The trajineras of Xochimilco.
What is happening in the trajineras of Xochimilco so that tourism has plummeted in recent weeks?
Social networks have given voice to a problem that comes from afar and has to do with the alcohol consumption of visitors and locals who gather in the named by Unesco, World Heritage in 1987 that receives a million visits a year.
On September 1, a 20-year-old man drowned under the waters of the Xochimilco canal while partying with some friends. As there were so many boats and some joined to the others, they did not allow the young man to come to the surface, causing his death, which was also recorded on social networks.
It has not been the only misfortune, since since 2005 there have been too many cases of death by drowning in what is one of the most important tourist attractions in Mexico City.
More than 600 boats cross the canal named World Heritage by UNESCO.
The trajineras are boats with more than 100 years old and that previously had been used by pre-Hispanic civilizations that traded through the Xochimilco channel, about 27km long and about 6 meters deep.
Today the colorful boats, it is estimated that there are about 1,000 , have become a tourist and local attraction where you could eat and drink unlimitedly for very little money , barely three euros for a drink and about 20 euros for guided tours. Perhaps the most striking thing is that there was no prohibition on bringing drinks and food from outside, which means that they only have to pay an entrance fee to get on them.
This has led many groups of young people to have parties and get drunk and even fight on the boats causing accidents. But the drop in tourism and recent incidents have changed the guidelines of the local government.
NEW RULES
At the moment there is no law, but it has been established a new regulation which implies that the owners of the trajineras (they are private) must wear a life jacket and are subject to drug checks. The regulations have generated diverse opinions, as some rowers complain that it has affected their business, despite seeing the measures with good eyes.
They also miss more police presence in the canals and having more lifeguards for tourists. On the other hand, many of these rowers they don't know how to swim so it makes rescues more complicated.
Passengers for now will not be able to jump from one trajinera to another, also do not play music on speakers and, above all, alcohol consumption will be limited, one bottle or three beers per person. The vendors that are in the surroundings will also not be able to sell the so-called loggerheads , the 40 michelada beers.
We will have to wait if the measures have the desired effect...