Aztec Eagle Emblem Soars Through Mexico City's History

In November 2025, a new exhibition opened in Mexico City's Old City Hall, celebrating the 700th anniversary of the founding of the Mexica capital, Tenochtitlan. The focus of the exhibit is the nation's iconic emblem - the eagle, cactus, and serpent - which has become a symbol of Mexico's identity.

According to Aztec legend, the god Huitzilopochtli instructed the Mexica people to establish a new city where they spotted an eagle devouring a serpent while perched on a cactus. This divine omen was fulfilled in 1325 when the Mexica founded Tenochtitlan, the precursor to modern-day Mexico City.

The exhibition traces how this powerful image evolved over centuries, from being adopted as the city's coat of arms in 1523 to becoming an enduring national symbol that survived the European conquest. Even as the Spanish conquerors destroyed Mexica sacred sites, they recognized the strength of this foundational myth and allowed it to persist.

Today, the eagle emblem can still be seen adorning the façade of Mexico City's cathedral and other historic buildings, a testament to the resilience of Mexica culture. As President Claudia Sheinbaum stated, "Recognizing Tenochtitlan doesn't mean recalling a dead past, but rather the living heartbeat that still beats beneath our city."