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Ancient canals revive Mexico City's past

CBS Mornings

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Mexico City is home to 22 million residents, making it one of the largest metropolitan areas in the world. It was built on a large lake system, evident in the district of Xochimilco, a network of canals dating back to the Aztec Empire. Today, it's a UNESCO World Heritage site that brings the past to life. Michelle Miller has more.

"CBS Saturday Morning" co-hosts Michelle Miller and Dana Jacobson deliver two hours of original reporting and breaking news, as well as profiles of leading figures in culture and the arts. Watch "CBS Saturday Morning" at 7 a.m. ET on CBS and 8 a.m. ET on the CBS News app.

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20 Comments

@MK78-55 1 year ago

I'm amazed at Mexico’s advanced civilizations: Maya, Aztec, Olmeca….that contributed to the world's astrology, math, art and more. I admire their culture, traditions, history, food, and the warmth of Mexican people.

@juanaramirez6288 1 year ago

It is an absolute delight to have you documented part of our preserved traditions, thank you CBS.

@ClepsidraSideral 1 year ago

I appreciate the reporter for pronouncing AJOLOTE the proper way. :)

@PozoBlue 1 year ago

They did not "DIG OUT" the canals. The opposite. The Aztecs BUILT the floating islands on the lake as agricultural gardens. The canals is the visible part of the lake, the chinampas float as they dont reach the lake floor.

@makeartmoreart 1 year ago

Love to see the attention to the ingenuity of ancestral traditions of Mexico. Gracias!❤

@servel_2025 1 year ago

That is my hometown, Mexico City. I studied graphic design at the School of Fine Arts, which is part of the National University of Mexico, at the Xochimilco campus in the 1980s. It is not far from the water channel system.

@riro1177 1 year ago

This is the first capital of North America & is still going strong.

@JeffSelf 1 year ago

I visited Xochimilco in 1977 when I was 10

@Mexicano1768 1 year ago

VÍVAAA MEXICO!!! 🇲🇽🇲🇽🇲🇽

@doggzone1977 1 year ago

I love Xochimilco.

@msauthentic6182 1 year ago

It's wonderful the preservation efforts that are being made by those dedicated to their ancestors and the tremendous benefits it can have for tge families, as well as the city and businesses. The boats are beautifully painted. It would be great to tour around the canals. Beautiful & dedicated people.

@truebetold65 1 year ago

Mexico is so so beautiful. Much ❤

@jaz499 1 year ago

The movie “María Candelaria” was filmed there!

@BobbyQuauhtliYaotl 1 year ago

Beautiful.

@user-bc6ok1yh4s 1 year ago

The reporter seemed amazed or dumbfounded that peasants are valued members of Mexican culture and society. She needs to get out more, because that is indeed the case in most of the world.

@LeninSilva 1 year ago

"What were you doing before [working the chinampas]?"
— "I was studying philosophy."

@rickymariscalespinosa662 1 year ago

Its so important and amazing that the entire world know about our beautiful country... VIVA Mexico ❤

@emizu4322 1 year ago

The chinampas and it's produce was very important to the city.

@Fancylanancy1 1 year ago

How we love the possibilities ☺️🙏🏼💯🇲🇽💖

@Mamymaestra 1 year ago

I am Mexican and live in Mexico City and I came across this video by chance, while looking up something completely unrelated, but this inspires me to buy the produce from Arca Tierra and visit their chinampas! Thank you so much for this well-researched, well filmed and all-around excellent video!