The street is the best spectator of what is happening in the city. It does not matter if they change the name, its history remains in the geographical space through which many people, cars and animals passed. Independencia Street, in the city of Oaxaca de Juarez, is a vivid example: what was the ancient Camino Real witnessed the birth of Porfirio Díaz in 1830, the marriage of Benito Juarez in 1843, and much earlier, in 1617, the death of a mule that carried on its back the weight of what is now known as the Oaxacan saint: the Virgin of Soledad.
Since then, on the spot where this Virgin was discovered, the Church of Nuestra Señora de la Soledad was built, a symbolic temple of Oaxaca that today is even more illuminated thanks to the México Brilla Programme, a project promoted by the Iberdrola México Foundation, in coordination with the state government, the Municipality of Oaxaca de Juárez, the local diocese and the National Institute of Anthropology and History (INAH).
“This is the third historic building that we have illuminated in Oaxaca,” explains Erika Fernandez, coordinator of the Iberdrola Mexico Foundation, in front of the cathedral, before the inauguration of the project. “The goal is to have a structure that enhances cultural heritage, attracts domestic and foreign tourism, and contributes to energy efficiency through LED lighting.”
The Spanish company Varona, specialized in heritage lighting assets, was responsible for the artistic installation of 72 modern LED luminaires, destined to highlight the reliefs, textures and architectural elements of the neo-Spanish Baroque temple built between 1682 and 1690. This intervention reduces electricity consumption by 55% compared to traditional technologies and seeks to protect the historical heritage and highlight it with standards of efficiency and sustainability.
Our Lady of Soledad Church joins the Metropolitan Cathedral and Santo Domingo de Guzmán Temple in a project aimed at illuminating seven historic buildings. “We have a long-term alliance with the government of Oaxaca to light ten buildings over five years,” Fernandez said before the lighting was inaugurated on November 25.
During the event, the authorities stressed that the Iberdrola Mexico program contributes to strengthening the relationship between citizens and their heritage and beautifying the urban night scene. “México Brilla is one of our most symbolic initiatives because it seeks to put electricity at the service of culture and history, while treating the memory and identity of our heritage with respect,” said Paula Martinez Castro, Director of Communications and Social Responsibility at Iberdrola México. “The luminaires we operate today have been carefully and strategically installed at points around the cathedral to respect the integrity of the monument and reproduce the colors and textures of this majestic building as faithfully as possible.”
Representing Governor Salomon Jara Cruz, architect Celdia Micut Gómez, Director General of the Institute of Cultural Heritage of the State of Oaxaca, highlighted the energy company’s commitment to the entity, which is part of the so-called Oaxacan Spring, which seeks to promote well-being and shared prosperity, supported by a private initiative: “We want to especially thank Iberdrola México for remaining steadfast in this cooperation agreement despite the multiple challenges faced in 2025. They are showing great commitment to Oaxaca and the preservation of its heritage.
Iberdrola México has confirmed that the next property to be illuminated will be the San Matías Galatlaco Temple on Miguel Hidalgo Street. With this project, the Historic Center of the State of Oaxaca, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1987, promotes a monumental lighting route that seeks to promote cultural tourism, and ensure responsible energy management in its historic buildings.