Compendium of Porfirista power in Hermosillo's urban space

Abstract

This article offers an interpretation of the exercise of power by the State and the ruling elite during the Porfiriato, through an analysis of Hermosillo’s urban space. The analysis highlights the symbolic functions of the monuments, buildings and other urban facilities constructed in the city during this period. Three types of phenomena are studied in order to validate the assumption that Hermosillo’s street nomenclature is a cohesive and identity-constructing element which seeks to generate a patriotic and nationalist consciousness: first, Michel Foucault’s panopticism perspective; second, “statue mania,” an obsession of the era with creating monuments in order to promote liberal values; and third, in accordance with Eric Hobsbawm’s proposal, the invention of tradition, applied to civic and patriotic rituals, particularly the celebrations of Mexico’s Centenary of Independence.