Definition: The Zocalo is the main square of a Mexican town. The most famous Zocalo is the one in Mexico City which is a huge (830 x 500 feet) paved surface with just a large flag in the center. Other Zocalos may have trees, and a bandstand in the center (the Oaxaca City Zocalo) or a fountain (Puebla).
The word Zocalo means pedestal, or stand. In the 1800s a pedestal was set up in the center of Mexico City's main square for a monument to commemorate Mexican independence. The statue was never put in place and people began to refer to the square itself as the Zocalo. Now in many towns in Mexico the main square is called the Zocalo.
Pronunciation: SO-kahl-oh
Also Known As: plaza, plaza principal
Alternate Spellings: Zócalo
Common Misspellings: zocolo
