The huge Plaza de la Constitución stands in the historic centre of Mexico City. It is an impressive pedestrian square. Surrounded by buildings forming a vast architectural complex (Palacio Nacional, Catedral Metropolitana, the seat of the federal district), it is a place that is free of construction, where Mexicans can freely come and go, and is the setting for a wide variety of events. In the centre of the square stands the national flag, raised on a plinth, or socle, thus the square’s name, Zócalo.