African History has often been hidden, for it was part of the nation's survival. Mexico’s roots have gone through movements like slavery, racial violence, European ideals, and national identity. We take you to the scene.​

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Exploring the arrival of African individuals in Mexico and their impact on Mexican history offers a rich and complex narrative of cultural exchange, resilience, and adaptation. Here's a detailed overview of this significant aspect of Mexican history:

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1. Arrival of the First African in Mexico (1519)

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• Historical Context: The first African man arrived in Mexico in 1519. The arrival of Africans was part of a broader pattern of the transatlantic slave trade, which brought people from Africa to the Americas to work in various capacities.

• Purpose of Arrival: Initially, African individuals were brought to Mexico and other parts of the Americas to work in agriculture, mining, and other labor-intensive industries. This was partly due to the significant decline in the indigenous population caused by diseases like smallpox and harsh colonial policies.

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2. Importation of African Slaves

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• Impact of Disease on Indigenous Populations: The indigenous populations in Mexico suffered greatly from European diseases such as smallpox, which decimated their numbers. To fill labor shortages, the Spanish Crown began to import enslaved Africans to work in plantations, mines, and other colonial enterprises.

• Slave Trade and Labor: The transatlantic slave trade brought many Africans to the Americas. In Mexico, enslaved Africans were involved in various economic activities, including agriculture and urban labor.

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3. San Lorenzo de los Negros (1620)

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• Formation of San Lorenzo de los Negros: In 1620, San Lorenzo de los Negros, also known as San Lorenzo de los Negros de la Trinidad, became the first African independent state in the Americas. This was a significant development in the history of African communities in the New World.

• Community and Autonomy: The establishment of this community was a notable achievement as it provided a measure of autonomy and self-governance for African individuals in colonial Mexico. The residents of San Lorenzo de los Negros managed to create a relatively independent community, with its own structures and social organization.

• Cultural and Social Impact: The existence of San Lorenzo de los Negros reflects the resilience and agency of African communities in the Americas. It demonstrates how they adapted to their circumstances and created new cultural identities and social structures.

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4. Legacy and Historical Significance

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• Cultural Contributions: The African diaspora in Mexico significantly influenced Mexican culture, contributing to music, dance, food, and religious practices. Elements of African heritage are present in various aspects of Mexican culture, including music genres like son jarocho and religious celebrations like the Festival of San Juan.

• Historical Recognition: Understanding the history of African individuals in Mexico helps to recognize their contributions and struggles. Efforts to preserve and honor this history include educational programs, cultural festivals, and historical research.

• Current Reflections: Today, the descendants of African individuals in Mexico continue to celebrate and preserve their heritage. Organizations and cultural groups work to highlight and celebrate the contributions of Afro-Mexicans to Mexican society.

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This exploration of the arrival of Africans in Mexico and the establishment of San Lorenzo de los Negros provides a valuable perspective on the diverse and interconnected histories that shape Mexico today.

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WHAT YOU WILL DO

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You'll learn of the founding of Mexico next to the Great Aztec Temple, the first Catholic cathedral & the first Protestant church; during an intro chat, we hear of the arrival of the first African man along the conquistadors, 500 years ago.​ History will unravel as we share how Mexico became a pole of attraction as the economic capital of the Spanish Empire, ruling from Colorado to Costa Rica & from Puerto Rico to the Philippines.

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The history of Black Mexico has often been hidden, and sometimes with reason, for it was part of the nation's survival post-Independence. Mexico’s Black roots have been subjected by many movements in history including: slavery, racial violence, European ideals, and national identity. We will learn about a Founding Father of Mexico amd of its Second President ever, both AfroMexican.

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We will see the Zócalo, place of the arrival of Juan Garrido, an African man which came along Hernán Cortés in 1519 and also place of the beheading of 33 African slaves in 1612, when fears of a rebellion arouse among the Europeans.​ At the Metropolitan Cathedral, we will admire masterpieces by AfroMexican artist Juan Correa dating back to the 17th century.

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We will go to the square in front of the ancient Customs' House, where slaves were brought in to be branded and kept before they were set up in auction at the most important trade crossroads of the Spanish Empire.​ We will be at the starting point of El Camino Real at Plaza de Santo Domingo, which has been dedicated as a Site of Memory of Slavery by UNESCO.

 

WHERE YOU WILL BE

 

We will be in the Historic Center of Mexico City, a UN World Heritage Site by itself, host to another one, a UN Memory Site and to more than two UNESCO Intangible World Heritages. 

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WHAT IS INCLUDED​​

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• The experience's specialized host and expert.

• Small group access.

• Introductory chat with coffee service.

• Multiple stops. 

• Entrance to open, private, or public, locations whose internal visit is mentioned and that might or not require reservations or tickets.

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THE EXPERIENCE

 

On this experience you will discover 500 years of black history in Mexico. You will see the development of the community from their first arrival to date in very significative sites.

 

STARTING AND ENDING POINTS, FACILITIES AND TRANSPORTATION

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The experience begins next door to the Great Temple, foundation of the city. Visits do not return to the starting point. Please contact us for precise instructions. Uber or other cars can pick you up at the end. Your host will always remain with you until he makes sure everyone has the right directions and/or help for their next destination.

 

THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

 

Local Experts: Led by locals who love where they’re from and what they do.

Small Groups: With intimate group sizes, you’ll never get lost in the crowd.

Exclusive Access: You will always have the best available perspective.

Curated Paths: Our tours follow the best routes possible for enjoying it all in the shortest distance.

Specialty Topics: Our unique collection of themes sets us apart. All our topics are carefully selected for the discerning tourist.​

High Standards and Award-Winning Experiences: Every experience is vetted for exclusive access, and some have been awarded top prices for their quality and uniqueness.

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CANCELLATION POLICY

 

Any experience can be canceled at least 7 days before the experience starts for a refund minus a 20% processing charge. Rescheduling and changes can be made at least 3 days before the experience starts. Refunds are counted from the original date of purchase.

 

GUEST REQUIREMENTS

 

Up to 10 guests ages 18 and up can attend our public experiences. All experiences include a long walk, mostly under the sun, with very few restroom stops (depending on the destination). Liquids aren't allowed inside venues, please be willing to dispose of your containers.

 

ON SCHEDULE

 

We begin on the dot and do not wait for missing participants. Neither you nor us can be late to our next destination.

 

WEATHER

 

This experience goes on rain or shine, please come prepared. In case of rain, we will do our best to spend as much time as possible indoors. In case of unforeseen closures of streets or venues, we are always prepared with an equivalent or alternate route.

 

FAQ

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Click here for the FAQ