If you have ever visited Mexico City, you have probably walked along Avenida Presidente Masaryk, or President Masaryk Avenue as you may know it. For those of you who have not enjoyed this experience: think Fifth Avenue of Mexico. Here you will find boutiques showcasing the most expensive brands in the world. But if you were to take a moment from window shopping and think about the name of the street, you might well ponder the origin, given that it sounds far from Mexican. Well, the street was named after Tomáš Garrigue Masaryk, the first President of Czechoslovakia.
Now Mexico City in all its vibrancy may not scream of Czech influence, so why did the former President come to be honored and remembered in such a way? Well, the story goes back to 1936, when Lazaro Cardenas, Mexico’s then president decided to use Masaryk's name as a symbol of democracy and equality. This symbolic gesture came at a time when democracy in Europe was threatened by Dictatorial rule.
Later in 2000, the city of Prague donated a statue of Masaryk to Mexico City - made at the same time as its twin, which was placed in Prague Castle. The statue was placed in the roundabout that is at the intersection of President Masaryk Avenue and Arquimedes Street. Nowadays, the roundabout is a focal point of Czech-Mexican relations and a meeting point for the Czech community living in Mexico.
Three other bronze plaques adorn the city bearing Masaryk’s name. Along with the eponymous High School in the city, further recognition is given to the President.
In keeping with this historical trend of mutual respect, the Czech Minister of Foreign Affairs recently visited Mexico to meet with the Mexican Foreign Minister to strengthen ties in economic, trade, and security.
Beyond the political bond, consider other cultural forces that make up part of the Mexican way of life. The music you hear when walking the streets of Mexico City is also steeped in Czech heritage. Tejan - a music style fusing Mexican, European, and U.S. influences - began in the mid-19th Century when the accordion was introduced by Czech, German, and Polish immigrants. On top of this, the influence of so many brass instruments and polka and waltz tunes in Mexican music is in part thanks to our Czech family. This is thought to be linked to European imperial advances around the time of the American Civil War, notably with the movement of armies and their military bands.
So you see, the streets you walk, the music you hear, and even the Pilzner-style beer you drink are steeped in Czech influence!