pizzerias. The combination of an archaeological discovery and places to eat makes this part of the historic center a different focus from Cerro de la Estrella or the museums.

Getting to Cerro de la Estrella

The Cerro de la Estrella archaeological site can be reached via Metro Line 8 and the Iztapalapa-Cerro de la Estrella station. As transport conditions can change, check current connections before setting out.

Discover more destinations: Azcapotzalco, Álvaro Obregón, Cuauhtémoc, Santa Ana Tlacotenco, Mexico City, Xochimilco, Coyacán

For the main travel overview: Distrito Federal.