The Origins of Tenochtitlan
"Perhaps you wonder about how Tenochtitlan was founded.

Many years ago my people left the seven caves of Aztlan, the Place of Whiteness, to find a new homeland. Huitzilopochtli guided us here, commanding us to conquer all territories and to become strong, to become the Mexica. He promised us the obeisance of countless vassals who would pay tribute of gold, precious stones, and feathers.

After much wandering we finally came upon the place foretold by the signs offered by Huitzilopochtli. We discovered the two rocks at the foot of the white juniper. From these rocks flowed the streams of two colors. All living things-the plants, the birds, the fish-were white. By this we knew it.

And the next day we found the final sign: the nopal cactus upon which the eagle makes his nest. This magnificent eagle was surrounded by precious feathers of all colors. From this we knew where to build our city. Tenochtitlan is the Place of the Prickly Pear Cactus.

It is here at this spring that we honor and commemorate this event."