Travel — Mexico City

The Unique City Sounds Heard Throughout the Streets of Mexico City

In the bustling streets of Mexico City, amid the noisy city life, there’s a distinct and unforgettable sound that can’t be ignored.

Cindy Roaming
2 min readNov 10, 2023

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A scrap metal merchant truck rolls through Mexico City’s Coyoacan neighborhoods. Photo by Author

This sound can be heard throughout the city, especially in the morning and afternoon. It’s a short message that has become the signature sound of the city.

During my first week in Mexico City, when I was still dealing with jet lag, I heard it every morning. Just as my eyes were about to close, the sound would blast from a passing vehicle’s speaker. It sounded like a young girl promoting something.

My curiosity was piqued, and I wanted to know what the voice was saying. Day after day, I tried to catch the words.

One day, while I was taking a stroll in the famous neighborhood of Coyoacan, I saw a truck passing by. It carried used mattresses and a loudspeaker on top. I turned to my husband and said, “That’s the mystery voice I’ve been hearing every morning in our neighborhood. They are everywhere!”

My husband chuckled and explained that they were scrap metal merchants. They were looking to buy used mattresses, home appliances, and old iron items.

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Cindy Roaming

I write about my travel story, foods, and culture. Currently in Mexico City🇲🇽