Mexico City’s fancy new metro has residents dressing for the occasion

WorldTravel
11 Jun 2026 • 9:55 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

Mexico City’s fancy new metro has residents dressing for the occasion

  • Mexico City is undergoing a rapid cosmetic makeover, including the Hidalgo metro station, ahead of the FIFA World Cup, drawing global attention.
  • The renovations, featuring elements such as chandeliers, marble floors, and axolotl murals, have become a viral sensation online, with locals playfully dubbing the trend "axolotlization."
  • Critics argue the government is prioritizing superficial appearances for World Cup visitors over addressing the city's significant infrastructure deficiencies, such as deteriorating metro systems and flooding.
  • Social media users have engaged in creative mockery, dressing elegantly at the revamped Hidalgo station to highlight the perceived incongruity of the changes.
  • While some residents view the efforts as a positive step to showcase Mexico to the world, others, including art historians, contend that the government is failing to address the city's real needs.

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