Nezahualcoyotl, or Ciudad Neza located in the state of Mexico, means “fasting coyote” in Nahuatl. While the modern city that exists today was nonexistent until the 20th century, when Mexico City drained Lake Texcoco creating a large area that was soon urbanized as a metropolitan area of Mexico City. Until that time only the area around the lake was inhabited, and led by a ruler by the same name as the city who was not an Aztec but ruled with pre-Hispanic ideals similar to the superstitious ancients. There is a rich historical heritage surrounding Nezahualcoyotl as a ruler of this area who was also a poet, leaving behind some of his poetry through oral and written traditions. And the draining of the lake to form the Ciudad Neza is also amazing in that there are not any native wildlife or plants to the city, and everything in the city of the lake was man made. While there is no agriculture and very little livestock, commerce and industry are strong economic factors. Tourism is also a heavily depended upon way of life,
Two interesting communities of Nezahualcoyotl are the Junior Symphony Orchestra and the People's Park. The Junior Symphony Orchestra is home to the world's youngest performers, only permitting children ages six to seventeen to be part of the group. The People's Park is home to the city zoo and town center, where families and children can enjoy a tour of animals from far away lands as well as purchase local arts, crafts and foods from street vendors.
Nezahualcoyotl has an amazing background that is sure to perk up the interest of any traveler. Tourists are invited to learn about the ancient ways of the indigenous people as well as of the effects of urbanization on the city.
