Purple pain: backlash over Mexico City’s ‘axolotlisation’ for World Cup
Mexico City is undergoing a transformation with murals of axolotls and purple paint jobs in preparation for the upcoming FIFA World Cup. However, this initiative has faced backlash from residents who argue that the funds could be better spent on essential infrastructure repairs. Mayor Clara Brugada defends the project as a way to beautify the city and improve public spaces.
- ▪Axolotls are being painted across Mexico City as part of a beautification initiative for the FIFA World Cup.
- ▪Many residents criticize the project, claiming it wastes resources that could address pressing issues like potholes and traffic safety.
- ▪Mayor Clara Brugada has defended the initiative, stating it transforms public spaces for the benefit of the community.
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Axolotls can be found painted on walls, plastered on trains, crawling up lampposts and swimming across traffic barriers across Mexico City. Photograph: Henry Romero/ReutersView image in fullscreenAxolotls can be found painted on walls, plastered on trains, crawling up lampposts and swimming across traffic barriers across Mexico City. Photograph: Henry Romero/ReutersMexicoPurple pain: backlash over Mexico City’s ‘axolotlisation’ for World CupMayor’s attempt to beautify the city with murals of mascot and plum paint jobs criticised as waste of resourcesOscar Lopez in Mexico CityMon 18 May 2026 10.00 EDTLast modified on Mon 18 May 2026 10.01 EDTSharePrefer the Guardian on GoogleThe giant purple axolotl peered up at Manuel Martínez from the black bitumen of the street.
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