Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo led the civic ceremony “Seven Centuries of Legacy and Greatness” commemorating the founding of Mexico-Tenochtitlan. In her address, she stated that honoring this past means recognizing ourselves in it—and that eradicating racism is not optional, but a necessary step toward building a just and inclusive nation.
“Reclaiming the legacy of Tenochtitlan does not mean living in the past, but walking with its memory and pride. The way we speak, eat, and see the world is deeply shaped by that history,” said Sheinbaum, stressing that racism is a historical wound that can only be healed through recognition and justice for Indigenous peoples.
Sheinbaum recalled that Indigenous communities are now a fundamental pillar of the country, and their recognition in the Constitution grants them direct access to public funding, which they can administer according to their customs and governance systems. She added that the Fourth Transformation has begun to address the historical debt owed to those who were systematically excluded.
During the event, President Sheinbaum unveiled the “Seven Centuries” memorial, witnessed a reading of Tecuichpo’s Testament by actress Mercedes Hernández, and attended a series of artistic performances portraying the Mexica civilization’s greatness, from its foundation to contemporary Mexico. Archaeologist Lorena Vázquez Vallin of INAH highlighted the scientific and cultural achievements of Tenochtitlan in fields such as engineering, medicine, and astronomy.
Clara Brugada Molina, Head of Government of Mexico City, emphasized that the Mexica legacy lives on in the national coat of arms and the identity of the capital. President Sheinbaum concluded that governments that apologize for past injustices do not weaken, but rather reconcile with themselves and grow stronger through truth.
