Comments on: Our angel

By: Evelyn

Evelyn — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 08:17:55 +0000

aahh…apparently only the negative aspects of a most beautiful country and city pops into ones minds and not the significant quality it brings to it’s residents and tourist. Michael W. (nov.10) It’s apparent and unfortunate, those are the only thoughts and memories you carry around regarding this amazingly historical city and archeologically fascinating treasure, but there is a remedy – educate your self and open a book or travel!

By: Kim G

Kim G — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 02:59:19 +0000

It’s also a very popular spot to take wedding photos.

And to Gary D. At least the head is new, since the fallen (and now smashed/flattened) original head sits in a museum in el Centro Historico.

Saludos,

Kim G
Boston, MA
Where we have a new-ish bridge which is quite iconic. Zakim is its name.

By: Dean E.

Dean E. — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 21:26:03 +0000

On my first visit to el D.F. my Mexican friends made a point of walking me to the angel and explaining how she was sort of like the USA’s Statue of Liberty in significance. I was awestruck by the beauty of the monument, but in a moment typical for a first-time visitor to the overwhelming metropolis, I looked down from the golden angel to see citizens at the street level crossing themselves in Catholic fashion before stepping into a crosswalk. This hit me as something I’d never seen elsewhere, and I didn’t know if it spoke to the dangers of the crazy auto traffic in the city, or the general religiosity of the Mexican people, and decided it was probably both. I suppose it’s true that she is D.F.’s best known icon, although prior to reading this entry I’d always assumed it was the Zocolo in general. It makes more sense that it would be the angel. She may be colonial in expression, but as she is an angel, she transcends the particulars of history as an enduring inspiration and reminder of Mexico’s winning spirit.

By: Michael W

Michael W — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 04:20:53 +0000

My list of distinctive visual iconography for DF would include the green & white VW beetle taxis, newspaper front pages with headlines & photos of slaughtered gangsters, and the large brown cloud that hovers above the city. I think it’s good that these are a more ephemeral & dispersed range of visual symbols rather than one famous building or statue.

By: Hugo

Hugo — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 22:18:29 +0000

En un libro (de German Dehesa, creo) lei una pregunta.
¿El Angel esta “despegando” o esta aterrizando?

By: Judy

Judy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 18:25:04 +0000

That is one of the unfortunate aspects of Mexican nationalism, which tends towards the childish and spiteful. El Juli certainly deserves his victory lap at the Angel. Assholes.

By: Gary Denness

Gary Denness — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:41:47 +0000

I think whilst the Angel is the most famous landmark in the city for the residents, internationally I’m not so sure. Most Brits could name Estadio Azteca, but wouldn’t know of the Angel’s existence.

Robert – the Angel that fell during the 57 earthquake, IIRC, was restored and still sits atop the column. There wasn’t a second angel.

By: Robert

Robert — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 19:09:10 +0000

you should mention that this is the second angel since the first one fell off in the 1950′s

By: shayne

shayne — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:44:17 +0000

I think that is kind of a sad story for the matador

By: Jorge Pedro

Jorge Pedro — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 16:47:17 +0000

yo no creo que el ángel de la independencia se parezca demasiado a la victoria de berlín. ambas son victorias y están sobre una columna, pero nada más. excelente post. saludos.