A strong earthquake caused severe damage in several areas of the city, notably affecting the Angel of Independence. The force of the tremor caused the face of the iconic monument to detach from its body and remain shattered on the ground. Although the news of the Angel's fall initially became popular on social media, authorities clarified that it was only a replica used for filming.
Despite the confusion, the image of the ruined Angel's face shocked the population and generated consternation. After the incident, a restoration effort was launched to reconstruct the original face. Sculptors worked diligently using photographs and previous molds as references to recover the lost image.
Although the original face was largely reconstructed, the damaged piece was preserved as a testament to the power of nature and the fragility of our constructions. Currently, the original face of the Angel of Independence is kept in a museum and can be admired by the public, reminding us of the importance of preserving cultural heritage and being prepared to face natural disasters.
The Angel of Independence, a symbol of the struggle for Mexico's independence, suffered irreparable damage in the earthquake of 1957, measuring 7.8 with its epicenter near Acapulco, Guerrero. This historical event marked the memory of Mexico City and highlights the importance of disaster prevention.
