Mexico City, July 12, 2026 – The government of Mexico City is moving forward with plans to implement a kiosk system in Alameda Central to organize and regulate the presence of an estimated 15,000 informal street vendors. This measure is part of a broader strategy to reorder public spaces and improve urban aesthetics, particularly in the historic heart of the city.
Reordering Informal Trade: A Long-Standing Challenge
The issue of informal trade has been a persistent challenge for Mexico City authorities, balancing the right to work with the need for public order and the preservation of historical sites. Alameda Central, one of the city’s oldest and most emblematic public parks, is a key area where this challenge is particularly visible.
Hilda Escalona Reza, a prominent journalist covering metropolitan affairs, has highlighted the ongoing efforts to address this issue. The proposed kiosk system aims to provide designated, uniform spaces for vendors, thereby reducing clutter and improving the overall appearance of the park. This initiative follows previous efforts to clear streets in the Historic Center.
INAH Approval: A Crucial Hurdle
A significant aspect of this plan is the requirement for approval from the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH). Given Alameda Central’s historical and cultural significance, any modifications to its structure or landscape must undergo rigorous review by INAH to ensure the preservation of its heritage. The approval process is expected to involve detailed discussions and evaluations of the proposed designs and their impact on the park’s integrity.
Impact on 15,000 Vendors
The plan directly affects approximately 15,000 street vendors who currently operate in and around Alameda Central. The transition to a kiosk system would necessitate a significant reorganization of their operations, potentially impacting their livelihoods and established routines. Authorities are expected to engage with vendor associations to ensure a smooth transition and address any concerns that may arise.
The government’s objective is to achieve a balance between maintaining public order, enhancing the urban environment, and supporting the informal economy. The kiosks are envisioned as a way to formalize a segment of the informal trade, providing vendors with more stable and regulated spaces to conduct their business.
Broader Urban Development Context
This initiative is part of a series of urban development projects in Mexico City. Recent news indicates other significant developments in the metropolitan area, such as the transformation of the Templo de Nuestra Señora del Carmen in San Ángel into a Sanctuary, the inauguration of the Feria de las Flores 2026 in Parque La Bombilla, and extensive pavement rehabilitation in 10 municipalities of the Eastern Zone of Edomex. These projects collectively reflect a concerted effort to improve infrastructure, cultural offerings, and public spaces across the city.
The success of the Alameda Central kiosk project will depend on effective collaboration between city authorities, INAH, and the street vendor community. It represents a complex undertaking with the potential to significantly reshape one of Mexico City’s most iconic public spaces.
