I am very excited about the premiere of Luzia, the show inspired by Mexico of Cirque Du Soleil, I have not yet had the chance to see it, but hope to do it son!!! That reminded me the Xcaret show about the culture of Mexico, is called “Xcaret Mexico Spectacular”, if you have the opportunity to travel to the Mayan Riviera, you should visit the Eco -Archaeological park Xcaret where besides to enjoy of all the cultural activities, sports and adventure, you can witness its nightly show, it is really one of the best pictures I’ve seen about Mexico.
The show takes place every day at 7:00 pm in the auditorium of the park, and is a journey through the history and culture of Mexico. With more than 300 actors on stage, costumes, lights, sound and live animals, you can meet and immerse yourself in all the splendor of Mexican traditions.
Xcaret Mexico Espectacular, Photograph from XcaretPhotograph from XcaretXcaret Mexico Espectacular, Photograph from Xcaret
For the lovers of extreme sports, Mexico offers many ecotourism and adventure activities. Here is a list of some of the most popular places to find activities that will give you adrenaline.
Jalcomulco, Veracruz
This is a destination that you must visit, is located in the center of the state of Veracruz, and in this place you can practice different sports like rappelling, hiking, walking, and surf trough rafting rivers. It is an unforgettable experience where you can camp or sleep in the comfort of a hotel, you will also find delicious food.
Jalcomulco, Personal Picture
Barrancas del Cobre, Chihuahua
Located in the heart of the Sierra Tarahumara, this canyon is deeper than the Grand Canyon of Arizona, and you can do a lot of activities, as walk trough hanging bridges, rappel and hiking. You can also make the trip and enjoy the landscapes in the Chepe train, so you will have opportunity to know the culture of the indigenous groups in the area, where Im sure you will be surprised with its beautiful crafts and traditions.
Barrancas del Cobre, Phorograph from turismogt.com
Huasteca Potosina,
If you want to enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes, you have to go to the State of San Luis Potosi, there you can practice rappelling, rock climbing, walking, and swim in its impressive waterfalls and rivers of blue waters. The places you can not miss are the Tamul waterfall, the “Sotano de las golondrinas”, with a drop of 510 meters, the magical village of Xilitla with its wonderful surreal design, among many other places.
Castillo Edward James, Xilitla, Photograph from observa.mx
Selva Lacandona Chiapas
In this place you will find a great diversity of flora and fauna, as well as endangered species like the jaguar and howler monkeys. In addition you can make rafting on the rivers, hiking, rappelling, and admire the culture of the indigenous tribes in the region.
Selva de Chiapas, Photograph from dinamo.azteca.com
Selva Lacandona, Photograph from www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx
http://www.ecochiapas.com/es/tipos-de-tours.html
Cozumel, Quintana Roo
In this island in the Caribbean Sea, you can dive and snorkel in different ecosystems. You can enjoy a wealth of marine flora and fauna and also boat rides, kayak and sport fishing.
One of the things that identifies Mexico as a unique country, are its traditions. Over time Mexicans have always had a very particular way of seeing things, party, music, food, drink, life, death… We are a country of rites and ceremonies that have been permeating among his people and transcending the history, that is why this blog is dedicated to one of the most interesting celebrations we have.
Death for our ancestors was just one more stage in the process of the life of a person, of course that continues being a sad and painful event, but pre-Hispanic cultures managed this by giving it a ceremonial character, in which the living could keep contact with the soul of the persons who left and thus continue sharing with them after death.
Night of the Dead in Mexico is held on November 1st and 2nd of each year. Day 1 is devoted to children and the 2nd is for remembering adults.
Mujer indigena, Picture from Michoacan Tourism Board Press Kit.
Forms of celebration:
Altar de muertos:
Is dedicated to the deceased person, has several symbolic elements to invite the soul of the dead person to come to the world of the living.
The main elements are:
A picture of the person to whom is dedicated.
Candles to guide the path of the soul.
Flowers to attract the soul.
Salt to purify the enviroment.
Copal or incense.
Papel picado to decorate and symbolize air.
Fruit to simbolize earth.
Food, beverages, sugar skulls and bread, representing what they liked when they were alive.
Religious articles.
Items that were owned by the dead people in their life.
Calaveras de Azúcar, Blog Kiwilimon.
Visit to the cemeteries:
On November 2 family and friends gather together at the cemetary to pray for their deceased relatives, offering their favorite food and drink. The graves are customized with flowers and candles along with other vouchers of their favorite items when they were alive.
The family keeps an over night vigil for their loved ones, in hopes that they will return for just that night. The cemetary becomes an incredible site, lit by candle light.
Celebration at cometery, Picture from senderosmayakoba.mxCemetery, Picture from Michoacan Tourism Board Press Kit.
Mexican humor
Mexicans have a particular sense of humor, we like to laugh at ourselves as well as the complicated issues, finding laughter a way to carry on difficult times. This gave rise to the character of “La Catrina” which is a skeleton characterized as a lady of high society, as a reminder that death will reach everyone, besides the famous “Calaveritas” wich are short and funny verses dedicated to a person as if they were already dead.
Catrines de barro, picture from viajar.elperiodico.comCatrina de Barro, Concurso artesanal 2015
The best places to live the tradition are:
Michoacán, Lake of Patzcuaro.
Huaquechula, Puebla.
Huasteca Potosina.
Mexico City, Mixquic cemetary, Xochimilco.
Aguascalientes.
Skull Festival in San Miguel de Allente Guanajuato.
Note: Check out the new video on the Recommendation Section!
Frida Kahlo, Nickolas Murray, Photograph from Internet
In some of the trips I’ve made to different cities in other countries, I have noticed that one of the most recognized Mexican characters in the world, is Frida Kahlo, painter and Mexican poet who printed a particular style in her work, showing the most tragic passages of her life.
I’m sure that if you’re not in Mexico, you’ve probably heard her name, or you’ve found her picture in some place, it is why in this post I will talk a little about who was this important painter and Mexican poet.
Frida was born in Mexico City in the year 1907. Since she was a child, she had to deal with health problems such as polio, a disease that kept her lying in bed for much of her childhood. While she was growing, began to show her taste for art, but it was not until her early youth, after finishing high school and face a strong car accident, which decided to enter fully into the world of painting. During this time she had contact with politics and left groups, thereby relate to important personalities in this field, as Diego Rivera one of the most renowned Mexican muralists and whom she married in 1929. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera were known for their peculiar lifestyle, always surrounded by social gatherings with artists, intellectuals and politicians, as well as having an unconventional and non-exclusive marital relationship, both had different partners, even Frida was related sentimentally with other women.
Throughout her life, Frida suffered consequences of the accident she had when she was young, as a result of these complications died in 1954.
The importance of Frida lies in her passionate interest in social and political issues, as well as becoming a symbol of freedom and feminism in Mexico, undoubtedly a revolutionary woman for her time.
“Las dos Fridas”, Frida Kahlo, Internet
Her works were mostly self-portraits, began to gain fame and be exposed worldwide, mainly in New York and Paris, because of the harshness of their subjects and their particular pictorial form.
Some of the most important people with whom she was associated throughout history includes Jose Vasconcelos (Minister of Education in Mexico), Leon Trotsky (Political and Russian revolutionary), Pablo Picasso (Spanish painter and sculptor), André Breton (French writer) among many artists, photographers, writers, painters and intellectuals well recognized at the time.
This character has been the subject of countless films, books, songs, poems and even her look, always wearing traditional clothing, has caused fashion trend int he world, becoming an icon of the Mexican popular culture.
You can currently visit the museum La Casa Azul of Mexico City (London 247, Del Carmen, Coyoacan, in Mexico City) or the Studio House of Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo (Calle Diego Rivera S / N, Alvaro Obregon, San Angelin, Mexico City) in both places you can find much of the legacy of these peculiar Mexican artists.
Museo “La Casa Azul”, Photograph from Museo La Casa Azul.
Purepecha Kid, Photograph of the Michoacan Tourism Office
Today I want to talk you about my home state Michoacán, this is something I want to share with you.
Michoacan has a priveledged location, in the center of the country, only a few hours from other main cities such as Mexico City, Guadalajara, Queretaro and Guanajuato.
The places you must see:
Morelia,
Is called the city of the pink cantera, a stone very typical of this region and used in most of its arquitecture, its name comes from the pinkish hue of the stone. In 1991 the UNESCO named Morelia a historical heritage due to the colonial buildings that have maintaned their unique style throughout the centuries. Is also known as Latin America’s city of lights, due to it’s magnificent illumination in the downtown area. On the outskirts of the city there are golf courses offering exclusive services and facilities, like Tres Marias, and Altozano. For anyone who loves shopping, Morelia offers shopping malls featuring prestigious stores, like Paseo Altozano, considered one of the largest in Mexico, this city hosts many cutlural, artistic and gastranomical festivals each year.
Fount of “Las Tarascas”, Photograph of the Michoacan Tourism Office
Monarch Butterfly
One of the most importan atractives is the Monarch Butterfly región, named Intangible Human Heritage in 2008, by the UNESCO. The rich forests of Michoacán host the monarch butterflies which migrate once every year from Canada and the US during the winter months. You can visit this places from november through march, there are only four sanctuaries open to the public, El Rosario sanctuary, and Sierra Chincua sanctuary are the best to visit.
Uruapan,
Is a city known for it’s beautiful landscapes and volcanos in the area, the National Park located in downtown Uruapan is a very good place to visit.
About 30 minutes from the city, you can find Angahuan, where the ruins from the Paricutin Volcano are located, you can visit and take a tour of this incredible site. It is the youngest volcano in the world and it erupted in 1943. it suddenly appeared in the middle of a corn field, the ground started smoking and the people of the town, quickly evacuated, fortunatley there was no loss of life.
Another important thing is that Uruapan is the the global capital of avocado fruit, it produces more than 6 billion avocados each year, wich means there is an avocado per each person in the world.
Tzararacua Waterfall, Photograph of the Michoacan Tourism Office
Pátzcuaro,
One of the more beautiful towns in the state is Patzcuaro, a quaint town, situated on the edge of the lake with the same name, its famous for its cuisine, hospitality and it’s beautiful surroundings and rich heritage. While in Patzcuaro, you can visit Janitzio Island, which is a short boat ride away. Janitzio is considered the most important island situated on the lake. it has a monument to Morelos, one of our founding fathers, which you can climb and enjoy spectacular views of the lake and it’s surrounding, and also enjoy the murals on the inside.
“El Sagrario” Church, Photograph of the Michoacan Tourism Office
Michoacan has another wonderful Magical Towns like:
Santa Clara del Cobre, where you can find copper hand crafted items.
Tacambaro, with religous and nature tourism.
Tlalpujahua, our “Christmas town” It takes the name due to it’s hand crafted items, christmas ornaments and blown glass.
Cuitzeo, known for religious tourism.
Angangueo, a mining town.
Jiquilpan, magic town known for being the birthplace of general Lazaro Cárdenas, one of Mexicos former presidents and home to lush forests.
Tzintzuntzan, site of important historical landmarks, Yakata Pyramids and Santa Ana ex-convent, currently a museum dedicated to the history of this region.
Besides of all of this you will find exquisite gastronomy, handcrafts, forrest, lakes, beaches, and much more traditions of wich I will be talking later.
This post will need to have a second, third and more sequels, because in Mexico there are many cities that are distinguished by their history, architecture, cuisine, and many more qualities that make them unique, and where you will have an unforgettable experience. So today I will talk you about Mexico City.
I LOVE DF
Its official name is City of Mexico, is a must if you’re traveling the “Azteca country”, Mexico City and its metropolitan area has more than 20 million people. It is the fourth most populous city in the world and as such has many activities, places, and people to know.
Chapultepec Castle,
Is a building with a rich history, has documents and items that have transcended history. In addition to these collections, it has temporary exhibitions of national and international artists.
Chapultepec Park,
Is the largest park in Mexico and has been an important place from pre-Hispanic times and remains until today. Once in the park you can meet “The source of Nezahualcoyotl”, “The source of temperance,” even an amusement park called “La Feria de Chapultepec” among other fun attractions like taking a bike ride.
http://www.castillodechapultepec.inah.gob.mx
Chapultepec Castle, Photograph of turimexico.com
Mexico City has for you a lot of culture, is one of the cities with more museums in the world !!! You should not miss the National Museum of Anthropology and History, the National Palace of Fine Arts, The Templo Mayor, or the Museum of Contemporary Art.
Coyoacan
Is one of the most iconic neighborhoods of Mexico City, with an artistic and relaxed air, you can enjoy countless restaurants and stroll through some of its art galleries, I recommend you to visit “La Casa Azul”, where lived the famous painters Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera.
Zocalo
It is one of the largest squares in the world because of its size, with years of history in this place you will find the Templo Mayor, the Metropolitan Cathedral, National Palace, besides being able to take a tour of the most representative historical sites downtown from the city.
Xochimilco
The Venice of the city, where you can take a ride on one of the boats covered with flowers called “chinampas” or “trajineras”, where you can stroll while enjoying a pleasant landscape.
Trajinaras, Photograph of surtidoradonbatiz.mx
Garibaldi Square,
Is a party place where you can find a lots of groups of Mariachis. Here you will find popular pubs, places to taste the traditional “Mexican Antojitos” and of course drink good tequila.
Garibaldi Square, Photograph from www.guiadelcentrohistorico.mx
Mexico City also has a lot of restaurants, bars and the most trendy places for everyone. I recommend visiting the Colonia Roma, Polanco or La Condesa, where you will surely find a place to spend a pleasant evening.
These are just some of the suggestions I give to you, sure you’ll be adding your new favorite place of this great city.
Fiesta de la Guelaguetza, photo from viveoaxaca.org
In my short stay in this city, I have noticed the large number of events that happens every day, food, dancing, music, art, culture … Anyway, all these proposals made me think of the most important events we have in Mexico and that someday you should know.
International Film Festival of Morelia,
This event takes place every year between the months of October and November in the city of Morelia Michoacan and is listed as the most important of Mexico. This event brings together the most important film directors in the world, who come to see the new proposals for short films and Mexican features. For a week, the city of Morelia becomes home to glamorous parties and meetings with invited guests, some of them are Jennifer Lawrence, Alfonso Cuaron, Alejandro Gonzalez Inarritu, Quentin Tarantino, Guillermo del Toro, Gus Van Sant, among many others. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy a lot of movies in local cinemas.
http://www.moreliafilmfest.com
International Cervantino Festival in Guanajuato,
This event takes its name from the renowned Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and his wonderful work “Don Quijote de la Mancha”. It is perhaps the most important cultural festival in Mexico and is performed in the city of Guanajuato in October. During three weeks you can enjoy different art exhibitions, including theater, dance, opera, music, literature and poetry. With the presence of international artists and framed by the wonderful baroque architecture of a city that will captivate you.
If you want to know the program and dates of this event, visit:http://www.festivalcervantino.gob.mx
Cumbre Tajin in Veracruz,
The perfect fusion of contact with nature, history, culture and art. It takes place during the spring equinox in March of each year. The event take place in Papantla Veracruz, so you’ll have three days to charge you a lot of positive energy in its archaeological ruins. You can also enjoy the participation of thousands of artists who gather to recognize the legacy of the Totonac culture wich is an ethnic group of Veracruz, recognized as world heritage. The events occur in three different scenarios, which are the Takilhsukut Theme Park, the archaeological site of El Tajin and Papantla. Here you can learn more about the indigenous cultures of the region as their spiritual rituals, food, dance and enjoy daily concerts of international artists such as Icelandic singer Bjork and The Smashin Pumpkins, to name some.
http://www.cumbretajin.com
Guelaguetza Festival in Oaxaca,
You can find a combination of drinks, delicious mexican cuisine, tradition and dance on July 25 and August 1st, in the city of Oaxaca. This is an event organized by the state government and is an artistic presentation of more tan 50 villages from 17 ethnic groups in the state, performing traditional dances and typical rituals of their regions, in a show of more than 4 hours to fully enjoy.
http://www.viveoaxaca.org/p/guelaguetza2016.html
Guadalajara International Book Fair,
This year from November 26 to December 4, will be held the 19th edition of the International Book Fair in the city of Guadalajara Jalisco, is the largest gathering of publications in Latin America, which brings together more than 40 countries presenting lectures, panel discussions, interviews and workshops, giving new titles and awards in various categories to the most outstanding writers, also held concerts, exhibitions and other artistic and cultural activities. If you are a lover of literature, this is your event.
https://www.fil.com.mx
Harvest Festival in the Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California Norte,
It is one of the best events for wine experts, it takes place during the month of agosoto, in the region of Valle de Guadalupe, combining the best gastronomy and producing wine houses in the region, with artistic and cultural activities for 3 weeks. You can attend the various tastings offered by more than 50 brands and most renowned sommeliers in the country.
Mexico ranks ninth place in the world in arrival of international tourists… but this is not just luck…
I want to share with you what makes Mexico so special as a tourist destination, I hope that many of you want to visit us on your next vacation.
Sun, sand and sea!
Mexico is a country surrounded by sea, has more than 450 beaches across its shores, where you can perform many activities according to your preferences, from snorkeling, surfing, fishing, sailing, enjoy nature or simply rest under a palm tree and taste delicious food.
Thats why, here is my ranking of the beaches you should visit in Mexico (In my personal opinion)
Cancun, Quintana Roo, Riviera Maya and Costa Maya:
Perhaps this is the most popular area of sun and beach in Mexico, has a large hotel zone, theme parks, countless recreational activities, restaurants, clubs and of course beautiful beaches of white sand. You should not miss the beaches located along the Riviera Maya, where you’ll find Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Akumal, and nearly the archaeological sites of Tulum and Coba to mention a few. You’ll be surprised of what you can learn about the culture, cuisine and history of the Maya community, which is the ethnic group that inhabits the area. Also, if you travel a little further, you will find stunning lagoons, cenotes and beaches famous for its tranquility and relaxed style as Mahahual.
Los Cabos, Baja California:
Is a world-renowned destination for its luxury resorts, fine dining, shopping and especially for its nightlife, contrasting with the tranquility and traditional environment of San Jose del Cabo, where you can relax in comfortable hotels enjoying the contact with nature, water rides and of course its famous golf courses.
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco:
In this Mexican Pacific beach you will find the tranquility of a colonial town mixed with large resorts and nightclubs. You can stroll through its beautiful boardwalk and enjoy the delicious Mexican gastronomy in one of its traditional restaurants. This beach has become a resting place for a large number of foreign retirees.
Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca:
One of the richest states in traditions, cuisine and culture, is Oaxaca, thats why visit its almost unexplored beaches becomes an adventure. Puerto Escondido and Huatulco have become true sanctuaries to enjoy a relaxing massage watching the sunset and hearing the sound of the sea, or having a quiet dinner in the comfort of your hotel or in a local restaurant. You can also purchase beautiful handicrafts made by native groups. If you travel across the Oaxacan coast, you could be surprised by Zipolite, a preferred destination for many tourists because of its fame of nude beach.
Acapulco – Zihuatanejo:
One of the most famous destination visited for its beautiful beaches is Acapulco Bay, where you can find many options for every budget, from the most luxury places in Punta Diamante, to comfortable family hotels in downtown. Enjoy the best festivals, restaurants and nightclubs.
Another recommended place is Zihuatanejo, perfect for family vacation due to the smooth of its waves and delicious sea food. While you are there, you can visit Ixtapa, with all the amenities of the larger resorts, relaxing beaches, and watersports.
Riviera Nayarit:
Throughout this area you will find many things to do, begining with the most exclusive and luxurious hotels in Punta Mita, to the nearest contact with nature in Banderas Bay where the Marieta Islands are located. If you love extreme sports and surfing, do not miss Sayulita where you can relax and surely meet new friends.
Costa Michoacana:
Definitely I have to recommend the Michoacan beaches, and not only because it is my home state! Michoacan Cost is as an adventure destination. You will find beaches to cater different interests such as surfing or ecotourism. Many international tourists visit the beach of Nexpa and La Ticla each year for it’s spectacular waves and for the diferents festivals and events all year long. Besides, three types of sea turtles visit the coasts of Michoacan Regularly. Olive Ridley, Leatherback and Pacific Green Sea Turtles, lay all their eggs on the beaches along the state. Visitors can Participate in the collection of Eggs at the Turtle Protection Camp, especially in the later part of the year.
As you can see there are many options to visit Mexico on your next vacation!!!
Talk about a specific topic in Mexico is not easy, so many ideas come to my mind, I wouldnt know where to start.
Mexico is located in North America, populated with more than 120 million people, its a cultural mix and a diverse ethnic country.
Mexico is a mosaic of culture, gastronomy, history, art, spectacular landscapes, languages and people who make this place a wonderful place with a lot to tell!!!
That’s why Im leaving you some important information for you start to know what Mexico is:
¿How do I communicate?
Mexico’s official language is Spanish, although in different regions of the country still maintain some indigenous languages and dialects.
Because of the importance of tourism as a productive activity, in many places you will find people who speak other languages, mainly English, facilitating and improving customer service.
The truth about Mexican food…
The food in Mexico is considered intangible cultural heritage of humanity by UNESCO, and received this title thanks to a diferent features that makes traditional cuisine unique. Besides the traditional cuisine, we have the typical food of each region. On your next visit you can not miss some delicious enchiladas, or a pollo con mole, or maybe you should try a pozole or pambazos. You will find many diferent dishes depending on where you are.
If you are a food lover and you want to know more about, I recommend you to visit: mexicofoodie.wordpress.com
Mariachis and mexican big hats…
Mexico has a great artistic and cultural wealth, it is true that the ranchera music and mariachis are an iconic worldwide figure, in Mexico also you will find many more options and music genres, as well as important festivals of classical music, opera, jazz, blues, rock, among others.
And… ¿What about security?
I have been asked about security in Mexico… As in any other country in the world, you always have to get information about the place youre going to visit, and take precautions before making a trip. But in my own experience as a tourist in my country, I can tell you that Mexico has all the necessary services, infrastructure and facilities to ensure the safety of your tour. Mexico is a country of warm and friendly people that going to try to make your stay as pleasant and comfortable as possible. So if you plan to travel around the country, I highly recommend you to visit the website of the local tourism offices, where you will find interestign tips to make your trip more secure and more fun.
Mexican Curious!
Mexico has a very special sense of humor, we are very creative and sarcastic and enjoyed laugh at ourselves to improve the difficult times, maybe it’s a self defense mechanism that has been perfected over time. You have to be prepared to hear jokes about all sorts of topics such as economic and political situation of the country, diseases, and even death … The Mexican always find how to see the good side of things.
