This paper argues that nowadays is essential for historians recognize the importance of public life and public uses of history, and engage actively in discussions on the representation of the past in contexts that exceeds the disciplinar and academic practice. For this purpose, a specific case study is proposed: Estela de Luz, a monument built on the ocassion of Mexico's Bicentennial of Independence and Centennial of Revolution commemoration (2010). An examination of the historicity of the Estela -the planning and execution of the monument; but also its criticism and resignifications-, can help us to understand how a diversity of social actors contends for the sense of history in the public arena.
