Mexican Wholesale

Tequila has become Mexico’s most popular drink. During Mexicos war of independence which was between 1810 and 1821, the town of Tequila was located on the course west from Guadalajara to the port of San Blas. Merchants from France, England, the U.S. and Panama would visit the town of Tequila to do their trading and to this day, many famous brands of Tequila date from this time in Mexico’s history.

Spanish authorities sought to suppress Mexican liquor production because it threatened to compete with Spanish brandy. This suppression led to the establishment of illicit distilling in many remote areas, including parts of Colima and Jalisco.

In 1897 it was revealed by a famous Norwegian ethnologist who spent several years living with isolated Indian tribes in Mexico that the Huichol Indians in eastern Nayariti, distilled agave juice using simple pot stills, the pots being quite unlike any Spanish or pre-Columbian vessels. It is probable that the first authentic tequila was distilled somewhere in western Mexico at some point in the sixteenth century. The earliest known mention to the making of tequila comes from “Descripcion de la Nueva Galicia” (Description of New Galicia.)

A revolution has taken place in the world of this Mexican aperitif par excellence. After years of international lobbying, the Mexican state of Jalisco got the acknowledgment it wanted for tequila: the “Denominacion De Origen.” This means that only tequila from a clearly defined area inside the state of Jalisco can bear the name, “Tequila.”

Although the method varies from distiller to distiller, the basics are very much the same. First, the agave is permitted to grow for ten years. Then it is trimmed down to the heart of the plant, the “pina,” as it looks like a pineapple. Each “pina,” which weighs about 100 pounds, is cut into halves or quarters and loaded into the ovens and cooked. They are then crushed in order to extract the juices. Then they are fermented in unique tanks. This liquid juice can now be called “Tequila.” It then goes through the distillation process to eliminate impurities. This process results in a clean refined, top quality ‘tequila blanco.’ Some tequila, know as ‘tequila reposado’ is aged in oak kegs for a minimum of two months, making it into a golden, amber color. If the tequila is aged between one and seven years, it is ‘tequila anejo,’ which is darker, richer tequila. Because of the smooth taste of the better Tequilas such as the anejo, these do not need the lemon and salt in contrast to the harsher, Tequila blanco.

Mezcal is a relative of tequila. Mezcal is to tequila what brandy is to cognac. It is made from a variety of different agave plants and is harsher to drink as it goes only through one distillation process. This process makes the mescal more powerful, with a smoky taste. Mescal has its own fans that love this drink and won’t settle for anything else, with or without the worm inside the bottle. The worm is a creature that feeds on the agave plant. It is said that the worm, in some way, adds flavor to the drink. This, you’ll have to judge for yourself.

Tequila has become a household name; hence the tequila industry in Mexico is huge as today’s exports from Mexico are numbered at around 10 million cases of tequila just to the U.S. every year.

Consider a soft, mellow, wood scented tequila such as from the Grand Reserve Tequilas. Tequila can be good for the digestive system if taken after dinner, in small quantities. It can also be enjoyed warm, before your meal. When drinking one of the magnificent Reserve Tequilas, enjoy the scent first. Good tequila should be subtle and should never assault your nose with an alcohol punch. Mexico’s most popular drink, “Tequila” should always be enjoyed in a sensible way.

'Pina' Mexican Agave Plant

MesoAmerican Architechture

Mesoamerican architecture is defined as the incorporation of architectural traditions by pre-Columbian cultures and civilizations of Mesoamerica. Their traditions are unmatched, known in the form of public, ceremonial and urban colossal buildings and structures.

The word architecture comes from the Latin “architectura,” meaning chief, leader, builder or carpenter. It is the art and science of designing buildings and other structures. It is a method and creation of design and construction of spaces that imitate and are functional, artistic and have environmental consideration. Architecture works are often acknowledged as cultural and political ciphers and works of art.

An added remarkable part of Mesoamerican architecture is its iconography. The mammoth architecture of Mesoamerica is adorned with images of religious and cultural significance and in many cases the writings are made with some of the Mesoamerican writing systems.  Iconographic decorations and texts on the buildings are important contributors to the overall current knowledge of pre-Columbian Mesoamerican society, history and religion.

An important part of the Mesoamerican religious system was replicating their beliefs in concrete touchable form, consequently leaving the world a personification of their beliefs. The Mesoamerican city was constructed to be a microcosm, manifesting the division that existed in their religious, mythical and geographical being. Also showing are divisions between the underworld and their human world. The underworld was represented by the direction north and many structures and buildings related to the underworld, such as tombs, which are often found in the city’s northern half. The southern part represented life, sustenance and rebirth and often contained structures related to their continuity and daily function. Found in the southern parts are monuments depicting their noble lineage or sometimes their residential noble lineages. Between the two halves of the north/south axis, was the plaza which frequently contained stalae similar to the world tree the Mesoamerican axis mundi, and a ball court which served as a passage point between the two worlds.

Pyramids, temples and other configurations were designed to attain special lighting effects on the equinoxes or on other important Mesoamerican events.  It is believed that much of Mesoamerican architecture aligns the pyramids to fact the sunset on August 13, which was the beginning date of the Maya Long Court calendar.

The Mesoamericans had a ballgame ritual which was a symbolic journey between the underworld and the world of the living. Over 1300 ball courts have been identified. All have the same shape but vary in size and all have a long narrow ally flanked by two walls with horizontal, sloping and sometimes vertical faces that are covered with complex iconography and scenes of human sacrifice.  The early ball courts were open ended. Later the ball courts had enclosed end-zones.

The pyramids were plat formed and many used a style called tahud-tablero. This style consists of a platform structure, or “tablero,” on the top of a sloped “talud.” There were different “tableros” developed and manifested differently among the various cultures.

Mesoamerican architecture in Mexico is best known for its public, ceremonial and urban monumental buildings and structures, several of which are the largest in the world.

Mexico's Beautiful Beaches

The stunning state of Nayarit, is one of Mexico’s latest travel destinations and is known as one of Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches. It consists of one hundred miles of perfect Pacific coast beginning in Nuevo Vallarta and ending in the colonial town of San Blas. It is known as the “Riviera Nayarit,” where you can enjoy the magnificent tropical beaches and splendid dining. The Riviera Nayarit is referred to as one of Mexico’s Pacific prized hidden corners where the jungle convenes with the sea. It is a Pacific Eden of tropical flowery forests and lustrous palm-shaded beaches. At Nayarit you will find island and mountain adventures such as surfing, snorkeling, diving, horseback riding, canopy jungle tours, kayaking, whale watching, professional golf courses, atypical native wildlife and even enchanting towns.

Many of the local skimboarders vie for the skimboard world championship playoff held every year in Acapulco. This competition, which is held in the wave-thumped beach of Melaque, always having a big crowd of tourists watching. The frontrunner has the honor of representing Mexico in the national championship held in the superior surf of Cabo San Lucas and then on to the world championships at Laguna Beach California. Melaque beach is protected by a spine of guano sheltered rocks on the northwest making the surf there quiet.

Within Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches, there are many less known but not necessarily less significant beach destinations that are mostly seasonal. These places are ubiquitously along the Pacific coast and have emerged from sluggish fishing villages such as Melaque. Some of these places offer surfing, snorkeling, and other entertainment options.

There are nine towns on the Nayarit coast of Mexico that can turn out to be anyone’s beach of dreams.

Sayulita is a bohemian surf town that is strikingly beautiful. It is a two mile long stretch of beach that will totally captivate you with its charm.

Playa San Francisco is a wide beautiful sandy beach. It is set in the artsy town generally referred to as San Pancho, and is known to be fierce and mutinous.

Punta Raza is an amazingly beautiful and perfect beach in a spectacular setting. It is two miles of unblemished beach that is a prime illustration of the unbelievable beauty where the Nayarit beaches and the jungles convene.

Lo de Marcos is a wide beach adorned with soft, deep white sand. It is gorgeous. It resembles Hawaii with its craggy north end having crystal clear blue Pacific waves.

Los Ayala is an undiscovered gem on the Nayarit coast. It is situated at the foot of the Sierra de Vallejo Mountains. Los Ayala is an authentic Mexican beach town and fishing village.

La Penita de Jaltemba means “Place on the sandy shore across from the cliff.” This town is what one might perceive as a little rough around the edges.

Chacala is a splendid tropical beach located less than one hour of La Penita and just a few minutes south of the town of Las Vargas. You know you are headed in the right direction as you drive along a winding road set amidst another road amidst what is called the lost jungle.

The beaches of San Blas are lavishly beautiful and summons the adventurer with several palm lined immaculate secluded beaches.

As you can well see, Mexico’s never ending Pacific beaches is a perfect place to experience authentic Mexican fun and living with a unique and affordable vacation experience. Feel free to contact me if you need help or have questions. I’m just a click away.  Enjoy!

Mexican Modern Day Sculpture

These years Mexico’s Modern Day Sculpture is a coming together of the Old Mexican World with new world perception. Mexico went through a radical transformation between 1920 and 1940 due to the end of the revolution. The end of the revolution brought unleashed energy of transformation that was unparalleled. It brought excitement and creativity to the artists and the intellectuals, as new identities, personal and cultural were being formed. New manifestos and ideologies popped up daily.

Old San Carlos Academy, now known as the “Escuela Nacional de Bellas Artes,” was one of the casualties of the New Mexican Spirit. The academy was wedged in European roots and Mexico had no desire for its romantic, schmaltzy or typical religious traditions. Mexico sought after its own authentic voice. Mexican artists desired modern day sculpture that would have continuity between Mexico’s pre-Columbian past and the Mexico of their day. They found a home in the Muralist movement and in a redefining of the sculptor’s aesthetic.

At the academy, the ideals of the sculptors as well as the painters had lost their credibility. They had a new vision which was to reconnect with their pre-Historic past, in this case with the sculpture of the period even though some of the “new age” sculptors were also finding their own voice.

Famous sculptures Rivera and Siqueiros, influential voices of the time, spoke out for direct carving so as to work the way their pre-Hispanic ancestors had done while the new generation of sculptors wanted to cut directly into the material.

The rising generation of sculptors discovered the work of the ancient civilizations and studied it looking into the alter pieces and carved work on the exterior of churches that were created during the vice-regal period. Still, they would not leave the European based training they had been given. They were taught to be accomplished draftsmen. They were also taught proportion, scale and the power of the monumental or the turgid.

Mexico’s modern day sculptors looked to the passed for inspiration and to their European knowledge. The challenge was to recognize the diverse face of the Mexican culture and the racial blending of Europe and the new world and unite it with the new materials- cardboard, wood, stone and bronze. The combination of their Mexican inspiration and their European knowledge have greatly contributed to Mexico’s Modern Day Sculpture.

Mexicos Obsolete Civilizations

Mesoamerica is a geographical and cultural area which extends from Mexico through Central America. Many of Mexico’s’ Obsolete and Ancient Civilizationsinclude the Olmec, Toltec, Maya and Aztec. All developed in what is known today as . Mesoamerican civilizations had many traits in common such as their writing system, calendar and ballgames. They also shared the same style of architecture and they shared their agricultural concepts which consisted mostly of beans, corn, and squash. These Mexican Obsolete Civilizations, developed complex societies that reached high levels of technological evolution and construction.

Mesoamerica and its’ history are separated into three grand periods. The pre-classic period from 1500 B.C. to 200 A.D, the classic period from 200 A.D. to 900 A.D. and the post-classic period from 900 A.D. to the early 1800’s.

The Olmec civilization developed in ancient Mexico along the Gulf Coast. This group is sometimes referred to as the “mother culture” of Mesoamerica. It was the first group to develop dependable cultural traits that were later adopted and developed by other cultures. The Olmec were a sophisticated Central American culture with its prime days between 1200 and 400 B.C. The earliest sites of the Olmec show simple egalitarian societies based on hunting and fishing. They eventually established a highly complex level of political government. The Olmec also developed a complex architectural system including the building of pyramids with large platform mounds, also agriculture, a writing system and sculptural artistry including huge stone heads with heavy features evocative of angry babies.

The Mayan culture began to develop in the pre-classic period, around 1000 B.C and stayed in existence until about 900 A.D. They Mayan are well known for their writings and for their advanced mathematics, astronomy and calindrical calculations. They were extremely diverse, largely due to the range of environmental and geographic conditions in which it developed.

The Maya devised a complicated system of writing which was largely deciphered in the 1980’s. Before this many archaeologists believed that Mayan writings dealt only with calendrical and astronomical themes. Many modern day historians had the concept that the Mayas were peaceful and studious stargazers but it has been recently discovered that they also interested in earthly matters as the other Mesoamerican groups.

The Toltec Civilization was one of three great empires after the fall of Teotihuacan and before the rise of the Aztecs. The classic period of the Toltec Civilization was about 900 A.D. to 1200 A.D. The Toltec controlled most of Central Mexico, Yucatan Peninsula, Gulf Coast and Pacific Coast. They were known for their established trade connections with people as far away as what are now the Mexican states of Zacatecas, Veracruz and Puebla. Their dynasty of power ranged through all of Mesoamerica into the Aztec Empire.

Probably the best know of Mexico’s’ Obsolete Civilizations are the Aztec. Aztec is the collective name given to seven Chichimec Tribes of Northern Mexico who controlled the valley of Mexico and much of Central America from the 12 century A.D. until the Spanish invasion of the 15^th century. They dominated most of Mexico between 1430 and 1521 A.D. Their empire covered all of what is known as today’s’ Mexico. The Aztecs had a high level of government which included rulers and a noble class and a commoner class. Is was said by the Spanish clergy that the Aztecs had frequent ritual human sacrifices and there was even mention of cannibalism, although it is likely that some of these tales are exaggerated.

An Aztec Civilization Study Guide has been developed with boundless details of lifestyles of the Aztecs and other Mexican civilizations such as the Toltec, Maya and Olmec.

I would be more than happy assist you with additional information about Mexico and it would be my pleasure to shop for any authenticate Mexican products or goods that yoy may need. I’m just a click away.

Mexican Skull Candy

“Dia De Los Muertos”

While North America Celebrates Halloween with costumes and candy, antiquated traditions in Mexico call for reunions of families and their dead loved ones. During three days,  October 31^st, November 1^st & 2^nd, explicit rites are practiced faithfully. They occur in cemeteries and in their homes, amid flower bouquets, banquets of bread and ghostly candies adorned with skulls.  The candies are called Muertos (the dead,) and are looked upon as supernatural guardians. It is said that when the dead visit, they also enjoy their favorite food and drinks called “ofrendas,” lavishly laid out on the alters or shrines made for them.

In the days leading to the festivities, families begin collecting special dishes and treats in which the departed spirits liked the most when they were alive. They use the best chocolate for the ‘mole’, fresh eggs and flower for the baked bread called ‘Pan De Muerto,’ fruits, vegetables and even cigarettes for those who smoked. Votive candles are left with the flame on day and night, which illuminate the decorative flowers ‘Flor de Muertos’ (flower of the dead,) which adorn the alters and graves.  Skeletons carved from wood and dressed for a party appear at every corner, ready to celebrate.

Some villagers have been celebrating three thousand years of Mexican History on this day, “Dia De Los Muertos.” There is a melancholy sound that fills the squares and streets. The Day of the dead is a spiritual, intense vigil connecting the souls of the living and the dead. The most authentic all night vigils are held in the state of Michoacan where the celebration turns into a fiesta with endless camera flashes clicking away.

The 1st is to mourn the children and the 2^nd is for the mourning of adults.  All of Mexico gears up for these festivities.  In the village of Patzcuaro, the people spend the whole year preparing crafts and goods to sell during the celebration.

Death and dying, like living, are family affairs. What we euphemistically refer to as “the remains,” lie in state in the house of the bereaved family member house for several days.  Traditionally, the gravestone is erected about a week after burial and it is not until this ceremony that closure is achieve, but even this is not “adios,” only “hasta el dia”: El Di de Los Muertos, The Day Of The Dead.

There are many traditional rituals in Mexico. Please let me know there is anything I can help you with or, if you need authentic Mexican products, I would be happy to get them to your doorstep at a special price.