Parque de los Insurgentes (La Bola)

Parque La Bola is a central point in the Colonia San José Insurgentes. It’s also known as Parque de la Insurgencia and Parque del Conde. But it’s the fountain in the middle of the park, and its nearness to the Emperatriz de América Church that really settles the name in the minds of most users of the park. The church, for its architectural form, is referred to as “La Bola” also.

The Parque de la Insurgencia pays homage to Miguel Hidalgo. The bronze statue depicts him over the bronze busts of other national heroes: José María Morelos, Josefa Ortiz de Domínguez, Ignacio Allende, and Vicente Guerrero. But the park is also adorned with multipile statues honoring Mexican literary figures. Busts placed around the park honor Juan de la Cabada, Rodolfo Usigli, Rafael Solana, Luis G. Basurto, José Revueltas, Juan Rulfo and Josefina Vicens.

The park was greatly expanded and rehabbed in 2018. The surrounding street was narrowed and pedestrians and cyclists got the better part of the old street space. Today, there’s a jogging path, new lighting, new trees and green areas, and all the fountains got a once-over.

The Parque La Bola, however you want to call it, is essential to crowded San José Insurgentes. Just a neighborhood over from ancient Mixcoac, it’s one of the most densely populated areas in Benito Juárez.