Guadalajara renueva La Minerva, pero genera críticas por costo

TL;DR

La Minerva Renovated: Guadalajara's iconic roundabout underwent a 70 million peso renovation to create a pedestrian plaza ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)
Cost Overrun: Budget rose from 40 million to 70 million pesos over five months of work on 24,000 square meters.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)
Mixed Reactions: Officials praise better access while residents criticize the look and expense on social media.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

The story at a glance

Guadalajara renovated its landmark La Minerva roundabout, turning it into an accessible pedestrian space with new walkways, lighting, and infrastructure. Mayor Verónica Delgadillo and Governor Pablo Lemus reinaugurated it, highlighting its role beyond Chivas victory celebrations. The project, part of city preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, has drawn social media backlash over costs and appearance. La Minerva, nearly 100 years old, has long been a celebration site for Club Deportivo Guadalajara fans.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Key points

Renovation covered over 24,000 square meters, including reorganization of five lanes, fountain rehabilitation, new hydraulic jets, lighting, walkways, and safe pedestrian crossings.
Added features: free WiFi via Jalisco Network, new MiBici station, planters, seating, and access to surrounding parks near the Arches of Guadalajara.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)
Total city spending for World Cup upgrades: around 700 million pesos on roads, transport, Historic Center, and hotels.
Construction lasted five months, causing traffic issues; no lanes were removed.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)
Public criticism on social media calls it "horrible" and questions if funds could better fix transport needs.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Details and context

The project exceeded its initial 40 million peso budget by 20 million, reaching 70 million pesos total. It aims to make La Minerva a daily gathering spot, not just for the 70 years of Chivas fan celebrations after titles or victories. Officials say it restores coexistence with the monument, allowing photos and walks around it.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Originally at the city's edge almost a century ago, La Minerva now sits centrally and symbolizes Guadalajara identity. The work fits broader World Cup hosting efforts, with Guadalajara as a venue. Social media videos, like one from LONGVLOG, question if the changes were worth it.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Key quotes

Verónica Delgadillo, Guadalajara mayor: “This public space that we are handing over to our city and its people today is a space that will allow us to come together, not only when we want to celebrate something, as we have done for 70 years, but also invites us to come together on a permanent basis.”[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Pablo Lemus, Jalisco governor: “La Minerva has restored the possibility for people to coexist with the roundabout itself, with this symbol, and for people to be able to walk around it, to approach and enjoy it, to take a picture and to coexist with La Minerva.”[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Social media user: “It looks horrible... Totally not worth it,” suggesting funds for transport instead.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Why it matters

The renovation reflects Guadalajara's push to modernize icons for global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, balancing tourism appeal with local use. Residents face a more walkable space but question spending amid other needs like transport. Watch public opinion shifts and usage during World Cup matches, plus any further budget reviews.

What changed

Before, La Minerva was a traffic roundabout where pedestrians could not safely approach or walk around the monument. Now it includes perimeter and interior walkways, safe crossings, and plaza features for direct access and gatherings. The five-month project completed with reinauguration this week.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

FAQ

Q: Why was La Minerva renovated?

A: The project prepared the site for the 2026 FIFA World Cup by creating a pedestrian plaza with better access, lighting, and infrastructure. Officials aimed to make it a daily public space beyond Chivas celebrations. It involved rehabilitating the fountain, adding walkways, and integrating WiFi and bike stations.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Q: How much did the renovation cost?

A: The work cost 70 million pesos, up from an original budget of 40 million pesos. This covered 24,000 square meters over five months. It's part of 700 million pesos in city World Cup upgrades.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Q: What do residents think of the changes?

A: Social media shows criticism, with users calling it "horrible" and not worth the cost, suggesting funds for transport instead. Videos question the value of features like new lighting. Officials defend it for enabling safer pedestrian use.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)

Q: What new features does La Minerva have?

A: Additions include synchronized hydraulic jets, improved lighting, safe pedestrian crossings with signage, a MiBici station, free WiFi, planters, and seating. No traffic lanes were removed. It connects to nearby parks.[[1]](https://mexiconewsdaily.com/news/guadalajaras-la-minerva-has-a-new-face-but-not-everyone-is-happy-with-it/)