The 1530s were marked by severe droughts in Mexico, which had devastating effects on both indigenous and Spanish agricultural systems following the Spanish conquest. These droughts exacerbated food shortages and contributed to social unrest among the indigenous populations, as traditional farming practices were disrupted. The environmental challenges of this period highlighted the vulnerabilities of colonial agriculture and the complex interactions between climate and colonial rule.

The Mexican droughts of the 1530s were reflected in Nahua and Spanish colonial writings, with poets like Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz addressing the intersection of nature and human experience. Their works often highlighted the struggles of survival and the impact of environmental changes.