Mexican Heritage Culture Project

Name: Period: 5

Ethnic groupReligion

ArtHolidays

Before European explorers came to the Americas, 3 empires flourished in what we now call Latin America Maya Inca Aztecs

I. Ethnic Group

Aztec Empire

Arose in 1300s AD in Central Mexico

Capital was Tenochtitlan on island in lake (today Mexico City)

Developed class system, emperor & military leaders ruled

Farming: corn, tomatoes, cacao beans “food of the gods” (chocolate!)

Spanish slaughtered Aztecs

The Aztec

Aztec Calendar

Mexican Coat of Arms

Europeans explored the Americas & colonized much of it Spain & Portugal first Britain, France,

Netherlands later “Conquistadors”

(conquerors) destroyed Aztec (Hernan Cortes) & converted them to Catholicism

Spain took over the most territory

II. Religion -- Catholic

European missionaries converted (forced?) Native Americans to Catholicism Catholic is main religion in

Latin America today

Taught European languages Spanish & Portuguese are

main languages throughout Latin America

Some English & French

Set up schools & hospitals Over 80 percent of

Mexicans are Catholic

Religion

National Cathedral in Mexico City

III. Art: Murals have been a communication tool for communities for thousands of years. In his murals, Diego Rivera, primarily depicts the historical perspective of the

Mexican people. In the 1930’s, Rivera began creating murals on the walls of hospitals, schools, and government buildings in

his native land. He did this so all people could enjoy his art- work. Diego Rivera was a storyteller and used his murals to tell

the story of Mexico.

IV. Holidays: Christmas

Day of the Dead

November 2nd is the official date for Day of the Dead, although it is celebrated between October 31st and November 2nd. These dates correspond with the Catholic celebrations of All Saints Day and All Souls Day. This correspondence results from the Catholic Church's efforts to "find similarities between the indigenous and Christian beliefs The best way to describe this holiday is to say it is a time when family members who have died are remembered. In Mexico, this festival is considered to be the most important holiday of the year.

The End