Hidden Jews of Mexico: Inquisition to Modern Power
Description
Uncover the hidden tapestry of Mexican Jewish heritage! Embark on a historical walk through 5 centuries of Jewish life in Mexico. A once-in-a-lifetime adventure that weaves together history, culture, and incredible human resilience. See the firs Sephardic temple, a living monument to cultural preservation and step inside the historic first Ashkenazi synagogue... feel the echoes of generations past. From crypto-Jews of the Viceregal era to 20th-century refugees seeking a new home, every stone, every building, every story has a profound tale waiting to be discovered.
Tour Options
Itinerary
We will begin with registrations and introductions.
We walk behind the Metropolitan Cathedral to see the Chapel of the Souls where the teachings against heresy (other religions) are displayed at a vantage point from where we can appreciate the colonial architecture designed "to keep the Jews away," imposed by the Spanish Inquisition.
We visit the main trading marketplace from the 16th to the 19th centuries where Jews-in-Hiding had to come and trade their merchandise as they were being watched from the Palace of the Inquisition. At the palace, we decipher its anti-Semitic hidden messages as well as those on the Santo Domingo church at the starting point of El Camino Real, a safe haven for Jewish traveling traders of the time.
We will pass by the Administration building of the Inquisition as well as their living quarters, right next to its Perpetual Prison, where Jews were tortured and sentenced to death.
We will see from the outside, the place where Diego Rivera (of Sephardic origin) met Frida Kahlo (of Ashkenazim origin), to learn how the Mexican anti-Fascist movement supported the cancellation of the first and only ever anti-Semitic national convention and the reception as a refugee of Lev Davidovich Bronstein (a.k.a. Leon Trotsky).
At Plaza Loreto, we pass by the first purposedly-built synagogue, Sephardic Mount Sinai, in Mexico, and the neighboring one, the first Ashkenazim one, Nidjei Israel, where the experience comes to an end.
We visit the decommissioned and first Ashkenazim shul in Mexico.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(93)
Carlos begins the tour in a unique way--sitting in a cafe with a cup of coffee, talking, recounting thousands of years of history in order to explain when the Jews appear in the story. Unfortunately, the cafe he usually takes his group to was closed and we ended up in a loud, bustling restaurant where it was difficult to stay focused and listen to him. The highlights of the tour were the museum with Diego Rivera's murals and the two synagogues and learning about the religious reforms in Mexico.
Enjoyed this walking tour learning about historical buildings and architecture along with history of Jewish immigration and integration into México, however fact checking is advisable as number of discrepancies were present in factual history. I also sensed a bias against US and some personal political views expressed by Carlos that were not appropriate in this context of historical tour. He was considerate of his group abilities and allowed for questions. Glad I did this tour, but would not take all information at face value, also note that it can run over 3 hrs, ours was 3.5 hrs., so be prepared.
This was the most comprehensive, educational, and engaging tour we have ever taken. Carlos has been leading this particular tour for 17 years and has been guiding for even longer. He is exceptionally proud of his heritage and is a wealth of knowledge on everything from the ancient development of Mexico City, its Jewish history, its rich art culture, and the political structure. We learned about both the Safadi and Ashkenazi Jewish diasporas to the City and how the Jewish culture evolved over 5 centuries. We also the Diego Rivera murals and even learned of the Jewish symbolism portrayed in a couple of them. That was an added bonus for us. This tour was an excellent introduction for us on our first day in the City, and laid the foundation for everything else we saw in the subsequent days of our visit. Get to know Carlos as well. His story is fascinating.
Tour company canceled trip due to protest in the Zocalo. Wouldn’t refund only credit. How is that helpful if we weren’t going to be in Mexico City to use the credit and are not planning to come back. They are hiding behind the small print credit or refund. Don’t use them deceptive policy.
Our walking tour with Carlos was the highlight of our visit to Mexico City. Carlos is a walking historian; we learned so much. This is a MUST DO activity in Mexico City.
We were comfortable with his repeated, anti-American comments. Some of the history that he tells is his interpretation but stated as fact.
I am very surprised that my historical and current statements of the factual mistreatment of Mexico by your country, not interpretation but facts, from 1845 to date, made you write that you were 'comfortable' with them but reviewed the experience with 2 stars. This shows incongruence and disconnection right from the top. By calling my comments anti-American you are also showing that you believe that any criticism spoken was or is made to affect you. This is very far from the truth. I have never been against any country, especially the U.S.A., whose nationality should be called U.S. American, because by stating just American, you can be confused with many other countries, between Canada and Argentina. All of the history shared has its own sources. They all have been proven as facts. It has been my principle for the last 25 years to only share facts. Please let me know what you believe are not facts to be able to prove otherwise, because if I pride of something, it is of sharing nothing but facts. You may have even thought that when I explained that everything that I share are facts was made up! You could have questioned me then and allowed me to back up my sayings, but you waited until now to take advantage that my hands are tied by this app and system. I just hope that this experience taught you something of good.
He does an excellent job of creating a meaningful and vivid timeline of the arrival of Jews in Mexico
This was an in depth tour of the history of the Jewish people of Mexico City. Our guide Carlos was engaging and articulate in explaining the history of the Jewish people and it was obvious that this tour had deep meaning to him. I highly recommend this tour.
We were most impressed with Carlos’ knowledge of the history of his country and the history of the Jews in his country. It was quite a history lesson from a proud Mexican. So many fascinating facts that we had never learned before. We came to a new appreciation of the Mexican people and their history.
This was a very mediocre tour. The guide was mediocre, the places visited were few, and the overall appreciation was " meh".
We're very sorry that you did not like our experience. We are very sorry that we cannot take any positive input and make any changes due to your limited language versus the very ample and rich language of those praising our services in large numbers.
