In the Popotla neighborhood of Mexico City, there is an ancient cypress tree called Árbol de la Noche Victoriosa (Tree of the Victorious Night). Previously, it was known as the Árbol de la Noche Triste (Tree of the Sad Night), in reference to a historical event during the Spanish conquest of the Aztec Empire, wherein Hernán Cortés and his army of Spanish conquistadors, along with their indigenous allies, were driven out of the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlan. According to legend, Hernán Cortés wept under this tree on the night of the retreat, mourning the heavy losses suffered by his troops. Hence, the tree became known as the Árbol de la Noche Triste.
The ahuehuete and behind it, the hermitage of San Esteban Popotla. Painting by José María Velasco
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