Mexico

2. THE HISTORY
The word Mexico comes from the Nahuatl language
three voices: metztli, which means moon; xictli, navel or
center; co, instead. Both literally and metaphorically
means "navel of the moon"; or put another way: "In the
middle of the lake of the moon". Why that name? For the
outline of the ancient lakes that occupied the Basin of
Mexico, resembled the figure of a rabbit, silhouette
similar to the lunar spots are seen from the earth. And as
the great city of Tenochtitlan was in the middle of these
lakes, it is also symbolically stood at the navel of the
moon rabbit.

3. The history of modern Mexico begins about 3,000
years ago with a succession of native peoples who
developed their own cultures in the south and center
of the country. Subsequently, over 30 centuries, the
domain of large areas of Mexico today corresponded
to the Olmecs, Mayas, Toltecs, the Zapotecs and the
Aztecs, among many other peoples. Travel in
prehispanic Mexico had the same nature as elsewhere
in the world trade, pilgrimage or war. In the Yucatan
Peninsula there was a network of roads linking cities
and small villages, these paths called sacbes (sak
beo'ob in Maya); These roads were equipped to camp
areas and villages and boarding houses were built
meats supply.

4. Mexico has changed rapidly during the twentieth century. In
many ways, the modern life in cities, has become very similar to
that of cities in the United States and Europe. However, most
Mexican towns follow the lifestyle of their ancestors. More
than 85% of the population lives in cities of over 200,000
inhabitants. The largest urban areas are Mexico City,
Guadalajara and Monterrey.
The main attractions of Mexico are the ancient ruins of
Mesoamerican culture, colonial cities and beach resorts. The
mild climate of the country, along with its historical heritage;
the merger of the (particularly Spanish) European culture with
Mesoamerican culture also make Mexico an attractive tourist
destination worldwide. The vast majority of foreign tourists
visiting Mexico from the United States and Canada. The next
largest group are visitors from Europe and Latin America. A
small number of tourists also come from countries in Asia.

5. Mexico has 25 sites considered World Heritage
Site by UNESCO. Nine are archaeological sites
such as Monte Alban prehispanic areas, Uxmal
and El Tajin.
One of the seven wonders of the world
Chichen Itza "The city of the Itza witches" is
part of an ancient and impressive Mayan city.
History and culture are featured in this
environment that to this day remains as
centuries ago. The Castle or Pyramid of
Kukulcan is the most impressive monument in
Chichen Itza. The grandeur and perfection in
its construction are presented in the middle of
a large square, around which other
magnificent buildings rise; and thanks to its
excellent proportions and the design can be
admired at a distance. Citywide for its beauty
and historical value is the heritage of
humanity.

7. BORDERS
Three thousand one
hundred eighteen
(3 118) km with the
United States.
 Nine hundred fifty-six
(956) km with
Guatemala.
One hundred ninety-
three (193) km with
Belize.

8. SIZE
The Mexican
territory has an
area of one million
nine hundred and
sixty-four
thousand and
three hundred
seventy five
square kilometers
(1,964,375 km² ).
It is the
fourteenth largest
country in the
world.

9. SAN MARCOS FAIR
San Marcos Fair ,
Aguascalientes : Also
called " Mexico Fair
" is the largest in the
country held in
honor of San
Marcos, with great
international
prestige and stage
of artistic, cultural
and social events
celebration .

10. CUMBRE TAJIN
Cumbre Tajin,
Veracruz: A festival
celebrating the
totonaca heritage and
archaeological wealth
of the Holy City of El
Tajin with a sample of
prehispanic
ceremonies, concerts,
dances, exhibitions
and projections.

11. DAY OF THE DEAD
Each year on November 1
and 2, Mexico turns its
thoughts to the departed
during the Day of the Dead
festivities, a colorful
tradition deeply rooted in
indigenous culture. For
Mexicans, death is more a
cause for celebration than
mourning, and that spirit has
been kept very much alive in
Pátzcuaro, the Day of the
dead mecca. Prepare
yourself to battle large
crowds of the living.

12. MEXICO
CUSTOMS
 Mexican traditions and customs are different and varied.
Each region has its own traditions and holidays and every
community has its peculiarities.
 The ceremony known as " La Quinceañera" is widespread
in Mexican culture . It is traditionally include a Mass
of thanks and a big party
 The piñata is a typical Mexican custom
very happy and fun . These receptacles
made of mache and filled with fruit and candy paper
are very popular during the Christmas
celebrations known as posadas and birthdays.
 The bulls are also very popular in Mexico and are regarded
as an element very settled in Mexican culture

13. MEXICO
HOLIDAYS
They are: processions , representations, pastorals , candles ,
offerings, dances , music , dancing , fireworks , bulls,
cowboys , horse racing , cockfighting and " flea market " .
Within these parties, we highlight a few:
 12/12 : Our Lady of Guadalupe
 16/12 : Posadas
 24/12 : Christmas Eve
 25/12 : Christmas
 31/12: End of Year
 1/1 : New Year
 6/1 : Day of the Three Kings
 2/2 : La Candelaria
 17/2 blessing of seeds and animals San Antonio Abad Day
Carnival Easter
 3/3: Day of the Holy Cross
 1Y2 November : All Saints Day and All Souls .

14. MEXICO
Gastronomy
 The cuisine of Mexico is known for its variety of
dishes and recipes , as well as the complexity of its
preparation and its medicines. It is recognized by its
distinctive and sophisticated flavors with great
flavoring. Meets both Mesoamerican and European
culinary traditions , among many others. Mexican
cuisine is no stranger to the kitchen : Spanish , Cuban ,
African , Middle Eastern and Asian ,to name a few
 Enchiladas
 Tacos mexicanos
 Fajitas
 Burritos
 Nachos
 Quesadillas

15. MEXICO
Wardrobe
Huipil
 Rebozo
Quechquemitl
Chinchuate
Posahuanco
 Sarape

16. MEXICO
IMPORTANT CHARACTERS