Glorieta De Las Mujeres Que Luchan

Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan: Comprehensive Visitor Guide, Hours, and Historical Context

Date: 04/07/2025

Introduction

The Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan is a landmark at the heart of Mexico City’s Paseo de la Reforma, embodying feminist resistance and the ongoing struggle for gender justice. Once the site of the Monument to Christopher Columbus, this roundabout has been transformed by activist collectives into a vibrant memorial honoring women who have fought against gender-based violence and femicide. Today, it stands as a living site of memory, protest, and cultural reclamation—making it an essential destination for visitors interested in Mexico City’s history, social movements, and contemporary art.

This guide provides a detailed overview of the Glorieta’s evolution, its social and cultural significance, and practical information for visitors—including how to get there, visiting hours, tips for respectful engagement, and nearby attractions.

Historical Background

From Columbus to a Feminist Memorial

The Glorieta originally featured the Monument to Christopher Columbus, inaugurated in 1877 and symbolizing Mexico’s aspirations during the Porfiriato era. Designed by Charles Cordier and commissioned by Antonio Escandón, the statue represented colonial narratives and excluded indigenous and female representation.

By the late 20th century, the monument became increasingly controversial. On the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s arrival in the Americas, indigenous and activist groups protested its symbolism. Growing feminist movements, motivated by alarming femicide rates and systemic violence against women in Mexico, began to claim the space as their own.

In 2020, city authorities removed the Columbus statue amid rising tensions and in anticipation of further protests. Feminist collectives responded by installing a purple wooden sculpture—the “Antimonumenta”—depicting a woman with her fist raised. Renaming the site as the Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan, activists transformed the roundabout into a memorial for victims of gender-based violence and a platform for ongoing protest (Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan; Milenio).

Key Milestones

1877: Columbus monument inaugurated.
1992: Protests mark the 500th anniversary of Columbus’s voyage.
2020: Columbus statue removed.
2021: Antimonumenta installed, roundabout renamed by feminist collectives.

The Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan is more than a monument—it is a living site of activism, memory, and community healing. The central sculpture, now rendered in steel, symbolizes justice and resistance. Surrounding the statue are memorials, murals, and names of murdered and missing women, installed by families and activists.

The site regularly hosts feminist demonstrations, vigils, and performances, particularly on International Women’s Day (March 8) and the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women (November 25). The Glorieta critiques the male-dominated narrative of public monuments in Mexico City and reclaims public space as a platform for marginalized voices (Alternautas).

Visitor Information

Location

Address: Av. Paseo de la Reforma 96, Tabacalera, Cuauhtémoc, 06600, Ciudad de México
Neighborhood: Tabacalera, near major landmarks such as Monumento a la Revolución and Ángel de la Independencia

How to Get There

Metro: Nearest stations are Revolución (Line 2), Juárez (Line 3), and Insurgentes (Line 1)
Metrobús: Glorieta de Colón and Hamburgo (Line 7)
Bus/Turibus: Hop-on-hop-off tourist buses stop nearby (Mundukos; Mexico City Official)
On Foot/Bike: Wide sidewalks and bike lanes line Paseo de la Reforma; cycling is popular, especially on Sundays during “Muévete en Bici”

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Open 24/7: The Glorieta is a public space with no entrance fees or tickets required.
Best times: Daylight hours are safest and offer the best views of the memorials and art. The area is well-lit at night, but standard urban precautions are advised.
Special dates: The site is especially vibrant on March 8 and November 25, with performances, installations, and protests (La Razón).

Accessibility

Wheelchair and stroller accessible: Wide, paved sidewalks and ramps.
Restrooms: Not available on-site; nearby cafes and hotels offer facilities.
Crowds: Large events may make navigation difficult for those with mobility challenges.

What to See and Experience

Antimonumenta “Justicia” Sculpture

The centerpiece is a striking purple steel sculpture of a woman raising her left fist, inscribed with “Justicia.” It embodies the demand for justice and honors women’s resistance (Wikipedia; Wander Women Project).

Artistic and Memorial Interventions

Names and Faces: Memorial walls and banners display names, photos, and testimonies of women lost to violence (Wikipedia, Spanish).
Tendederos de Denuncias: Clotheslines with denouncements and demands for justice.
Poetry, Murals, and Art: Ongoing participatory installations.
Events: Cultural programs including music, theater, and dance, especially on commemorative dates.

“Somos Memoria” Garden

Adjacent to the roundabout, this garden features pink crosses and photo exhibitions, serving as a contemplative space (Expansión Política).

Visitor Etiquette and Tips

Respect memorials: Do not touch or remove tributes. If you wish to contribute, do so respectfully and consult local activists if possible.
Photography: Allowed, but always seek consent before photographing individuals—especially during events or vigils.
Dress and conduct: Modest attire is recommended. Avoid disruptive behavior; wearing purple or green shows solidarity but is not required.
Participation: Observe protests and events respectfully. Join only if invited by organizers.
Safety: Area is safe during the day. At night, exercise standard precautions.

Guided Tours and Additional Experiences

Guided walks: Some local feminist groups offer informal educational tours, especially around key dates. Check social media or contact collectives for schedules.
Photo opportunities: Capture the sculpture and surrounding art, particularly in early morning or late afternoon light.

Nearby Attractions

Ángel de la Independencia: Iconic victory column and gathering place.
Chapultepec Park: One of the world’s largest urban parks.
Museo Nacional de Antropología: Premier museum of Mexican history and culture.
Monumento a la Revolución: Landmark of the Mexican Revolution.
Museo Nacional de San Carlos: Fine arts museum nearby.

Practical Considerations

Public transport: Most convenient due to central location; parking is limited and costly.
Language: Spanish is predominant; some English signage during international events.
Weather: Mild climate; bring rain gear in summer.
Air quality: Check local indexes if sensitive.

Responsible Tourism

Support local initiatives: Donate or purchase art from feminist organizations.
Amplify local voices: Share information responsibly on social media; highlight activist work and avoid sensationalism.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the visiting hours?
A: The Glorieta is open to the public 24/7.

Q: Is there an entrance fee?
A: No, the site is free and has no ticketing.

Q: How do I get there?
A: Accessible via Metro (Revolución, Juárez, Insurgentes), Metrobús, bus, walking, or cycling.

Q: Is the area accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes, though crowds during events may present challenges.

Q: Are guided tours available?
A: Some local groups offer informal walks, particularly on significant dates.

Q: Can I leave a tribute?
A: Yes, but do so respectfully and follow local customs.

Conclusion

A visit to the Glorieta de las Mujeres que Luchan offers a meaningful encounter with Mexico City’s living history of resistance and memorialization. Whether you seek to honor victims, learn about feminist activism, or explore the city’s evolving cultural landscape, this site provides a profound space for reflection and engagement. By visiting, you support the ongoing struggle for gender justice and contribute to amplifying marginalized voices.

Stay informed about events and updates by following local collectives on social media and visiting the official website. Download the Audiala app for guided audio tours and related content on Mexico City’s historic sites.