Needful Roma Norte

Mexicans use the word "Chilangos" to define in jargon the natives and residents of its huge, overpopulated capital. "Chilangolandia", as colourful called in slang, stretches with its massive, unregular shape reveiling an unplanned urbanisation shape. FishfingersRepublic had the chance to walk through its leafy boulevards, falling deep deep in love with Roma Norte.

Probably one of the most inspirational hoods in town, Colonia Roma fully embodies the growth and the development of Mexico City throughout the last Century. Alfonso Cuaron recently portrayed a black and white glimpse of the seventies , with the contrasts between different social classes at the center of the scene.

Colonia Roma is an emblematic witness of the transformation of the City. In 1903 this area, called originally "La Romita" was nothing more than a piece of grassland with spare shacks around. During El Profiriato, the controversial Administration of the General Porfirio Diaz , the flow of foreign investement and the consequence social development required an important restyle to the structure of the Mexican capital.

Roma Norte was very much involved in this new layout of the City: being one of the nearest locations to the historical center it was supposed to accomodate the new and growing working classes. The expansion to the western side of the city took inspiration from the planning of many European ciites: that's why the urban configuration of Roma Norte might vaguely resemble Barcelona'.

Plaza Rio de Janeiro is one of the most iconic green spaces in Roma Norte and one of the symbols of Porfiriato: its innovative design and the french-influenced architecture from 1903 represented the new attitude of the Mexican Capital, ready to compete with other cities in the world also in terms of it beauty. The Plaza hosts a second hand market in the weekend and is often used for recreational purposes, being at the very heart of the hood lifestyle.

La Fuente de Cibeles it's another lively hub of Roma Norte, with its circular shape and pedestrian friendly sidewalks, where is not unusual to see people ridikng their bikes around. The fountain itself is a replica of the most famous ones in Madrid, another sign of European influence, to celebrate the Mexican and Spanish brotherhood.

Cibeles and its traffic circle is surrounded by several stores, cervecerias and nice restaurants, where locals love to hang out and enjoy artisanal beers under the shadow.

On the note of the brewery field, on the corner of Oaxaca 31 and Puebla we encourage to sip artesanal beer at La Puntita, with its vibrant cozy atmosphere, a truly well deserved break before start wandering again.

Roma Norte's several boutiques have a lot to offer to the most shopaholic tourists. Calle Colima is probably one of the most surprising, with its old vintage clothes options: have a look at 180 shop, with its fancy tshirts, which is defintely a surprise in the hood.

Concept Racer is another gem of Colima, with its biker outfits offer, a quite uncommon style for the Mexican capital, but a true inspirational boutique, offering intresting accessories.

Street art has developed in town since the 90s, under the activity of several returning immigrants and has an essential role in the beauty of our hood. A street Art walking tour is the perfect way of get some insight on the scene. In the city of Diego Rivera a thriving wave of artists is contributing to change the landscape, with murals that often have a policial or social connotation.

Jorge Tallaeche is an enfant prodige of the Mexican street art scene: starting his career at age 15 in San Diego, he then attended the school of painting in Luxembourg.

Since 2009 comes back to the Distrito Federal where he is involved in a few diverse projects, from graphic to collaborations with international brands. A glimpse of his style is visible in calle Orizaba.

Calle Orizaba is one of the most lively artery of the hood, with its historical facades of various styles, from French to gothic, to Italian and art-deco. In the first decade of the 20th century the upper classes established their mansions here, developing a great ensemble of nobiliary and somptuouos architecture.

Orizaba leads to another quintessential centre of Roma Norte, Plaza Luis Cabrera, with a big fountain and peaceful heavily green atmosphere, where it's hard not to resist and chill under the shadow.

Among the "unmissable things" in Roma Norte there's certainly the Mercado: a gourmet food court where locals love to meet to enjoy the large variety of cuisines. A bustling open space full of food and delicatessen vendors, from tacos to tapas, from pizza to Pozoles.

Before its opening, the residents had some concerns that the market would have had a negative impact on the small street-food economy, supporting a further gentrification of the hood.

The impression is that this three-stores building has not caused any serious damage in the foodie structure of the hood, instead adding a further sparkling location where a community of diners enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.

Street food vendors represent an institution that seems to co-exist with the modern restaurants, from Spicy Mango to different varieties of tacos representing a broad selection throughout the streets of Roma Norte. Impossible to resist.

We strongly suggest to not be hesitant but adventurous: 75% of the residents of DeFe, normally eats in the street, so it surely makes you feel part of the cultural mexican lifestyle.

As the perfect location to conclude our itinerary we picked Alvaro Obregon, a characteristic charming boulevard full of nice restaurants and romantic fountains, where it is often possible to spot somebody having a little siesta.

We suggest to have a look at Cafebrería El Péndulo, with its cozy design and the shelves full of literature, Being one of the most famous in town, El Péndulo is a perfect spot to spend the afternoon, either with company or alone. It always delivers a relaxing time between books.