Lake Xochimilco

I am a place where rainbow-colored boats float like happy caterpillars on cool, green water. My paths are not made of stone or dirt, but of water that sparkles in the sun. Flowers bloom everywhere, and happy songs float on the gentle breeze. Families come to me to smile and glide along my watery roads, feeling the sunshine on their faces. It feels like a party every single day. I am not a river or an ocean, I am a special place in a big, busy city. I am Lake Xochimilco, in Mexico City.

Long, long ago, around the 1300s, very clever people called the Aztecs lived here. They needed more land to grow yummy food for their families, but my water was everywhere. So they had a super smart idea. They built little islands right on top of my water using mud and plants from my bottom. They were like builders making a new house, but on the water. These were called 'chinampas,' which means floating gardens. On these green, muddy gardens, they grew corn, tomatoes, chili peppers, and beautiful flowers. My canals were like watery roads, and they paddled their canoes everywhere to visit friends and carry their food. I was happy to help them grow so many wonderful things.

Today, you can still see my floating gardens. The rainbow boats, called 'trajineras,' take families on fun rides, just like the canoes from long ago. Musicians in other boats float by and play happy music that makes you want to dance. You can even eat yummy snacks while you float along my canals. I love to hear the sounds of laughter. On December 11th, 1987, people from all over the world decided I was so special that I should be protected forever. I love being a place where people laugh, sing, and make wonderful memories on the water. I am here to remind you that even an old lake can hold a forever party.