The music of Mexico is diverse, full of cultural contrasts influenced mainly by Indigenous music, with many different musical styles and influences. Many traditional Mexican songs are well-known worldwide.
Today, there are many popular modern Mexican musical genres. Widely popular country music includes norteño, banda, and duranguense bands, rancheras, a type of song that was literally sung on a Mexican ranch, corridos, and sometimes cumbia.
Saturday, April 6, 2013
Jose David Alfaro Siqueiros
Jose David Alfaro Siqueiros (December 29, 1896 in Camargo, Chihuahua, Mexico - January 6, 1974 in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico) was a social realist painter (muralist), and also a Stalinist, known for large murals in fresco that established the "Mexican Mural Renaissance" together with work by Diego Rivera, Orozco, and others.
Guanajuato, Mexico
Guanajuato is the Capital of the state of Guanajuato. The name of the city means "Place of Frogs" in the local Tarascan indigenous language and therefore the frog is the city's official pet. Guanajuato is a beautiful mountain colonial town.
Many tourists and locals consider this city to be the most beautiful in Mexico. It once was a major silver mining town, and many of the mines are still active. The city has a network of underground tunnels that serve as roads making this place really unique in the world.
The historic town of Guanajuato and adjacent mines were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1987 and has been ranked by several travel magazines as one of the top travel destinations in the world.
Mummies of Guanajuato
The city's most famous tourist attraction is the Mummies of Guanajuato, which are located in their own museum located on the side of the municipal cemetery in the Tepetapa neighborhood. The Mummy Museum contains a collection of specimens that mummified naturally in the adjoining cemetery.
Many tourists and locals consider this city to be the most beautiful in Mexico. It once was a major silver mining town, and many of the mines are still active. The city has a network of underground tunnels that serve as roads making this place really unique in the world.
The historic town of Guanajuato and adjacent mines were granted World Heritage status by UNESCO in 1987 and has been ranked by several travel magazines as one of the top travel destinations in the world.
Mummies of Guanajuato
The city's most famous tourist attraction is the Mummies of Guanajuato, which are located in their own museum located on the side of the municipal cemetery in the Tepetapa neighborhood. The Mummy Museum contains a collection of specimens that mummified naturally in the adjoining cemetery.
Mexican Art
Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of the indigenous and Spanish crafts. Particularly notable among handicrafts are the clay pottery made in the valley of Oaxaca and the bird and animal figures made in the village of Tonala. Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. Between the Spanish conquest and the early Twentieth Century, Mexican fine arts were largely in imitation of European traditions. After the Mexican Revolution, a new generation of Mexican artists led a vibrant national movement that incorporated political, historic, and folk themes in their work. The painters Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros became world famous for their grand scale murals, often displaying clear social messages. Rufino Tamayo and Frida Kahlo produced more personal works with abstract elements. Mexican art photography was largely fostered by the work of Manuel Alvarez Bravo.
Lake Texcoco
Lake Texcoco was a natural lake formation within the Valley of Mexico, a basin located in the southern highlands of Mexico's central altiplano. It formerly extended over a large portion in the southern half of the basin, where it was the largest of an interconnected chain of five major and several smaller lakes.
Lake Texcoco was the lowest-lying of all the lakes, and occupied the minimum elevation in the valley so that water ultimately drained towards it. During periods of high water levels, typically after the May-October rainy seasons, the lakes were often joined as a single body of water. In the drier winter months the lake system tended to separate into individual bodies of water.
The term "Texcoco Lake" now refers only to a small area surrounded by salt marshes east of Mexico City, which covers the ancient lake bed.
Lake Texcoco was the lowest-lying of all the lakes, and occupied the minimum elevation in the valley so that water ultimately drained towards it. During periods of high water levels, typically after the May-October rainy seasons, the lakes were often joined as a single body of water. In the drier winter months the lake system tended to separate into individual bodies of water.
The term "Texcoco Lake" now refers only to a small area surrounded by salt marshes east of Mexico City, which covers the ancient lake bed.
Volcanoes of Mexico
There are three major glaciated Mexican Volcanoes:
Pico de Orizaba (Citlateptl) - The Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) is a stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. The Pico overlooks the valley and city of Orizaba, from which it gets its name. Popocatepetl - Popocatepetl (commonly referred to as Popo, El Popo or Don Goyo) is an active volcano and, at (5,426 m), the second highest peak in Mexico after the Pico de Orizaba. Iztaccihuatl - Iztaccihuatl (5,230 m) is the third highest mountain in Mexico, after the Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) and Popocatepetl (5,426 m). Its name is Nahuatl for "white woman".
Pico de Orizaba (Citlateptl) - The Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) is a stratovolcano, the highest mountain in Mexico and the third highest in North America. The Pico overlooks the valley and city of Orizaba, from which it gets its name. Popocatepetl - Popocatepetl (commonly referred to as Popo, El Popo or Don Goyo) is an active volcano and, at (5,426 m), the second highest peak in Mexico after the Pico de Orizaba. Iztaccihuatl - Iztaccihuatl (5,230 m) is the third highest mountain in Mexico, after the Pico de Orizaba (5,636 m) and Popocatepetl (5,426 m). Its name is Nahuatl for "white woman".
Zacatecas, Mexico
Nearly all of the city center buildings are nineteenth century or older; the topography and irregular street pattern (most streets are too steep and narrow for vehicles; many have steps in them) almost make one think of a medieval city like Toledo, Spain. The city, built on the site where silver was discovered in the 1530s, is crammed into a narrow canyon, with houses and churches perched on its nearly vertical walls.
"Zacatecas" is the Nahuatl name for the indigenous people who inhabited the area before the arrival of the Spanish. The name ultimately derives from the Nahuatl word for a type of grass common in the region, zacatl. The region where this grass grew was originally called Zacatlan, and its inhabitants, Zacatecas.
Sights of Interest in Zacatecas
"Zacatecas" is the Nahuatl name for the indigenous people who inhabited the area before the arrival of the Spanish. The name ultimately derives from the Nahuatl word for a type of grass common in the region, zacatl. The region where this grass grew was originally called Zacatlan, and its inhabitants, Zacatecas.
Sights of Interest in Zacatecas
- Cathedral: It is one of the most beautiful examples of churrigueresque arquitecture in Mexico. It is an elaborately carved red-stone (cantera) structure that was built between 1730 and 1760. It is flanked by two towers with an exuberant ornamentation and has a notable facade that was richly sculpted but its once decorated interior was looted during the civil wars of the 19th and 20th centuries. Its cupola was reconstructed in 1836 and imitates that one of the church of Nuestra Señora de Loreto in Mexico City.
- Church of Santo Domingo: Almost in front of the cathedral, on one of the corners of the Plaza de Armas, lies Veyna Alley, leading to the church of Santo Domingo that was built by the Jesuits between 1746 and 1749 and has a beautiful baroque facade. Splendid gold wood-carved altarpieces, all of them churrigueresque, and Francisco Antonio Vallejo paintings (XVIII) that represent scenes of The Passion can be found inside.
- College of La Compañía de Jesus: It shows a richly sculpted facade; the cloister is surrounded by halls whose vaults are decorated with cherubim.
- Church of San Agustin: It has a plateresque facade decorated with a bas-relief.
- Parish of La Virgen del Patrocinio: It lies at the summit of a hill, Cerro de la Bufa. It was built in 1728.
- Del Cubo aqueduct: It runs through the city. It was constructed more than 250 years ago.
Food of Mexico
Most of today's Mexican food is based on ancient traditions, such as the Aztecs and Maya, combined with culinary trends introduced by Spanish colonists. When Spanish conquistadores arrived in the Aztec capital Tenochtitlan (Mexico City) they found that the people's diet consisted largely of corn-based dishes with chilies and herbs, usually complemented with beans and tomatoes. The conquistadores eventually combined their imported diet of rice, beef, pork, chicken, wine, garlic and onions with the native indigenous foods of pre-Columbian Mexico.
The French occupation of Mexico influenced Mexican cuisine with baked goods such as sweet breads and the bolillo, a Mexican take on the French roll. There is also a minor Asian influence due to the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, which lasted from 1565 to 1815.
The French occupation of Mexico influenced Mexican cuisine with baked goods such as sweet breads and the bolillo, a Mexican take on the French roll. There is also a minor Asian influence due to the Manila-Acapulco galleon trade, which lasted from 1565 to 1815.
Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico
The city of Leon, Guanajuato, Mexico population 1,425,000, is the fifth most populous city in Mexico and the largest city in the state of Guanajuato. Leon is known as "the shoe capital of the world," and features large factories that not only produce shoes, but also wallets, purses, boots, belts, jackets and other leather accessories, serving both national and international markets.
Visit the historical center and shop for leather. Leon is a great place for discounted shoes.
Del Bajio International Airport is located in Silao just 20 minutes from Leon.
Things to do and see in Leon
Visit the historical center and shop for leather. Leon is a great place for discounted shoes.
Del Bajio International Airport is located in Silao just 20 minutes from Leon.
Things to do and see in Leon
- Our Lady of Angeles Church - This church was built at the end of the 18th Century and is churrigueresque in design.
- House of Culture - This house was built during the middle of the 19th Century and has a beautiful neoclassic quarry stone facade.
- Triumphal Arch - Built in 1893 to commemorate the 83rd anniversary of the Mexican Independence.
- Botanical Gardens - The gardens contain a variety of plants, orchid garden, greenhouse and orchards.
- Leon Zoo - Over 2,000 animals are on display in this attractive park, such as polar bears, panthers, pumas, tigers and lions.
- Metropolitan Park - Over 260 hectares for recreation, sports and enjoying nature.
Best Beaches of Mexico
Mexico has some of the best beaches anywhere, particularly on the Pacific Coast and on the Caribbean sea.
With nearly 6000 miles (9330 km) of coastline, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico entices all those who enjoy sea and sand.
The best beaches of Mexico offer a real panorama of options.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most famous beachside towns on the Pacific.
Mazatlan is the young Mexican party town of the Pacific coast.
Cozumel is Mexico's original "Caribbean" destination; an island about 40 miles south of Cancun.
Cancun is Mexico's most visited and most luxurious resort: over 2 million people flock here annually.
Acapulco is the world's playground for the rich and famous, Acapulco has experienced a renaissance in recent times.
Cabo San Lucas is at the far end of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of the United States.
Manzanillo's unpopulated beaches are the most beautiful on the west coast of Mexico.
With nearly 6000 miles (9330 km) of coastline, and some of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Mexico entices all those who enjoy sea and sand.
The best beaches of Mexico offer a real panorama of options.
Puerto Vallarta is one of Mexico's most famous beachside towns on the Pacific.
Mazatlan is the young Mexican party town of the Pacific coast.
Cozumel is Mexico's original "Caribbean" destination; an island about 40 miles south of Cancun.
Cancun is Mexico's most visited and most luxurious resort: over 2 million people flock here annually.
Acapulco is the world's playground for the rich and famous, Acapulco has experienced a renaissance in recent times.
Cabo San Lucas is at the far end of Mexico's Baja Peninsula, the land immediately south of the United States.
Manzanillo's unpopulated beaches are the most beautiful on the west coast of Mexico.
Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, Mexico
Monterrey is Mexico's third largest city and it is vibrant and full of life. The Gran Plaza of Monterrey is the center for the state government of Nuevo Leon. The Plaza's modern buildings, gardens, and monuments are a reflection of the city that has fully embraced the spirit of modern industrialism.
Monterrey is the main transport hub of the north and there are many routes into and out of Monterrey, including excellent highways, railroads, and Monterrey's international airport which offers daily flights to and from many cities in Mexico and the United States.
What to see in Monterrey!
Monterrey is the main transport hub of the north and there are many routes into and out of Monterrey, including excellent highways, railroads, and Monterrey's international airport which offers daily flights to and from many cities in Mexico and the United States.
What to see in Monterrey!
- Cerro de la Silla - Monterrey's most famous landmark is the saddle-shaped mountain that dominates the local skyline. There are also hiking trails to its peak, if you're athletically inclined.
- Cerro del Obispado - Historical site, originally home of the Bishop de Monterrey, with excellent views of the city. Home to a small regional history museum with a clerical bent. The Obispado can be easily spotted by virtue of its enormous Mexican flag, flying proudly beside it.
- Cerveceria Cuahtemoc - Tours and sample of Carta Blanca, Dos Equis, Bohemia, Sol, or one of the other beers brewed here.
- Macroplaza - In the east of the Zona Rosa is Mexico's largest zocalo, or central plaza, a stretch of green space lined with fountains, statues, gardens, and monuments. Ringing the park are many historical buildings and museums, including the Monterrey Cathedral, the Mexican History Museum, the Monterrey Contemporary Art Museum, and the former palace of the governor.
- Puente Colgante San Pedro - Futuristic suspension bridge set against a dramatic backdrop of nearby mountains. Safari Parque Estrella - Located about 30 minutes from Monterrey this wildlife safari park features treks through the Serengeti, a petting zoo, and a variety of attractions for the whole family.
- Cascadas Cola de Caballo - Take a day trip out to the park and see the waterfalls, just a few miles outside Monterrey.
Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico
Mazatlan is known as a party city and has an exceptionally good night life. Some popular destinations include Sumbawa, Joe's Oyster, Valentino's, and Senor Frogs. The city gets crazy around American Spring Break when all of the city is flooded with American students looking for fun. Mazatlan also has a five day festival (which is purported to be one of the largest in the world) near the end of February.
Mazatlan has several prime locations where you can try out your surfing skills. The most popular spot is a beach called Playa Bruja in the Northern part of the city. The waves easily reach heights of 8-10 feet and there is almost always a vendor from whom you can rent surfboards.
Mazatlan is a Nahuatl word meaning "place of the deer."
Mazatlan has several prime locations where you can try out your surfing skills. The most popular spot is a beach called Playa Bruja in the Northern part of the city. The waves easily reach heights of 8-10 feet and there is almost always a vendor from whom you can rent surfboards.
Mazatlan is a Nahuatl word meaning "place of the deer."
Diego Rivera
Diego Rivera (December 8, 1886 - November 24, 1957) was born Diego Maria de la Concepcion Juan Nepomuceno Estanislao de la Rivera y Barrientos Acosta y Rodriguez in Guanajuato, Gto. He was a world-famous Mexican painter, an active Communist, and husband of Frida Kahlo, 1929-1939 and 1940-1954 (her death). Rivera's large wall works in fresco helped establish the Mexican Mural Renaissance. Between 1922 and 1953, Rivera painted murals in Mexico City, Chapingo, Cuernavaca, San Francisco, Detroit, New York City. His 1931 retrospective exhibition at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City was their second.
Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre
Hold on tight. You are about to take the plunge into one of the most rugged and mysterious chasms on earth. Mexico established the Parque Nacional Barranca del Cobre (Copper Canyon National Park) to showcase this remote area.
The Copper Canyon is a group of canyons consisting of 6 distinct canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The overall canyon system is larger and portions are deeper than the Grand Canyon in the neighboring United States.
The system is traversed by the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists.
The Copper Canyon is a group of canyons consisting of 6 distinct canyons in the Sierra Tarahumara in the southwestern part of the state of Chihuahua, Mexico. The overall canyon system is larger and portions are deeper than the Grand Canyon in the neighboring United States.
The system is traversed by the Chihuahua al Pacifico railroad. It is both an important transportation system for locals and a draw for tourists.
Friday, April 5, 2013
Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico
Puerto Vallarta is a Mexican resort city situated on the Pacific Ocean's Bahia de Banderas - Banderas Bay. Puerto Vallarta offers championship golf, tennis tournaments, mountain biking, snorkeling, scuba diving, horseback riding, hot air ballooning and more for the active traveler! Day trips range from a flight to a mountain silver mining village to a cruise to the island preserve of many endangered species, from booze cruises to dolphin and whale watching.
The north shore of the bay is lined with beach towns that offer good wading beaches and the usual tourist amenities. These include: Bucerias, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Playa la Manzanilla, Playa Destiladeras, Playa Pontoque, and Punta Mita.
The north shore of the bay is lined with beach towns that offer good wading beaches and the usual tourist amenities. These include: Bucerias, Cruz de Huanacaxtle, Playa la Manzanilla, Playa Destiladeras, Playa Pontoque, and Punta Mita.
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