Mexico City, December 11, 2025 – The Mexico City Congress has officially approved a significant reform to the Law on the Cultural Rights of Inhabitants and Visitors of Mexico City. This legislative action, which amends Article 12, paragraph three, of the aforementioned law, centers on updating the official denomination of the city from ‘Distrito Federal’ to ‘Ciudad de México’.
Recognition of Identity and Modernization
Deputy Rebeca Peralta León (PVEM), speaking on behalf of the Cultural Rights Commission, emphasized that this reform represents a crucial act of recognition for Mexico City and its population’s evolving identity. The initiative originated from Deputy Miriam Saldaña Cháirez (PT), who highlighted the pressing need to modernize this legal framework.
“This reform corrects a delay in a particularly sensitive area: cultural rights. Culture is one of the pillars that allows this city to recognize itself, to dialogue with its history, and to express its diversity,” explained Deputy Peralta León. She further clarified that the change from ‘Distrito Federal’ to ‘Ciudad de México’ is more than a mere linguistic adjustment; it aligns the law with the contemporary identity of the city.
Budgetary Provisions for Cultural Development
The approved reform specifies in Article 12 that “The head of government of Mexico City shall provide the necessary budgetary resources for the development of this law in terms of what is stipulated in Chapter II, Article 19, Section IV of the Law on Cultural Promotion of Mexico City.” This provision underscores the commitment to ensuring that cultural initiatives are adequately funded, reinforcing the importance of cultural rights within the city’s governance.
Impact on Cultural Rights and Governance
The modernization of the law reflects a broader effort to ensure that legal texts accurately represent the current political and social landscape of Mexico City. By formally adopting ‘Ciudad de México’ throughout the legislation, the Congress aims to solidify the city’s distinct identity and its commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural environment for both its inhabitants and visitors.
This legislative update is expected to streamline administrative processes and reinforce the legal framework supporting cultural activities and expressions across the city. It also signals a proactive approach by the capital’s legislative body to address and rectify outdated terminology in key legal documents, ensuring that they remain relevant and reflective of the city’s status.
The reform is seen as a positive step towards strengthening the cultural fabric of Mexico City, providing a clearer legal foundation for cultural policies and programs, and ultimately benefiting the diverse communities that contribute to the city’s rich cultural heritage.
Source: https://www.congresocdmx.gob.mx/comsoc-actualizan-ley-los-derechos-culturales-los-habitantes-y-visitantes-cdmx-6928-1.html
