From Xochimilco to King’s Cross: The Journey of the Trajinera

Written by Florencia Denti

Collaboration with the Mexican Embassy in UK

Long before Mexico City became the monster city we know today, a place of millions always moving and expanding, it was a city of lakes, islands, and canals. The Mexica, or Aztecs, built their capital, Tenochtitlan, on the waters of Lake Texcoco, weaving an intricate network of waterways that connected the city to its surrounding chinampas, floating gardens designed to grow crops, many of which are still in use today.

In these calm waters moved the ancestors of today’s trajineras, flat-bottomed wooden boats once used to transport crops, flowers, and people through the canals of Xochimilco. Over time, these boats became a familiar sight not only for their practicality but also for their bright colours and festive spirit.Decorated with arches bearing names and flowers, the trajineras turned into a floating market and a space for music, food, and celebration, a way for people to enjoy community life on the water.

Map of Tenochtitlan, 1524

Today, Xochimilco is much more than a place for a scenic boat ride. It is one of the most ecologically important areas in Mexico City, home to hundreds of bird species, aquatic plants, and the endangered axolotl, a species endemic to this region. Many of these traditions of cultivation and care come from the Xochimilca people, who have long been recognised as guardians of local flora, fauna, and ancestral knowledge.

Current air-view of Xochimilco showing its canal network and chinampas.

Beyond its natural beauty, Xochimilco is also a space for cultural and religious gatherings. Throughout the year, it hosts community celebrations, processions, and traditional festivities that keep local customs alive. It has also become the setting for many stories and legends, including La Llorona, whose haunting song is said to echo through its canals.

Even as Mexico City’s lakes were gradually drained and the waterways diminished, Xochimilco remains a living reminder of the city’s aquatic past. Recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, it continues to bring together nature, tradition, and creativity, a place where people can still connect with Mexico’s history and the stories carried by its waters.

Xochimilco is so iconic that it has even inspired international artists. Recently, Lady Gaga and Tim Burton collaborated on a video filmed in La Isla de las Muñecas, one of its most famous sites.

A Floating Canvas of Mexican Culture: The 2025 Trajinera in London

In September 2025, London’s canals came alive with the colours and sounds of Mexico. For the third time, the Mexican Embassy’s Trajinera sailed through the city, bringing a piece of Xochimilco’s magic to the UK. The event was not just a visual spectacle, it was a way to pay tribute to everything that makes Xochimilco special, its rich biodiversity, centuries-old traditions, and its role as a space for community, celebration, and folklore.

Over three thousand people attended, including members of the Mexican community, British officials, and curious Londoners, all coming together to enjoy music, food, and dance. The Trajinera followed a route from King’s Cross to Camden, lasting around an hour, offering passengers a moving experience of colour, sound, and culture along the canal.

The project was led by Cultural Affairs Attaché Fernando Champion, who oversaw the initiative as part of the Embassy’s wider cultural diplomacy programme. Jessica Cuapio Mercado and Adela Murillo coordinated the event, making sure every detail reflected the spirit and authenticity of the tradition.

Mariana Ortiz led the design and artistic production of the Trajinera, reimagining the traditional boat for a London setting. She drew on Mexican motifs, colours, and patterns to create a version that honoured the cultural and ecological richness of Xochimilco while engaging a new audience.

Performances by Mariachi El Mexicano and dance group Mandinga brought the canals to life, while visitors enjoyed authentic Mexican food and the chance to catch up with old friends or meet new ones. One attendee described it as a visually stunning day or evening, people walking by the canal as we went past were amazed. Others highlighted the event’s role as a cultural bridge that allows people to bond through food, drink, and celebration, and praised the opportunity to enjoy delicious authentic food while connecting with the community.

According to the Mexican Embassy, the event forms part of ongoing efforts to share Mexico’s heritage abroad and connect communities. Following earlier editions in 2022 and 2023, the 2025 event reinforced the Trajinera as a unique celebration of Mexico City’s traditions in a London setting.

Events like the Trajinera offer a unique opportunity to share the richness and diversity of Mexico’s traditions and culture with London audiences. We hope even more people can join in future celebrations, and we can’t wait to see what the 2026 Trajinera will bring!!