Forgotten Heroes: The Aguadores of Aguascalientes

Aguascalientes, Mexico: Remembering the Aguadores Before modern plumbing transformed cities, the daily lives of residents often depended on the efforts of water carriers, known as aguadores. This was certainly the case in Aguascalientes, Mexico, where aguadores played a crucial role in supplying water to homes and businesses. A recent video from TV Azteca Aguascalientes brings this forgotten aspect of the city's history to light. The video features historical photographs showing aguadores carrying water in large containers, often using donkeys or carts for transport. These images, coupled with an interview with local historian José Ciro Báez, paint a vivid picture of their daily routines. "These aguadores would collect water from public fountains and springs," Báez explains, "and deliver it to homes, charging a small fee." The video also highlights the different sources of water, with water from springs being more expensive due to the increased distance and effort required. The video concludes by emphasizing the importance of remembering the aguadores and their contribution to the city's history. The shift to modern water systems marked the end of their trade, but their legacy remains a part of Aguascalientes' cultural memory. The video serves as a valuable reminder of the simple yet essential roles played by individuals in shaping a community's past.