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Mexico City Opens 'Nopalera en el Corazón' With 200 Nopal Sculptures in the Zócalo

The government-backed show centers the nopal as a public symbol of Mexican identity tied to sovereignty.

Overview

  • The outdoor exhibition runs January 9–February 8, 2026 in the Plaza de la Constitución with free, all-day access.
  • The 200 large-format pieces were each intervened by a different artist or group, with participation including 113 men, 67 women and 23 collectives using techniques from painting and printmaking to sculptural interventions.
  • Head of Government Clara Brugada inaugurated the installation, calling it an artistic and political expression linked to national sovereignty.
  • On-site programming includes concerts, theater performances and meetings with nopal producers from Milpa Alta.
  • This second stage expands a 2025 pilot of 50 pieces and organizers plan to take the installation to other city sites after its Zócalo run.