Following the construction of the railway station, the Guayaquil market square—along with the significant complex of commercial and lodging buildings surrounding it—came to be known as Plaza de Cisneros, in honor of the engineer who built the Antioquia Railway. Plaza de Cisneros became a landmark for commerce in Medellín, as well as an ideal setting for the social and political demonstrations of the burgeoning city. It was during the early years of the Liberal Republic (1930–1946) that the square gained prominence as a venue for political gatherings. However, a fire destroyed the site. In 2001, Mayor Luis Pérez launched an initiative titled “Medellín is Light: An Urban Poem” to “reclaim” the square through a project blending art, architecture, and urban design. In the development plan, it was initially designated as “Plaza of Protest”—a nod to its history as a political hub—but it was ultimately christened “Plaza of Light” (Plaza de la Luz). More recently, following a recommendation from the Academy of History, it was renamed Plaza de Cisneros—the name it had held since the late 19th century—though the public has grown accustomed to calling it “Parque de las Luces” (Park of Lights). Political speeches are no longer held in this square; this is hardly surprising, as the era of large, in-person political followings has faded—replaced by television, computers, and mobile phones..
