Background on Claudia Sheinbaum and Her Role
Claudia Sheinbaum, the Head of Government for Mexico City, announced on Thursday that the Bicentennial Park will be taken out of private hands and managed by the Federal Government’s Secretariat of Culture following a tragic incident at the Axe Ceremony festival.
Sheinbaum, known for her commitment to transparency and public welfare, made the announcement during her morning press conference. This decision comes after the unfortunate death of two young photographers during the Axe Ceremony festival held in April.
Details of the Park’s Transition
Claudia Curiel de Icaza, the Secretary of Culture, explained that an extensive review will be conducted on the park. “Next month, we will collaborate with institutions to inventory the location and relaunch this public space,” Curiel de Icaza stated. She further mentioned that a mixed management model will be promoted, adhering to civil protection regulations and focusing on cultural and community aspects rather than profit-driven purposes.
Historical Context of the Park’s Concession
The park’s concession was granted during the administration of former President Enrique Peña Nieto. Recently published in the Federal Official Gazette (DOF), it is a declaration of rescue for public utility and interest. The document highlights that the company failed to meet its responsibilities by not ensuring attendee safety and neglecting to report the incident to relevant authorities.
The Tragedy at Bicentennial Park
What Happened in the Bicentennial Park?
On April 5, 2025, a metal structure collapsed during the Axe Ceremony music festival, resulting in the tragic death of two photographers from Mr. Indie. Both young men were transported to the Rubén Leñero Hospital with severe cranioencephalic trauma but arrived without vital signs.
Despite the tragedy, the festival continued without interruption. The Miguel Hidalgo alcaldía initially announced the suspension of the festival, though it did not materialize. Later, it was reported that the cause of the collapse was the installation of cranes not authorized by relevant authorities.
Legal Basis for the Park’s Rescue
According to the DOF, this action aligns with Article 1 of the Constitution and Article 19 of the National Goods Law, which permit the rescue of concessions for public utility and interest. “It is the state’s duty to ensure fundamental rights such as life and personal integrity,” concludes the official document.
Key Questions and Answers
- Who is Claudia Sheinbaum? Claudia Sheinbaum is the Head of Government for Mexico City, recognized for her dedication to public welfare and transparency.
- What led to the park’s transition? The tragic death of two young photographers at the Axe Ceremony festival prompted the government to take control of the Bicentennial Park.
- What will happen to the park now? The Secretariat of Culture will manage the park, conducting an extensive review and promoting a mixed management model focused on cultural and community aspects.
- Why was the park’s concession rescinded? The company failed to ensure attendee safety and neglected to report the incident, violating their responsibilities as per the National Goods Law.
