Xochimilco

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Xochimilco is one of the sixteen delegaciones or boroughs within Mexican Federal District. It is located within Mexico City, 28 kilometres (17 mi) south of the city center.[1] To the north it has borders with Coyoacán, Tlalpan and Iztapalapa; to the west with Tláhuac; and to the southeast with Milpa Alta. It covers an area of 122 km2; it is the third biggest delegación.

Xochimilco is better known for its extended series of canals — all that remains of the ancient Lake Xochimilco. Xochimilco has kept its ancient traditions, even though its proximity to Mexico City influence that area to urbanize. Movies such as María Candelaria (1940) have given that area a romantic reputation where all inhabitants travel in colourful trajineras (Xochimilco boats) between chinampas covered with flowers.

Today, agriculture is an important but minor activity -- the canals representing only a small fraction of their former extent, Chinampería (chinampa-related activities). It was declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1987.[1]

The name Xochimilco comes from Nahuatl, and means "flower field place". It is pronounced [ʃoːtʃiˈmiːlko] in Nahuatl, [sotʃiˈmilko] in Spanish.

from: Xochimilco - Wikipedia