Cerro de la Estrella National Park, National Park in Iztapalapa, Mexico
Cerro de la Estrella National Park is a natural reserve in eastern Mexico City built around a volcanic hill that rises to about 2,800 meters in elevation. The park contains trails, viewpoints overlooking the city, picnic areas, and sports facilities spread across the hillside.
The site shows signs of settlement dating back to 1500 BCE with structures built by different civilizations over many centuries. The park itself was formally established in 1938, though it has shrunk significantly due to urban expansion around it.
Many spiritual ceremonies took place on this hilltop, and people still gather here for important religious events and processions. The landscape itself connects generations, serving as a link between ancient practices and contemporary gatherings.
Visitors can explore the park using marked trails that vary in difficulty, making it suitable for different activity levels. Morning visits work best for enjoying views and avoiding crowds, especially on weekends when local families use the recreational facilities.
Before Spanish conquest, this peak held sacred importance as the location where the New Fire ceremony was performed until 1507, one of the most important rituals of that era. Today it is recognized globally as the home of the annual Passion Play of Iztapalapa, a massive reenactment with hundreds of performers.
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