Xochimilco is one of the DF's delegaciones or boroughs, about 28 kms south of the center of the city. There was a time, hundreds of years ago, when Xochimilco was a lake, but now all that is left is a series of extended canals which lattice through the chinampas, raised areas or artificial islands which are bordered and contained by ahuejotes, trees in the weeping willow family.
Most of the area is only accessible by boat. Lots of families live back there. On weekends the canals of Xochimilco are packed with people, many of them come to party very hearty. 
Mis hermanos. I never had any gigs like this.... or did I? Block parties in DC came close.
There are boats with mariachis and marimba bands and others with lots of food and drink for sale.
Hilario, the "gondolier" of our trajinera boat had lived his whole life there and had many stories. He quickly debunked the legend of the many creepy dolls on one of the chinampas, that the island was haunted by a spirit of a little girl who had drowned nearby. 
He said the story of Don Julian, the previous caretaker, had hung a doll on a tree to appease her ghost and soon people began bring more. But Hilario said it was all hype, a great way to get people to visit and of course, spend money. He said, "Keep those ghost stories (and $$$) coming. Whatever you do, don't tell them the truth."The area is full of nurseries, plants and flowers everywhere. Xochimilco has four different micro-climates and this one is absolutely perfect for growing things.
The day we were there it was very quiet with primarily families on the boats. These kids were having a great time. Those are cempasuchitl (marigolds) in the background, peaking just in time for El Dia del Muertos in another ten days.
I love this phrase carved into one of the boats. Loosely translated, it reads, "This is all I got for not studying (in school.)
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