Antimonumento +72

Antimonumento 72: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Mexico City Historical Sites Guide

Date: 03/07/2025

Introduction: The Significance of Antimonumento +72 in Mexico City

Antimonumento +72 stands as one of Mexico City’s most evocative public memorials, dedicated to the memory of 72 migrants who were brutally murdered in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, in 2010. Located prominently on Paseo de la Reforma, directly opposite the U.S. Embassy, the monument’s striking red steel design is both a tribute to the victims and a continuing call for justice, human rights, and remembrance. The massacre, attributed to the criminal organization Los Zetas, targeted migrants from Honduras, El Salvador, Guatemala, Ecuador, and Brazil, highlighting the dangers faced by those journeying through Mexico in search of safety and opportunity.

The installation of Antimonumento +72 on the tenth anniversary of the tragedy was a grassroots initiative led by families, activists, and human rights organizations. This anti-monument is part of a broader network of memorials in Mexico City that challenge official silence and demand accountability. Visitors will find a site for reflection, learning, and solidarity—a must-see for those interested in contemporary history, social justice, and the ongoing struggles of migrants in the region.

This comprehensive guide covers the history, symbolism, visiting information, cultural importance, travel tips, accessibility, etiquette, nearby attractions, and frequently asked questions to help you plan a meaningful visit to Antimonumento +72. For more background and updates, visit ZonaDocs, Wikiwand, and Desinformémonos.

Historical Background: The San Fernando Massacre and Memorialization
Physical Description and Symbolism
Visiting Information
Location and Accessibility
Visiting Hours and Tickets
Guided Tours and Special Events
Practical Visitor Tips
Visitor Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity
Nearby Attractions and Related Sites
Visuals and Media
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion and Additional Resources

Historical Background: The San Fernando Massacre and Memorialization

On August 22, 2010, 72 migrants—58 men and 14 women—were executed by the criminal group Los Zetas in San Fernando, Tamaulipas, after refusing forced recruitment. Their bodies were discovered in a warehouse—a grim reminder of the perils faced by those traversing Mexico’s migration routes (ZonaDocs). The massacre sparked outrage and drew international attention to migrant vulnerability, government inaction, and widespread impunity.

To mark the tenth anniversary, activists and families installed Antimonumento +72 in August 2020 on Paseo de la Reforma. The site is not just a place of mourning, but also a space for protest and collective memory, ensuring that the victims’ stories endure and that society continues to demand justice (Desinformémonos).

Physical Description and Symbolism

The monument is a bold, minimalist steel structure: a large red plus sign (“+”) followed by the number 72, mounted on a white pedestal. The entire sculpture stands approximately 3 meters (10 feet) tall and weighs nearly 500 kilograms (Wikiwand). The pedestal features images of doves—symbols of peace—and the inscriptions “Migrar es un derecho humano” (“Migration is a human right”) and “Nadie es ilegal en el mundo” (“No one is illegal in the world”).

The red plus sign signifies the ongoing addition of victims to the toll of migration-related violence.
The number 72 directly references the San Fernando victims.
The white doves and inscriptions highlight universal values of peace and human rights.
The location in front of the U.S. Embassy underscores both Mexican and U.S. governmental responsibilities in addressing migrant safety (Andrew Brel Substack).

Visiting Information

Location and Accessibility

Address: Paseo de la Reforma, directly in front of the U.S. Embassy, Colonia Cuauhtémoc, Mexico City (Wikiwand).
By Metro: Closest stations are “Insurgentes” (Line 1) and “Reforma” (Line 2), both within a 10–15 minute walk.
By Bus: Several routes service Reforma and the surrounding area.
By Car: Limited parking options; public transportation or ride-sharing is recommended.
Wheelchair Access: Wide, level sidewalks ensure accessibility for visitors with mobility challenges.

Visiting Hours and Tickets

Hours: Open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There are no restricted visiting times as it is an outdoor monument.
Admission: Free. No tickets or reservations are required.

Guided Tours and Special Events

While there are no official guided tours for Antimonumento +72, many local walking tours of Mexico City’s historical and human rights sites include this monument. Annually, on August 22, commemorative events, vigils, and gatherings are held at the site (Informador). Check with local tour operators or human rights organizations for event schedules.

Practical Visitor Tips

Best Time to Visit: Daylight hours are recommended for safety and to fully appreciate the monument’s details. Early mornings or late afternoons offer quieter moments for reflection.
Commemorative Dates: August 22 is significant for memorial events, but expect larger crowds.
What to Bring: A camera or smartphone for photography, water, sun protection, and, if desired, flowers or candles for offerings.
Amenities: The monument itself has no restrooms or shelters, but nearby cafes and shops on Reforma offer facilities.
Safety: Paseo de la Reforma is a busy, well-patrolled area, but standard city precautions apply—watch belongings and avoid isolated spots after dark.

Visitor Etiquette and Cultural Sensitivity

Respectful Conduct: Maintain a quiet, contemplative demeanor. The site is both a place of mourning and activism.
Photography: Permitted—but be sensitive if families or activist groups are present. Refrain from climbing or defacing the monument.
Offerings: Leaving flowers, candles, or notes is customary, especially during memorial events.
Participation: If a vigil or protest is underway, observe quietly or join respectfully. Always ask permission before photographing participants.
Language: Avoid insensitive remarks about migration or violence. If approached by activists or family members, listen with empathy.
Preservation: Do not damage the monument. Consider supporting related causes via donations or advocacy (Mi Valedor).

Other Anti-Monuments: Paseo de la Reforma is home to several anti-monuments, including those honoring the Ayotzinapa 43 and the victims of the 1968 Tlatelolco massacre (Mi Valedor).
Cultural Landmarks: The Angel of Independence, Chapultepec Park, and the National Museum of Anthropology are all within easy reach.
Walking Tours: Combining visits to these sites offers a deeper understanding of Mexico City’s history and current social movements.

Visuals and Media

High-quality images and videos of Antimonumento +72 are available online. For further insight, watch documentaries and interviews with activists and families of victims, or explore virtual tours to familiarize yourself with the monument’s context and importance.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours for Antimonumento +72?
A: The monument is accessible 24/7 as it is an outdoor public installation.

Q: Is there an entrance fee or ticket required?
A: No, visiting Antimonumento +72 is free and does not require tickets.

Q: How do I get to Antimonumento +72?
A: It is located on Paseo de la Reforma, in front of the U.S. Embassy. The nearest Metro stations are Insurgentes (Line 1) and Reforma (Line 2).

Q: Is the site accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, the area is wheelchair accessible with wide, level sidewalks.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: While there are no official tours, some local guides and organizations include the monument in broader city or human rights tours.

Q: What should I bring or do during my visit?
A: Bring a camera, water, and sun protection. Offerings such as flowers or candles are welcome, especially on commemorative dates.

Conclusion and Additional Resources

Antimonumento +72 is more than a memorial—it is a living space of memory, protest, and hope. Visiting the site encourages reflection on migration, violence, and the enduring fight for justice, both in Mexico and globally. By respecting the monument, learning its history, and supporting ongoing activism, visitors help sustain the call for accountability and human rights.

To deepen your engagement, download the Audiala app for updated guides, maps, and information on Mexico City’s historical and cultural sites. Follow local human rights organizations and stay aware of upcoming events and opportunities to support the cause.