Ice Skating in Mexico

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

06 Dec 2007 10:28 AM

Perhaps it's because I grew up in Hawaii that I found this next travel item so intriguing. I don't know about you, but there's just something about the image of thousands of Mexicans lacing up ice skates for the first time and collectively wobbling out onto a massive rink that brings a smile to my face.

The scene played out for the world to see earlier this week when the tropical capital's government tried to bring some holiday cheer to the traditionally chaotic metropolis. (I wish government officials in Hawaii had done the same when I was a kid.) City leaders created a massive public ice rink in the middle of Mexico City's main square and tens of thousands of residents and visitors lined up to carve their shiny new blades into the substance most know primarily as an ingredient in their margaritas.

The giant ice rink measures 34,445 square feet - that's twice the size of a professional hockey rink and nearly five times as big as the one at New York's Rockefeller Center. The rink's enormous size can accommodate about 5,000 skaters at once. Though, by the looks of the news footage there were more people on their butts than on their feet. A number of news sources reported that at least 30 would-be skaters received medical attention for bumps, bruises and one broken nose.

If you plan to travel to Mexico his holiday season you should consider heading out to the new ice rink. Admission is free and the city provides skates to those who come empty handed. The rink will remain open until January 7th, which means you will have the rare opportunity to skate in near 70-degree temperatures.

If you do go you might want to bring a camera. By the looks of it you'll have the chance to capture some priceless moments, including shots of city employees wearing helmets, barking out instructions to first time skaters and helping scoop up the ones who find it impossible to remain on their feet.

The ice rink also features a disc jockey who spins skating tunes and warns people not to talk on their cellphones while they are skating. That is when he's not instructing newbies to let go of the rail, to keep moving, and to place their feet in a V shape.

According to government officials, the new ice rink is an attempt to make the city, which has a population of 21 million people and is infamously known for thick smog and unbearable traffic jams, more "fun."

Related Articles:

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More Cultural Travel Experiences

Cool Ice Skating Spots

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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