MexicoMexico

QuinceañeraQuinceañeraThe The QuinceañeraQuinceañera, or , or Quince añosQuince años

("fifteen years" in English), in Latin ("fifteen years" in English), in Latin American culture, is a coming of age American culture, is a coming of age ceremony held on a girl’s fifteenth ceremony held on a girl’s fifteenth birthday. The term birthday. The term QuinceañosQuinceaños refers refers to the birthday of the celebrant, and to the birthday of the celebrant, and the term the term QuinceañeraQuinceañera refers to the refers to the celebrant herself. Like many other celebrant herself. Like many other coming-of-age ceremonies, the coming-of-age ceremonies, the Quinceaños is associated with the Quinceaños is associated with the Quinceañera "becoming a lady".Quinceañera "becoming a lady".

The Quinceañera ritual has been traced to 500 B.C. from The Quinceañera ritual has been traced to 500 B.C. from the Aztec culture where a girl at the age of 15 was the Aztec culture where a girl at the age of 15 was considered apt for motherhood. They celebrated considered apt for motherhood. They celebrated hytjthrgvfsecdthis coming-of-agewith a ceremony, dance, hytjthrgvfsecdthis coming-of-agewith a ceremony, dance, and some words of wisdom from the mother. When the and some words of wisdom from the mother. When the Spanish conquered America, they supposedly adopted this Spanish conquered America, they supposedly adopted this traditiongjmnrbtdfvs czxn, replacing the Aztec Temple with traditiongjmnrbtdfvs czxn, replacing the Aztec Temple with the Catholic Church.the Catholic Church.

The Quince años ceremony came from French culture The Quince años ceremony came from French culture during the 1800s. In Mexico, this century is called during the 1800s. In Mexico, this century is called PorfiriotoPorfirioto, , which is comparable to the Victorian era in Anglo-speaking which is comparable to the Victorian era in Anglo-speaking countries. The Mexican president brought this celebration countries. The Mexican president brought this celebration to Mexican culture due to his admiration of French culture; to Mexican culture due to his admiration of French culture; this includes the this includes the ValsVals (European music) and the term (European music) and the term ChambelanChambelan..

The meaning of the ceremony has changed over the The meaning of the ceremony has changed over the centuries, but the celebration is becoming more popular in centuries, but the celebration is becoming more popular in the United States than it is in Latin America. Quince años the United States than it is in Latin America. Quince años celebrated in the United States reflect the family's celebrated in the United States reflect the family's economic and social status, and the ceremony has become economic and social status, and the ceremony has become a means of preserving their culture as Latinos become a means of preserving their culture as Latinos become more Americanized. Quince años are, today, a unique more Americanized. Quince años are, today, a unique feature of Latino culture in the U.S. feature of Latino culture in the U.S.

Quince Photos - Quince Photos -

Quince church ceremony, the dance, the girl, and the cake!

Taxco, MexicoTaxco, Mexico Taxco de AlarcónTaxco de Alarcón (usually referred to as simply (usually referred to as simply

“Taxco”) is a small city and municipality located in “Taxco”) is a small city and municipality located in the Mexican state of Guerrero. The name Taxco is the Mexican state of Guerrero. The name Taxco is most likely derived from the Nahuatl word most likely derived from the Nahuatl word tlacheco, which means “place of the ballgame.” tlacheco, which means “place of the ballgame.” However, one interpretation has the name coming However, one interpretation has the name coming from the word tatzco which means “where the from the word tatzco which means “where the father of the water is,” due to the high waterfall father of the water is,” due to the high waterfall near the town center on Atatzin Mountain. “De near the town center on Atatzin Mountain. “De Alarcón” is in honor of writer Juan Ruiz de Alarcon Alarcón” is in honor of writer Juan Ruiz de Alarcon who was a native of the town. Like many who was a native of the town. Like many municipalities in central Mexico, the municipality’s municipalities in central Mexico, the municipality’s coat-of-arms is an Aztec glyph. This glyph is in the coat-of-arms is an Aztec glyph. This glyph is in the shape of a Mesoamerican ballcourt with rings, shape of a Mesoamerican ballcourt with rings, players and skulls, derived from the most likely players and skulls, derived from the most likely source of Taxco’s name.source of Taxco’s name.

Photos of TaxcoPhotos of TaxcoChurch in center of Taxco, silver being produced, the altar of the church, a view of the town from my hotel balcony.

The city is heavily associated with The city is heavily associated with silver, both with the mining of it and silver, both with the mining of it and other metals and for the crafting of it other metals and for the crafting of it into jewelry, silverware and other into jewelry, silverware and other items. This reputation, along with the items. This reputation, along with the city’s picturesque homes and city’s picturesque homes and surrounding landscapes have made surrounding landscapes have made tourism the main economic activity tourism the main economic activity as the only large-scale mining as the only large-scale mining operation here is coming to a close. operation here is coming to a close.

Taxco is locate d the north-central Taxco is locate d the north-central part of the state, 36 km from the city part of the state, 36 km from the city of Iguala, 135 km from the state of Iguala, 135 km from the state capital of Chilpancingo and 170 km capital of Chilpancingo and 170 km southwest of Mexico City. The city southwest of Mexico City. The city was named one of Mexico’s “Pueblos was named one of Mexico’s “Pueblos Mágicos” (Magical Towns) due to the Mágicos” (Magical Towns) due to the quality of the silverwork, the colonial quality of the silverwork, the colonial constructions and the surrounding constructions and the surrounding scenery scenery

The MarketThe Market Artesanias markets Artesanias markets

have all kinds of have all kinds of jewelry. They have jewelry. They have handmade jewelry, handmade jewelry, and other jewelry. and other jewelry. The handmade The handmade jewelry can be made jewelry can be made with beads, string, with beads, string, They can have shells, They can have shells, too. The shells are too. The shells are sometimes cut into sometimes cut into slices.slices.

          They have a lot of They have a lot of jewelry made of jewelry made of silver, especially silver, especially rings.  Silver is mined rings.  Silver is mined in parts of Mexico.in parts of Mexico.

Mariachi MusicMariachi Music MariachiMariachi is a type of musical group, originally from is a type of musical group, originally from

Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Usually a mariachi Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico. Usually a mariachi consists of at least three violins, two trumpets, one consists of at least three violins, two trumpets, one Spanish guitar, one Spanish guitar, one vihuelavihuela(a high-pitched, five-(a high-pitched, five-string guitar) one string guitar) one guitarronguitarron(a small-scaled acoustic (a small-scaled acoustic bass) and occasionally a harp. They dress in silver bass) and occasionally a harp. They dress in silver studded charro outfits with wide-brimmed hats. The studded charro outfits with wide-brimmed hats. The original Mariachi were Mexican street musicians or original Mariachi were Mexican street musicians or buskers. Many mariachis are professional buskers. Many mariachis are professional entertainers doing paid gigs in the mainstream entertainers doing paid gigs in the mainstream entertainment industry. Professionals are normally entertainment industry. Professionals are normally skilled at more than one instrument, and they also skilled at more than one instrument, and they also sing. They sometimes accompany ranchera singers sing. They sometimes accompany ranchera singers such as Vicente Fernandez or even pop star Luis such as Vicente Fernandez or even pop star Luis Miguel. Although ranchera singers dress in a traje de Miguel. Although ranchera singers dress in a traje de charro(Charro suit), they are not mariachis.charro(Charro suit), they are not mariachis.

MariachisMariachis

Ballet FolkloricoBallet Folklorico Ballet Folklórico de MéxicoBallet Folklórico de México is a folkloric ballet ensemble is a folkloric ballet ensemble

in Mexico City. Their performance home is the Palacio de in Mexico City. Their performance home is the Palacio de Bella Arte in downtown Mexico City. For five decades it has Bella Arte in downtown Mexico City. For five decades it has presented dances in costumes that reflect the traditional presented dances in costumes that reflect the traditional culture of Mexico. The ensemble has appeared under the culture of Mexico. The ensemble has appeared under the name, name, Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández.Ballet Folklórico de México de Amalia Hernández.

The ballet works and musical pieces reflect various regions The ballet works and musical pieces reflect various regions and folk music genres of Mexico. Many of the ensemble's and folk music genres of Mexico. Many of the ensemble's works reflect the traditions of indigenous Mesoamerican works reflect the traditions of indigenous Mesoamerican culture. Numbers of performers in individual dance culture. Numbers of performers in individual dance numbers range from two to over thirty-five. From the numbers range from two to over thirty-five. From the group's founding by Amalia Hernandez in 1952, the group group's founding by Amalia Hernandez in 1952, the group grew from eight performers to a fifty piece ensemble by the grew from eight performers to a fifty piece ensemble by the end of the decade. In 1959 the group officially represented end of the decade. In 1959 the group officially represented Mexico at the Pan American Games in Chicago, IL, U.S.. Mexico at the Pan American Games in Chicago, IL, U.S.. Under Hernández the group was a pioneer of Baile Under Hernández the group was a pioneer of Baile Folklorico in Mexico. It is practiced by many people in Folklorico in Mexico. It is practiced by many people in America as well as Mexico. America as well as Mexico.

There are three types of Ballet There are three types of Ballet Folklorico. Danza, Mestizo, and Bailes Folklorico. Danza, Mestizo, and Bailes Rejionales Rejionales

The ensemble performs three times The ensemble performs three times weekly at the Palace of Fine Arts weekly at the Palace of Fine Arts (Palacio de Bella Arte) in Mexico City. (Palacio de Bella Arte) in Mexico City. Additionally, it has toured widely in Additionally, it has toured widely in the United States and has appeared the United States and has appeared in over 80 other countries in over 80 other countries

Dance with me….Dance with me….

The Cliff Divers of AcapulcoThe Cliff Divers of Acapulco

The The La Quebrada Cliff DiversLa Quebrada Cliff Divers are a group of are a group of professional high divers, based in Acapulco, professional high divers, based in Acapulco, Mexico. They perform daily shows for the public, Mexico. They perform daily shows for the public, which involve diving 45 metres (148 ft) from the which involve diving 45 metres (148 ft) from the cliffs of La Quebrada into the sea below. During cliffs of La Quebrada into the sea below. During the night, they often hold torches while diving. the night, they often hold torches while diving. Acapulco cliff diving was regularly featured on Acapulco cliff diving was regularly featured on weekend sports television programming in the weekend sports television programming in the United States during the 1960s to 70's when film United States during the 1960s to 70's when film stunt man Ray Austin made the dive.stunt man Ray Austin made the dive.

Although cliff diving at La Quebrada had taken Although cliff diving at La Quebrada had taken place for many years, it was not until 1934 that place for many years, it was not until 1934 that the La Quebrada Cliff Divers was formed.the La Quebrada Cliff Divers was formed.

The cliff divers in actionThe cliff divers in action

GuadalajarGuadalajaraa

GuadalajaraGuadalajara is the capital city is the capital city of the Mexican state of Jalisco, of the Mexican state of Jalisco, and the seat of the municipality and the seat of the municipality of Guadalajara. The city is of Guadalajara. The city is located in the central region of located in the central region of the state and in the western-the state and in the western-Pacific area of Mexico. With a Pacific area of Mexico. With a population of 1,579,174 it is population of 1,579,174 it is Mexico's second most populous Mexico's second most populous municipality. The Guadalajara municipality. The Guadalajara Metropolitan Area includes Metropolitan Area includes seven other adjacent seven other adjacent municipalities and has a municipalities and has a population of 4,095,715 in 2008, population of 4,095,715 in 2008, making it the second most making it the second most populous metropolitan area in populous metropolitan area in Mexico, behind Mexico City. Mexico, behind Mexico City.

CuernavacCuernavacaa

CuernavacaCuernavaca is the is the capital and largest city capital and largest city of the stae of Morelos in of the stae of Morelos in Mexico. As of the 2005 Mexico. As of the 2005 census, the population census, the population of the city was 332,197; of the city was 332,197; the municipality's entire the municipality's entire population was 349,102 population was 349,102 in an area of 151.2 km2 in an area of 151.2 km2 (58.4 sq mi) that (58.4 sq mi) that includes numerous small includes numerous small localities outside the localities outside the city, like Ocotepec, city, like Ocotepec, where interesting where interesting religious celebrations religious celebrations take place, like the Day take place, like the Day of the Dead in the first of the Dead in the first days of November.days of November.

City shrine and palacio of Hernan Cortez.

Dia de los Dia de los MuertosMuertos

The The Day of the DeadDay of the Dead ( (El Día de El Día de los Muertoslos Muertos or All Souls' Day) is or All Souls' Day) is a holiday celebrated in Mexico a holiday celebrated in Mexico and by Latin Americans living in and by Latin Americans living in the United States and Canada. the United States and Canada. The holiday focuses on gatherings The holiday focuses on gatherings of family and friends to pray for of family and friends to pray for and remember friends and family and remember friends and family members who have died. The members who have died. The celebration occurs on the 2nd of celebration occurs on the 2nd of November in connection with the November in connection with the Catholic holiday of All Saint’s Day Catholic holiday of All Saint’s Day which occurs on Nov 1st and All which occurs on Nov 1st and All Soul’s Day which occurs on Nov Soul’s Day which occurs on Nov 2nd. Traditions include building 2nd. Traditions include building private altars honoring the private altars honoring the deceased, using sugar skulls, deceased, using sugar skulls, marigolds, and the favorite foods marigolds, and the favorite foods and beverages of the departed, and beverages of the departed, and visiting graves with these as and visiting graves with these as gifts.gifts.

Cinco de MayoCinco de MayoCinco de MayoCinco de Mayo (Spanish for "fifth of (Spanish for "fifth of

May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, May") is a regional holiday in Mexico, primarily celebrated in the state of primarily celebrated in the state of Puebla, with some limited recognition Puebla, with some limited recognition in other parts of Mexico. The holiday in other parts of Mexico. The holiday commemorates the Mexican army's commemorates the Mexican army's unlikely victory over French forces at unlikely victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, under the leadership of Mexican under the leadership of Mexican General Ignacio Zaragoza, Seguin.General Ignacio Zaragoza, Seguin.

The Battle was important for at least The Battle was important for at least two reasons. First, although two reasons. First, although considerably outnumbered, the considerably outnumbered, the Mexicans defeated a much better-Mexicans defeated a much better-equipped French army. "This battle was equipped French army. "This battle was significant in that the 4,000 Mexican significant in that the 4,000 Mexican soldiers were greatly outnumbered by soldiers were greatly outnumbered by the well-equipped French army of the well-equipped French army of 8,000 that had not been defeated for 8,000 that had not been defeated for almost 50 years." Second, although almost 50 years." Second, although countries in the Americas have been countries in the Americas have been attacked since May 5, 1862, (Falkland attacked since May 5, 1862, (Falkland Islands, Pearl Harbor, etc), no country Islands, Pearl Harbor, etc), no country in the Americas has been invaded by in the Americas has been invaded by an army from another continent since an army from another continent since then except for the brief occupation of then except for the brief occupation of two of the alaskan Aleutian Islands by two of the alaskan Aleutian Islands by the Japanese army during World War II.the Japanese army during World War II.

Cinco de Mayo is not "an obligatory federal Cinco de Mayo is not "an obligatory federal holiday" in Mexico, but rather a holiday that holiday" in Mexico, but rather a holiday that can be observed voluntarily. While Cinco de can be observed voluntarily. While Cinco de Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mayo has limited significance nationwide in Mexico, the date is observed in the United Mexico, the date is observed in the United States (also voluntarily) and other locations States (also voluntarily) and other locations around the world as a celebration of around the world as a celebration of Mexican heritage and pride. A common Mexican heritage and pride. A common misconception in the United States is that misconception in the United States is that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day which actually is September 16th Day which actually is September 16th ((dieciséis de septiembredieciséis de septiembre in Spanish), the in Spanish), the most important national patriotic holiday in most important national patriotic holiday in Mexico. Mexico.

The Battle of PueblaThe Battle of Puebla

Pancho VillaPancho VillaNo one can be said to No one can be said to

be more synonymous be more synonymous with the wild side of with the wild side of Mexico than Pancho Mexico than Pancho Villa - the rebel Villa - the rebel general of the Mexican general of the Mexican Revolution who Revolution who invaded US territory invaded US territory and led American and led American soldiers on a wild soldiers on a wild goose chase all over goose chase all over the harsh Mexican the harsh Mexican countryside for countryside for months. months.

Along with Emiliano Zapata Along with Emiliano Zapata and Francisco I. Madera, and Francisco I. Madera, Villa led peasant armies to Villa led peasant armies to a swift victory over the a swift victory over the corrupt and repressive corrupt and repressive regime of the aging regime of the aging dictator, Porfirio Diaz, only dictator, Porfirio Diaz, only to see Madero betrayed by to see Madero betrayed by reactionary plotters. reactionary plotters. Undaunted, the rebel Undaunted, the rebel generals led their armies in generals led their armies in another uprising against another uprising against the usurpers, routing them the usurpers, routing them at every stage and at every stage and ultimately driving them into ultimately driving them into exile. exile.

Diego Diego Rivera/Frida Rivera/Frida

KahloKahlo Diego RiveraDiego Rivera (December 8, 1886 (December 8, 1886 – November 24, 1957) was born – November 24, 1957) was born Diego María de la Concepción Diego María de la Concepción Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y RodríguezAcosta y Rodríguez in in Guanajuato. He was a world-Guanajuato. He was a world-famous Mexican painter, an active famous Mexican painter, an active Communist, and husband of Frida Communist, and husband of Frida Kahlo, 1929-1939 and 1940-1954 Kahlo, 1929-1939 and 1940-1954 (her death). Rivera's large wall (her death). Rivera's large wall works in fresco helped establish works in fresco helped establish the the Mexican Mural RenaissanceMexican Mural Renaissance. . Between 1922 and 1953, Rivera Between 1922 and 1953, Rivera painted murals in Mexico City, painted murals in Mexico City, Chapingo, Cuernavaca, San Chapingo, Cuernavaca, San Francisco, Detroit, and New York Francisco, Detroit, and New York City. His 1931 retrospective City. His 1931 retrospective exhibition at the Museum of exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art (MOM) in New York Modern Art (MOM) in New York City was their second.City was their second.

Rivera was a notorious womanizer Rivera was a notorious womanizer who had fathered at least one who had fathered at least one illegitimate child. Angelina Beloff was illegitimate child. Angelina Beloff was his first wife and gave birth to a son, his first wife and gave birth to a son, Diego (1916-1918). Maria Vorobieff-Diego (1916-1918). Maria Vorobieff-Stebelska gave birth to a daughter Stebelska gave birth to a daughter named Marika in 1918 or 1919 when named Marika in 1918 or 1919 when Rivera was married to Angelina Rivera was married to Angelina (according to (according to House on the Bridge: House on the Bridge: Ten Turbulent Years with Diego Ten Turbulent Years with Diego RiveraRivera and Angelina's memoirs called and Angelina's memoirs called MemoriasMemorias). He married his second ). He married his second wife, Guadalupe Marin, in June 1922, wife, Guadalupe Marin, in June 1922, with whom he had two daughters. He with whom he had two daughters. He was still married when he met the art was still married when he met the art student Frida Kahlo. They married on student Frida Kahlo. They married on August 21, 1929 when he was 42 and August 21, 1929 when he was 42 and she was 22. Their mutual infidelities she was 22. Their mutual infidelities and his violent temper led to divorce and his violent temper led to divorce in 1939, but they remarried in 1939, but they remarried December 8, 1940 in San Francisco. December 8, 1940 in San Francisco. After Kahlo's death, Rivera married After Kahlo's death, Rivera married Emma Hurtado, his agent since 1946, Emma Hurtado, his agent since 1946, on July 29, 1955. He died on on July 29, 1955. He died on November 24, 1957 November 24, 1957

The ZocaloThe Zocalo The The ZócaloZócalo is the main plaza or square in the heart of the is the main plaza or square in the heart of the

historic center of Mexico City. The plaza used to be known historic center of Mexico City. The plaza used to be known simply as the “Main Square” or “Arms Square,” and today its simply as the “Main Square” or “Arms Square,” and today its formal name is “Constitution Square” (formal name is “Constitution Square” (Plaza de la Plaza de la ConstituciónConstitución).This name does not come from any of the ).This name does not come from any of the Mexican constitutions that have governed the country but Mexican constitutions that have governed the country but rather from the Cadiz constitution which was signed in Spain in rather from the Cadiz constitution which was signed in Spain in 1812. However, it is almost always called the “Zócalo” today. 1812. However, it is almost always called the “Zócalo” today. This word literally means “base” or “plinth”. Plans were made This word literally means “base” or “plinth”. Plans were made to erect an column as a monument to Independence, but only to erect an column as a monument to Independence, but only the base, or zocalo, was ever built. The plinth was destroyed the base, or zocalo, was ever built. The plinth was destroyed long ago but the name has lived on. Many other Mexican towns long ago but the name has lived on. Many other Mexican towns and cities, such as Oaxaca and Guadalajara, have adopted the and cities, such as Oaxaca and Guadalajara, have adopted the word “zócalo” to refer to their main plazas, but not all.word “zócalo” to refer to their main plazas, but not all.

It has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times, It has been a gathering place for Mexicans since Aztec times, having been the site of Mexica ceremonies, the swearing in of having been the site of Mexica ceremonies, the swearing in of viceroys, royal proclamations, military parades, Independence viceroys, royal proclamations, military parades, Independence ceremonies and modern religious events such as the festivals ceremonies and modern religious events such as the festivals of Holy Week and Corpus Christi. It has received foreign heads of Holy Week and Corpus Christi. It has received foreign heads of state and is the main venue for both national celebration of state and is the main venue for both national celebration and national protest.and national protest.

Piedra del SolPiedra del Sol

The The Aztec calendar Aztec calendar stonestone, , Mexica sun Mexica sun stonestone, or , or Stone of Stone of the Sunthe Sun ( (Piedra del Piedra del SolSol), is a large ), is a large monolithic sculpture monolithic sculpture that was excavated in that was excavated in the Zocalo, Mexico the Zocalo, Mexico City’s main square, on City’s main square, on December 17, 1790December 17, 1790

The Flag The Flag SymbolSymbol The flag’s dramatic emblem is based The flag’s dramatic emblem is based

on the legend of how the Mexicas (or on the legend of how the Mexicas (or Aztecs) traveled from Aztlán to find Aztecs) traveled from Aztlán to find the place where they could establish the place where they could establish their empire. The god Huitzilopochtli their empire. The god Huitzilopochtli advised them that a sign—an eagle advised them that a sign—an eagle devouring a serpent atop a Nopal devouring a serpent atop a Nopal cactus—would appear to them at the cactus—would appear to them at the exact spot where they should begin exact spot where they should begin construction. On a small island in the construction. On a small island in the middle of a lake, the Mexicas came middle of a lake, the Mexicas came upon the scene exactly as upon the scene exactly as Huitzilopochtli had described it. They Huitzilopochtli had described it. They immediately settled there and immediately settled there and founded the city of Tenochtitlán, founded the city of Tenochtitlán, which is now Mexico City, the which is now Mexico City, the country’s capital.country’s capital.

Mexico is filled with vibrant culture and Mexico is filled with vibrant culture and breathtaking landscapes and has a vast breathtaking landscapes and has a vast history. The country is actually divided into history. The country is actually divided into 31 states. The capital is Mexico City. The 31 states. The capital is Mexico City. The country is mostly Roman Catholic and 90% country is mostly Roman Catholic and 90% practise. practise.

Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina. It has America after Brazil and Argentina. It has the largest population of Spanish speakers the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Mexico has the world’s second-in the world. Mexico has the world’s second-highest number of Catholics. Mexican is the highest number of Catholics. Mexican is the largest group of immigrants in the States.largest group of immigrants in the States.

The average Mexican only finishes grading 6.The average Mexican only finishes grading 6.

The country gets frequent earthquakes.The country gets frequent earthquakes.

Mexico’s main industries are food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron Mexico’s main industries are food and beverages, tobacco, chemicals, iron and steel petroleum, mining and tourism.Thier agricultural products are and steel petroleum, mining and tourism.Thier agricultural products are rice, beans, coffee, fruit and tomatoes.rice, beans, coffee, fruit and tomatoes.

Maize-corn has been used for thousands of years and is a big part of the Maize-corn has been used for thousands of years and is a big part of the culture.culture.

Hot chocolate is the sacred drink of the Aztecs.Hot chocolate is the sacred drink of the Aztecs.

The name tomato comes from the Aztec language.The name tomato comes from the Aztec language.

The popular Caesar salad is named after Caesar Cardini.The popular Caesar salad is named after Caesar Cardini.

Mayans chewed gum from the sapodilla tree thousands of years ago.Mayans chewed gum from the sapodilla tree thousands of years ago.

Mexico introduced chocolate to the world…yum!Mexico introduced chocolate to the world…yum!

If you love Starbucks, you won’t find one in Mexico. They only have one If you love Starbucks, you won’t find one in Mexico. They only have one Ben and Jerry’s too.Ben and Jerry’s too.

Tequila is the national drink.Tequila is the national drink.

Did you know that Mexico City sinks 10 inches each year?Did you know that Mexico City sinks 10 inches each year?

Mexico has three colours on its flag-green represents hope and victory. Mexico has three colours on its flag-green represents hope and victory. White stands for purity. Red brings to mind bloodshed.White stands for purity. Red brings to mind bloodshed.

The currency of Mexico is the Peso.The currency of Mexico is the Peso.  At the beginning of the 21st century Mexico’s population was over 100 At the beginning of the 21st century Mexico’s population was over 100 million!million!

Mexico is the largest salt producers in the world. Along with that petroleum Mexico is the largest salt producers in the world. Along with that petroleum is their major export.is their major export.

The largest bullfighting ring is in Mexico.The largest bullfighting ring is in Mexico.

The poinsettia plant is named after Ambassador Poinsett.The poinsettia plant is named after Ambassador Poinsett.

Primary school starts at 5.  Their Secondary school starts at 11 and lasts Primary school starts at 5.  Their Secondary school starts at 11 and lasts until 17.until 17.

The Aztecs believed turquoise would protect them so they decorated their The Aztecs believed turquoise would protect them so they decorated their battle shields with it.battle shields with it.

There are fifty species of hummingbirds, several types of pelicans and There are fifty species of hummingbirds, several types of pelicans and other species of birds in Mexico.other species of birds in Mexico.

Hundreds of bones have been found in Northern Mexico.Hundreds of bones have been found in Northern Mexico.

If you stand by the pyramid Chichen Itza you will hear a If you stand by the pyramid Chichen Itza you will hear a bird singing.bird singing.  There is a tree called the Kapoc that produces cotton like There is a tree called the Kapoc that produces cotton like balls.balls.

The first astronomer’s convention was held in Mexico in The first astronomer’s convention was held in Mexico in 700A.D.700A.D.

Did you know Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano? It is Did you know Mexico has the world’s smallest volcano? It is 43 feet tall and has a staircase inside.43 feet tall and has a staircase inside.

The country has the oldest living tree in the world. It is 40 The country has the oldest living tree in the world. It is 40 feet tall.feet tall.

During the two equinoxes when the sun rises and sets the During the two equinoxes when the sun rises and sets the pyramid “El Castillo” shows a shadow of a serpent moving pyramid “El Castillo” shows a shadow of a serpent moving along its side! That is a mathematical amazement!along its side! That is a mathematical amazement!

They are actually decorating swine flu masks in Mexico! They are actually decorating swine flu masks in Mexico!

What You Will See.What You Will See.