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Purple pain: backlash over Mexico City’s ‘axolotlisation’ for World Cup
TL;DR
Mexico City is undergoing a transformation with purple axolotl murals and infrastructure as part of its World Cup preparations. However, many residents criticize the spending, arguing it should focus on essential city repairs instead.
Key points
- Purple axolotl murals are appearing across Mexico City.
- Residents criticize the spending on beautification instead of infrastructure repairs.
- The axolotl is the mascot for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
- City infrastructure is being painted in various shades of purple.
Mentioned in this story
Mexico City
axolotlFIFA World Cup
The giant purple axolotl peered up at Manuel Martínez from the black bitumen of the street. It was the second such painting of the rare amphibian he had walked past that morning. In recent weeks he had seen axolotl murals pop up in neighbourhoods across Mexico City.
“It’s a waste of money,” he said. “You could use that budget for fixing potholes, traffic lights, security cameras. They’re spending on something that doesn’t benefit us at all – it’s just for tourists.”
The axolotl, a kind of salamander native to the ancient waterways of Mexico City, is the capital’s mascot for this summer’s Fifa World Cup. And these days it is everywhere: painted on walls, plastered on trains, crawling up lamp-posts, swimming across traffic barriers.
Following in its trail is an apparent effort to beautify the city before the tournament by painting much of the capital’s infrastructure purple: pedestrian overpasses, building facades, walls, bridges, banisters, footpaths – all of them turned lilac, lavender or plum.
But many residents are unhappy with what has been called the “axolotlisation” of the metropolis, with some complaining that limited state resources could be better utilised elsewhere, particularly in a city filled with potholes, crooked pavements and flooding streets.
“In emblematic places like the Zócalo or Azteca Stadium it’s fine but in other places it’s just a waste of resources,” said 63-year-old Sergio Rivera, standing in front of a giant pink axolotl in the capital’s sprawling central plaza. “There are other priorities.”
The mayor of Mexico City, Clara Brugada, who launched the purplifying initiative, has stood firm amid widespread criticism.
The mayor, Clara Brugada, has stood firm over the city’s ‘axolotlisation’. Photograph: Henry Romero/Reuters
“Some have said, out of prejudice or classism, that we are ‘axolotlising’ the city,” she told reporters at the reopening of a light rail service (renamed the Axolotl). “If axolotlising means filling what was once grey with colour, transforming public spaces and guaranteeing access to services for the benefit of thousands of people, then yes, we are axolotlising the capital.”
Q&A
What is the significance of the axolotl in Mexico City?
The axolotl is a rare amphibian native to Mexico City and serves as the city's mascot for the upcoming FIFA World Cup.
Why are residents unhappy with the 'axolotlisation' of Mexico City?
Residents feel that the funds used for beautifying the city with axolotl-themed decorations could be better spent on essential repairs like fixing potholes and improving infrastructure.
What changes are being made to Mexico City's infrastructure for the World Cup?
Mexico City is painting various infrastructure elements, including pedestrian overpasses and building facades, in shades of purple to promote the axolotl theme ahead of the World Cup.
How are the axolotl murals affecting local communities in Mexico City?
The murals have sparked a backlash among locals who believe the focus on tourism and aesthetics detracts from addressing pressing urban issues like flooding and damaged roads.
