Friday, April 5, 2013
Jose Clemente Orozco
Jose Clemente Orozco (November 23, 1883 - September 7, 1949) was a Mexican social realist painter, who specialized in bold murals that established Mexican Muralism together with murals by Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, and others. Orozco was the most complex of the Mexican muralists, fond of the theme of human suffering, but less realistic and more fascinated by machines than Rivera. Mostly influenced by Symbolism, he was also a genre painter and lithographer. Between 1922 and 1948, Orozco painted murals in Mexico City, Orizaba, Claremont, California, New York City, Hanover, New Hampshire, Guadalajara, Jalisco, and Jiquilpan, Michoacan. His drawings and paintings are exhibited by the Carrillo Gil Museum in Mexico City, and the Orozco Workshop-Museum in Guadalajara.
Mexican Weather
When planning a travel vacation to Mexico you need to consider the weather and seasons so you can make informed decisions about what to pack. Many people automatically assume that the weather throughout Mexico is always hot. Mexico is a large country and its weather can vary greatly from one destination to the other.
The weather in Mexico is determined not only by latitude but also by altitude. Mexico has tropical forests, dry deserts, fertile valleys and snow-capped mountains. Since the terrain is extremely wide-ranging, so is the weather. On the coast the climate is generally temperate year-round, and Mexico City, for example, can have days and nights that require an extra layer.
Mexican Architecture
Mexico has cities, towns and villages that feature assorted architectural styles. Most of the architecture is an enchanting blend of colonial and indigenous cultures.
There are wonderful cathedrals, pyramids made during the pre-Hispanic times, historical buildings and modern structures.
Modern Mexican painters and sculptors continued to produce an extraordinary variety of works in many styles and techniques. Major figures included Jose Luis Cuevas, Jorge G. Camarena, Martinez de Hoyos, Frida Kahlo (Diego Rivera's wife). The Mexican hacienda was a work place, a residence, a place of leisure and of religion-in short, a closed and self-sufficient rural world in which landowners and workers engaged in agricultural and livestock production. Constructed and modified from the sixteenth until the beginning of the twentieth centuries, they are today some of Mexico's architectural treasures. The hacienda's layout and buildings, though derived from earlier Spanish forms, constitute a uniquely Mexican vernacular architecture that deserves to be widely known and celebrated.
There are wonderful cathedrals, pyramids made during the pre-Hispanic times, historical buildings and modern structures.
Modern Mexican painters and sculptors continued to produce an extraordinary variety of works in many styles and techniques. Major figures included Jose Luis Cuevas, Jorge G. Camarena, Martinez de Hoyos, Frida Kahlo (Diego Rivera's wife). The Mexican hacienda was a work place, a residence, a place of leisure and of religion-in short, a closed and self-sufficient rural world in which landowners and workers engaged in agricultural and livestock production. Constructed and modified from the sixteenth until the beginning of the twentieth centuries, they are today some of Mexico's architectural treasures. The hacienda's layout and buildings, though derived from earlier Spanish forms, constitute a uniquely Mexican vernacular architecture that deserves to be widely known and celebrated.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
San Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato, Mexico
The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende, population 120,000 is situated on a hillside facing the Laja River and the distant Guanajuato Mountains in Mexico. San Miguel de Allende was declared a national monument in 1926.
San Miguel de Allende boasts a thriving cultural and entertainment scene. Many events, plays, lectures, and art classes are in English. The renowned San Miguel Music Festival is held every year. San Miguel de Allende is a city with dozens of churches and hosts a full calendar of religious festivals throughout the year.
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico, 92 km west of the city of Guanajuato and 276 km northwest of Mexico City, off Highway 110. The average temperature ranges between 16º and 22º C (61º and 72º F).
The city's magnificent colonial edifices, which often combine baroque and neoclassical elements, offer clear examples of the eclectic mix of architectural styles, as you'll see in buildings such as the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
You'll have a clearer understanding of the city's role during the independence insurgence when you visit the stately mansion that houses the Museo Casa Allende.
In addition, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a destination that draws tourists from all over the world due to its important cultural events, such as the Sanmiguelada, which was inspired by Spain's Pamplona Festival.
The city also hosts world-famous events such as the Chamber Music Festival and the San Miguel Jazz Festival, which features renowned artists.
San Miguel de Allende boasts a thriving cultural and entertainment scene. Many events, plays, lectures, and art classes are in English. The renowned San Miguel Music Festival is held every year. San Miguel de Allende is a city with dozens of churches and hosts a full calendar of religious festivals throughout the year.
San Miguel de Allende is located in central Mexico, 92 km west of the city of Guanajuato and 276 km northwest of Mexico City, off Highway 110. The average temperature ranges between 16º and 22º C (61º and 72º F).
The city's magnificent colonial edifices, which often combine baroque and neoclassical elements, offer clear examples of the eclectic mix of architectural styles, as you'll see in buildings such as the Parroquia de San Miguel Arcangel and the Oratorio de San Felipe Neri.
You'll have a clearer understanding of the city's role during the independence insurgence when you visit the stately mansion that houses the Museo Casa Allende.
In addition, San Miguel de Allende, Mexico is a destination that draws tourists from all over the world due to its important cultural events, such as the Sanmiguelada, which was inspired by Spain's Pamplona Festival.
The city also hosts world-famous events such as the Chamber Music Festival and the San Miguel Jazz Festival, which features renowned artists.
Santiago de Queretaro
The city has become a good place for tourists to visit, mainly because of the beauty of the historic center. A walk at night in its narrow streets and alleys is a beautiful experience that makes people remember the long struggle for the Mexican independence that began here, as well as the ancient legends that have spread generation after generation by its very proud inhabitants.
Santiago de Queretaro, commonly referred to as Queretaro, is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Queretaro.
In 1996, the historic center of Queretaro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The most prominent feature of the city is its enormous aqueduct, consisting of seventy five arches, each twenty meters wide with a total extension of 1,280 meters and an average height of twenty three meters. It was built by the Marquis Juan Antonio de la Urrutia y Arana between 1726 and 1738 at the request of the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent to bring water to the residents of the city from La Cañada.
Santiago de Queretaro, commonly referred to as Queretaro, is the capital and largest city of the Mexican state of Queretaro.
In 1996, the historic center of Queretaro was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The most prominent feature of the city is its enormous aqueduct, consisting of seventy five arches, each twenty meters wide with a total extension of 1,280 meters and an average height of twenty three meters. It was built by the Marquis Juan Antonio de la Urrutia y Arana between 1726 and 1738 at the request of the nuns of the Santa Clara Convent to bring water to the residents of the city from La Cañada.
Toluca, Mexico
Toluca is the state capital of Mexico. Toluca is the center of a rapidly growing urban area, now the fifth largest in Mexico.
Most vistors go straight to the Cosmovitral, an indoor botanical garden housed in stained glass designed by the artist Leopolodo Flores. The stained glass depicts the human struggle between good and evil and is said by some to the largest stained glass mural in the world.
When Toluca was founded by the Matlazincas, its original name was Nepintahihui (land of corn). It is also referred to in a number of Aztec codices as Tolutepetl, meaning hill of the god Tolo, referring to the nearby volcano Nevado de Toluca.
Toluca has one of the largest bus terminals in the country.
Plaza de los Martires (Plaza of the Martyrs), also know as the Zocalo, which includes buildings such as the Palace of the State Government and the Justice Palace (Palacio de Justicia).
The Temple of La Merced is one of the most ancient convents still preserved and one of the most important founded by Spaniards.
The Cosmovitral is located in a stone and ironwork building in the center of Toluca built in 1910 by engineer Manuel Arratia in order to accommodate the "16 de Septiembre" market.
Los Portales represent the social and commercial life of the city.
The Plaza de Fray Andrés de Castro is located next to Los Portales and connected to the older arches by means of a passageway with a transparent roof.
The Cathedral of Toluca was begun in 1867 by José Francisco de Paula on land originally belongin to the Asunción de Toluca Franciscan monastery.
Most vistors go straight to the Cosmovitral, an indoor botanical garden housed in stained glass designed by the artist Leopolodo Flores. The stained glass depicts the human struggle between good and evil and is said by some to the largest stained glass mural in the world.
When Toluca was founded by the Matlazincas, its original name was Nepintahihui (land of corn). It is also referred to in a number of Aztec codices as Tolutepetl, meaning hill of the god Tolo, referring to the nearby volcano Nevado de Toluca.
Toluca has one of the largest bus terminals in the country.
Plaza de los Martires (Plaza of the Martyrs), also know as the Zocalo, which includes buildings such as the Palace of the State Government and the Justice Palace (Palacio de Justicia).
The Temple of La Merced is one of the most ancient convents still preserved and one of the most important founded by Spaniards.
The Cosmovitral is located in a stone and ironwork building in the center of Toluca built in 1910 by engineer Manuel Arratia in order to accommodate the "16 de Septiembre" market.
Los Portales represent the social and commercial life of the city.
The Plaza de Fray Andrés de Castro is located next to Los Portales and connected to the older arches by means of a passageway with a transparent roof.
The Cathedral of Toluca was begun in 1867 by José Francisco de Paula on land originally belongin to the Asunción de Toluca Franciscan monastery.
Dia de la Bandera
The Mexican National Flag is a symbol that integrates the concepts of Mexican nationality of the past and present that have been built. There are many banners and flags that Mexico has used throughout history as a symbol of their country. All suffered some variations, but the February 24, 1821 was when the current flag, called the Three Guarantees was established. This flag consists of 3 colors distributed vertically in order, green, white and red.
Flag days are usually codified in national statutes, however, in some countries a decree by the head of state can also order a flag day. The statute or decree may specify locations where flags are flown and how are they flown (for example, at full- or half-staff); alternatively, custom may prevail.
Flag days are usually codified in national statutes, however, in some countries a decree by the head of state can also order a flag day. The statute or decree may specify locations where flags are flown and how are they flown (for example, at full- or half-staff); alternatively, custom may prevail.
Frida Kahlo
Born July 6, 1907 - July 13, 1954, Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter, who has achieved great international popularity. She painted using vibrant colors in a style that was influenced by indigenous cultures of Mexico as well as by European influences that include Realism, Symbolism, and Surrealism. Many of her works are self-portraits that symbolically express her own pain and sexuality.
Kahlo had a volatile marriage with the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera. She suffered lifelong health problems. Many of her health problems were the result of a traffic accident she survived as a teenager. Recovering from her injuries isolated her from other people and this isolation influenced her works, many of which are self-portraits of one sort or another. Kahlo suggested, "I paint myself because I am so often alone and because I am the subject I know best." She also stated, "I was born a bitch. I was born a painter."
Mexican History
Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. It also has the largest number of American Indian language speakers on the continent, the majority speaking Nahuatl, Mayan, Mixtec and Zapotec. Human presence in Mexico has been shown to date back 40,000 years based upon ancient human footprints discovered in the Valley of Mexico.
The nation's name is derived from the Mexican civilization known in popular culture as the Aztecs.
Mexico's political, social, and economic landscapes have shifted in very striking ways in recent years, and the country now moves cautiously into the twenty-first century. The Course of Mexican History has been updated and revised to address these remarkable transformations. This eighth edition offers a completely up-to-date, lively, and engaging survey from pre-Columbian times to the present.
The nation's name is derived from the Mexican civilization known in popular culture as the Aztecs.
Mexico's political, social, and economic landscapes have shifted in very striking ways in recent years, and the country now moves cautiously into the twenty-first century. The Course of Mexican History has been updated and revised to address these remarkable transformations. This eighth edition offers a completely up-to-date, lively, and engaging survey from pre-Columbian times to the present.
Tula, Hidalgo, Mexico
Tula, formally, Tula de Allende is in the southwestern part of the state of Hidalgo in central Mexico, some 100 km to the north-northwest of Mexico City.
Nearby Tula are the remains of the ancient capital city of the Toltecs, also known as "Tula" or as "Tollan". Usually identified as the Toltec capital around 980 CE, the city was destroyed at some time between 1168 or 1179.
Distinctive Toltec features here include terraced pyramids, colonnaded buildings, and relief sculptures, including the characteristic chacmools, reclining figures that may have been avatars of the rain god, Tlaloc.
The city was the largest in central Mexico in the 9th and 10th centuries, covering an area of some 12 km². While it might have been the largest city in Mesoamerica at the time, some Maya sites in the Yucatan may have rivaled its population during this period.
Nearby Tula are the remains of the ancient capital city of the Toltecs, also known as "Tula" or as "Tollan". Usually identified as the Toltec capital around 980 CE, the city was destroyed at some time between 1168 or 1179.
Distinctive Toltec features here include terraced pyramids, colonnaded buildings, and relief sculptures, including the characteristic chacmools, reclining figures that may have been avatars of the rain god, Tlaloc.
The city was the largest in central Mexico in the 9th and 10th centuries, covering an area of some 12 km². While it might have been the largest city in Mesoamerica at the time, some Maya sites in the Yucatan may have rivaled its population during this period.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico
Guadalajara is the capital of the state of Jalisco and the second largest city in the country. Guadalajara has Spanish colonial atmosphere, although it is the agricultural, commercial and industrial centre of the western highlands.
Throughout the centuries, the city has become rich in history, and to this day, many of the historic buildings still stand as reminders of the significance the city.
One of the main attractions in town is the Cathedral which has a number of altars and a big art collection. There are also many parks, the Parque Agua Azul and the Parque de las Armas are most notable. Around the Cathedral there are two more parks, the Parque de los Laureles and the Parque de la Revolucion.
If you want to go shopping you should head for the Plaza Libertad. It has a colourful market with a wide range of locally produced goods.
If you are looking for traditional handcrafted items visit San Juan de Dios, an outdoor/indoor market located near Parque Morelos. There you will find a vast array of colorful items.
Guadalajara is one of the main centers of culture, economy, history, industry and religion in the country and exerts significant influence on the rest of Mexico.
Throughout the centuries, the city has become rich in history, and to this day, many of the historic buildings still stand as reminders of the significance the city.
One of the main attractions in town is the Cathedral which has a number of altars and a big art collection. There are also many parks, the Parque Agua Azul and the Parque de las Armas are most notable. Around the Cathedral there are two more parks, the Parque de los Laureles and the Parque de la Revolucion.
If you want to go shopping you should head for the Plaza Libertad. It has a colourful market with a wide range of locally produced goods.
If you are looking for traditional handcrafted items visit San Juan de Dios, an outdoor/indoor market located near Parque Morelos. There you will find a vast array of colorful items.
Guadalajara is one of the main centers of culture, economy, history, industry and religion in the country and exerts significant influence on the rest of Mexico.
Acapulco, Guerrero, Mexico
The original Mexican resort town, Acapulco still remains a major destination and a worthwhile trip. Acapulco has been a popular resort for tourists taking long holiday weekends and cruises from the United States, the Mexican interior and countries in South America. It is the number one spring break destination among U.S. college students.
The city is best known as one of Mexico's oldest and most well-known beach resorts, which came into prominence in the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. Acapulco is still famous for its nightlife and still attracts many vacationers, although most are now from Mexico itself. The resort area is divided into two: The north end of the bay is the "traditional" area, where the famous in the mid-20th century vacationed; and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high-rise hotels.
The name "Acapulco" comes from the Nahuatl language, and means "place of broken reeds".
The city is best known as one of Mexico's oldest and most well-known beach resorts, which came into prominence in the 1950s as a getaway for Hollywood stars and millionaires. Acapulco is still famous for its nightlife and still attracts many vacationers, although most are now from Mexico itself. The resort area is divided into two: The north end of the bay is the "traditional" area, where the famous in the mid-20th century vacationed; and the south end is dominated by newer luxury high-rise hotels.
The name "Acapulco" comes from the Nahuatl language, and means "place of broken reeds".
Mexico City - Distrito Federal
Mexico City is considered the world's second largest and most populated city, built on the dry bed of lake Texcoco, surrounded on three sides by tall mountains and volcanoes such as the Ajusco, the Popocatepetl and the Ixtlacihuatl. It's a massive urban sprawl, stretching from Mexico State in the north, through the Federal District. Estimates place the population of the full metropolitan area at 20 million people. It is the most important economic, industrial and cultural center in the country.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
Colima Mexico
The city of Colima is the capital and main city of the Mexican state and municipality of the same name.
Colima is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Following the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, the Spanish conquistadors were quick to reach the west coast. Colima's native king Rey Colimán organized the defense of his kingdom against the Spanish.
In 1523 the conquistador Gonzalo de Sandoval founded the first Villa de Colima in Caxitlán, near modern-day Tecomán. However, poor settlement conditions resulted in the founding of the Villa San Sebastián de Colima in what is now the city of Colima. The new location provided a better climate, lands better suited to cultivation, and proximity to mining.
The Colima Volcano is currently one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico and in North America. It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576.
Despite its name, only a fraction of the volcano's surface area is in the state of Colima; the majority of its surface area lies over the border in the neighboring state of Jalisco, toward the western end of the Eje Volcánico Transversal mountain range. It is about 485 km (301 mi) west of Mexico City and 125 km (78 mi) south of Guadalajara, Jalisco.
There are two peaks in the volcano complex: Nevado de Colima (4330 m), which is older and inactive, lies 5 kilometers north of the younger and very active 3860 metre Volcán de Colima (also called Volcán de Fuego de Colima).
Since 1869-1878, a parasitic set of domes, collectively known as El Volcancito, have formed on the northeast flank of the main cone of the volcano.
Colima is one of the oldest cities in Mexico. Following the fall of Tenochtitlan in 1521, the Spanish conquistadors were quick to reach the west coast. Colima's native king Rey Colimán organized the defense of his kingdom against the Spanish.
In 1523 the conquistador Gonzalo de Sandoval founded the first Villa de Colima in Caxitlán, near modern-day Tecomán. However, poor settlement conditions resulted in the founding of the Villa San Sebastián de Colima in what is now the city of Colima. The new location provided a better climate, lands better suited to cultivation, and proximity to mining.
The Colima Volcano is currently one of the most active volcanoes in Mexico and in North America. It has erupted more than 40 times since 1576.
Despite its name, only a fraction of the volcano's surface area is in the state of Colima; the majority of its surface area lies over the border in the neighboring state of Jalisco, toward the western end of the Eje Volcánico Transversal mountain range. It is about 485 km (301 mi) west of Mexico City and 125 km (78 mi) south of Guadalajara, Jalisco.
There are two peaks in the volcano complex: Nevado de Colima (4330 m), which is older and inactive, lies 5 kilometers north of the younger and very active 3860 metre Volcán de Colima (also called Volcán de Fuego de Colima).
Since 1869-1878, a parasitic set of domes, collectively known as El Volcancito, have formed on the northeast flank of the main cone of the volcano.
Oaxaca, Mexico
Much of the joy of a Oaxaca trip comes from simply strolling the downtown streets, sitting in a sidewalk cafe on the Zocalo, and soaking up the atmosphere.
Oaxaca City continues to be welcoming, peaceful, friendly and inexpensive. It is an ideal place to visit for families and independent travelers.
Oaxaca is well-known for having one of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in Mexico, housed in and around the large candle-lit city cemeteries.
Oaxaca City continues to be welcoming, peaceful, friendly and inexpensive. It is an ideal place to visit for families and independent travelers.
Oaxaca is well-known for having one of the best Dia de Los Muertos festivals in Mexico, housed in and around the large candle-lit city cemeteries.
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