Mexican Wholesale

posted by AetnaJo on Jan 11

Carnaval is an official Mexican holiday that kicks off a five-day celebration of the libido before the Catholic lent begins on Ash Wednesday. Beginning the weekend before Lent, Carnaval is celebrated exuberantly with parades, floats, costumes, music and dancing in the streets. Carnaval is equivalent to Mardi Gras in New Orleans. For specific dates see bottom of page.

History

The festival of Carnaval is celebrated as a last indulgence of carnal pleasures that Catholics must give up for 40 days of fasting during Lent, from Ash Wednesday to Easter Sunday. In fact, the word Carnaval is derived from Latin, meaning take away or goodbye to flesh, and strict Catholics will give up meat eating during Lent.

Carnaval is officially celebrated for 5 days, leading up to Ash Wednesday, with the most vigorous celebration taking place over the one weekend in Mexico. The wearing of masks during Carnaval is said to be a pagan practice as protection from evil spirits, but most likely evolved as a way to participate fully in the celebration with some anonymity.

Where To See It

In Mexico, many cities have Carnaval celebration of various sizes, but the biggest events take place in the port cities, with the largest of all inMazatlan. Mazatlan’s Carnaval is said to attract well over 300,000 people, making it the third largest such event behind Rio de Janeiro and New Orleans. Port towns such as Ensenada, La Paz and Veracruz are also excellent places to watch Carnaval festivities.

People from all over the world come to Mazatlan to enjoy the festivities, and this is one of the few times that hotel reservations are both necessary and more expensive. If you plan to attend, make sure you have arrangements in place several months in advance.

Festival Events

During Carnaval, everyone participates in the many events and activities that make up the celebration. Wherever Carnaval is celebrated the whole town parties during the day and into the night, dressed in their masquerade outfits, enjoying food and drink and liquor. People of all ages throw and break cascarones, confetti filled eggshells, over each other. There are many booths that offer food, drinks, snacks and games and crafts of every type. Music of all sorts is played non-stop, by live bands, DJs or the boom box.

Some Carnavals also have a collection of rides like those found at an amusement park. Depending on the town, there may be many organized parties, outdoor festivals and masquerade balls. Many of these types of events charge an entrance fee, or may be entirely private. Mazatlan hosts a public street fair and dance for a small admission, as well as on offshore fireworks display that commemorates an old naval battle.

During the final days, many different events present awards, one for the Flower Queen, and literary awards to those who have written the best Flowery Poem. In Mazatlán, a prestigious national award is presented for the best unpublished literary work from anywhere in Mexico, called the Clemencia Isaura Poetry award.

The traditional fireworks display above Mazatlan’s coast

In the evenings there are fireworks displays including the traditional castillo, or castle, a large fireworks platform unique to Mexico. Even the kids get to stay out until late to take part and enjoy the festivities. On Saturday evening, there is the coronation of the Carnaval Queen and the humorous El Rey Feo, or Ugly King. There will also be the burning of an effigy, usually someone unpopular at the time, known as the Quema de Mal Humor orBurning of Bad Humor.

Sunday is the biggest organized celebration of the weekend, and typically includes the big float parade, and lots of musicians playing on stages and dancing in the streets. When Monday arrives, there is El Día del Marido Oprimido, or the Day of the Oppressed Husband. On this one day, for 23.5 hours, husbands have the freedom to do as they wish … within the law and religious faith of course.

By the time Fat Tuesday rolls around, many people have to get back to work, and just about everyone has had their fill of revelry and indulgence, ready to accept the restrictions of Lent.

The dates for the celebration change slightly from year to year, according to the following schedule (provided by the Mazatlan Carnaval promotions department): 2009: Feb 19-24;2010: Feb 11-16.

If you’re looking for a festival of dancing, costumes, music, fireworks, food, drink and just being wild and crazy … then Carnaval is the holiday for you. And Mexico certainly knows how to celebrate this holiday in style.

Resources: Mexonline.com

Posted on January 11,2011 by Aetna Jo B

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posted by AetnaJo on Jan 6

January the 6th is a special day in Mexico. Known as ‘El Dia de Reyes‘ (Three Kings Day), this holiday represents the height of the Christmas season. The date marks the culmination of the twelve days of Christmas and commemorates the three wise men who traveled from afar, bearing gifts for the infant baby Jesus. The children of Mexico in particular look forward to this holiday as traditionally, gifts are exchanged on this date, not on Christmas day.

In Mexico and many other Latin American countries, Santa Claus doesn’t hold the cachet that he does in the United States. Rather, it is the three wise men who are the bearers of gifts, who leave presents in or near the shoes of small children. The holiday is also known by the name of the Epiphany which dates back to the 4th century. A grand feast would be held on this day to honor the occasion of Jesus’ baptism and to pay homage to the three wise men.

	Los Tres Reyes Magos

Many believe mysterious events preceded Jesus’ birth with perhaps the most notable being the appearance of the Star of Bethlehem. This new star appeared in the evening sky just prior to the arrival of Jesus. Three wise men or Magi as they were then known, whose names were Gaspar, Melchior and Balthasar, traveled a far distance to pay homage to the Christ child. They brought with them fine gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.

Three Kings Day remains an important holiday for the people of Mexico. In addition to the gift-giving aspect of the day there is also a culinary treat that is specific to the holiday. Known as ‘Rosca de Reyes’ (King’s Cake), this holiday dessert offers much in the way of symbolism. Shaped in the round to signify a king’s crown, this sweet bread holds a special surprise. Baked inside is a small plastic figurine representing the baby Jesus. Whoever finds this token is obligated to host an upcoming party for the occasion of ‘Dia de la Candelaria’ (Candlemas Day) which occurs each year on February 2nd.

	Rosca de Reyes

The effigy of the baby Jesus, hidden inside the cake, represents another aspect of the holiday. The reason Jesus is ‘hidden’ inside the bread is to symbolize how in life, the Christ child’s birth location also needed to remain secret, in order that his life be spared. The ruler of Jerusalem at the time, King Herod, had been appraised of the mystical signs that indicated the new and rightful King of Jerusalem was soon to be born. Herod’s reaction to these predictions was swift and horrible. He ordered his minions to murder all male infants recently born in Bethlehem. However, as destiny would have it, Mary and Joseph found their lodgings in a manger, not an inn. Herod’s henchmen didn’t think to look for an infant in such a location.

Another lovely custom associated with the Three Kings Day holiday centers around the evening meal. Traditionally, the supper served on this special day is delicious corn tamales accompanied by hot chocolate. This makes for a perfectly quintessential Mexican meal and one that is enjoyed by everyone in attendance.

Resources: Mexonline.com

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posted by AetnaJo on Jan 3

Colonial Durango — Victoria de Durango, Durango — staged many of Mexico’s most important historical events. Historic figures, including Guadalupe Victoria, Francisco Gómez Palacio, José María Patoni, José Ceballos, Domingo Arrieta León, Francisco “Pancho” Villa, and Francisco Castillo Nájera carried out their duties within and among the city’s colonial buildings. Many of the city’s important architectural gems, some dating back to the 16th century, still stand today; they provide a colonial backdrop for Durango’s strolling residents and tourists alike.

The Lesser Basilica Cathedral
(Catedral Basílica Menor)

La Catedral Basílica Menor has symbolized colonized Durango longer than any other historic Durangan landmark. The Lesser Basilica Cathedral, better known, simply, as La Catedral is located on Calle 20 de Noviembre in front of the Plaza de Armas (Arms Plaza), between the streets, Juárez and Constitución in the very center of Durango’s historic downtown area. It originally materialized as La Antigua Parroquia de la Asunción —The Ancient Parish of the Assumption — named in honor of the Christian belief that the Virgin Mary was transported to heaven with her body and soul united. The parish earned the title of “cathedral” around 1620, when it quartered the Bishop of Durango, but a fire destroyed it. The church was once again built, and once again destroyed when problems with dampness plagued the building.

In 1695, Bishop García Legazpi ordered the initiation of a new project, designed by Architect, Mateo Nuñez. About a decade and a half later, the principal structure that today towers over of the Plaza de Armas was finished. In 1840, Bishop Zubiría ordered major remodeling of the building but conserved its extreme baroque style.

The cathedral represents one of the most important examples of extreme Churrigueresque architectural style in northern Mexico. Elaborate and extravagant decoration and intricate details — especially in surface ornamentation — characterize Churrigueresque architecture. This style came about at the end of the Spanish Renaissance. Its namesake, Spanish architect José Benito Churriguera (1665-1725) was, along with his descendents, principally responsible for its development. One may observe the Churrigueresque style in the front and side entrances of the cathedral

Sculptures of Saint Peter (San Pedro) and Saint Paul (San Pablo) and exquisitely detailed sculptures of vegetation and other details adorn the Cathedral’s exterior. Within enormous painted domes, arches and carved wood furniture entertain the eye during mass.

Visitors can enjoy the Cathedral both at night and during the day. Natural daylight favors observation of the interior’s stained glass windows and painted domes, and the exterior is splendidly illuminated at night. One may also observe the cathedral as a prominent landmark on the Durangan landscape from the Cerro de los Remedios.

In addition, the cathedral hosts the legendary shadow of “the nun” (la monja) who eternally awaits the return of her love. One may see the shadow of the nun from sidewalk on Constitución street.

Administration Building of the Juarez University of the State of Durango
(Edificio Central de la Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango)

Many of northern Mexico’s historic intellects, politicians, and clergy were educated within the classrooms of today’s Administration Building of the Juarez University of the State of Durango. During much of the 20th century, it housed one of the most important educational entities in northern New Spain’s New Vizcaya Province, approximately equivalent to what are, today, Chihuahua and Durango.

The building’s main access, located on Calle Constitución between the streets 5 de Febrero and Pino Suárez, is nestled in a quarry stone patio alongside the Temple of Our Lady of San Juan de los Lagos (Templo de Nuestra Señora de San Juan de los Lagos), which shares a long history with the present university building. A sketch of its detailed façade appears to date on university letterheads and logos.

The university building’s history as an educational site dates as far back as the 16th century when Señora Eufrasia Vázquez de Cubia, the property owner, and Jesuits began to teach children from the Durangan village . In 1596, Fathers Francisco Gutiérrez, Gerónimo Ramírez and, possibly, Juan Agustín de Espinoza, Pedro de la Serna, and brothers, Juan de la Carrera and Vicente Beltrán became the new occupants of the property.

In 1856, Don José de la Bárcena founded the Civil College of the State (Colegio Civil del Estado), which moved into the building in 1860. Following the death of Benito Juárez, the Governor, responding to a request from students and teachers of the college, renamed it Instituto Juárez (Juarez Institute). With its incorporation into the University of Mexico (Universidad de México) in 1938, it adopted the slogan “Por mi raza hablará el espíritu,” a modified version of a phrase authored by Don José Vasconcelos. In the original phrase, Vasconcelos referred to the voice of the spirit that emanates from one’s roots, an important concept in Mexico’s mestizo culture.

Elevated in 1957 to the status of university, he institute received its present name — Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango, and the building, to date, serves as the university’s principal administrative center. The main structure centers around a palm-shaded garden. Some of the interior spaces such as the President’s conference room and the Laureano Roncal auditorium are furnished with pompous, carved wood furniture.

House of the Count of the Suchil Valley
(Casa del Conde del Valle de Súchil)

One of Durango’s most beautifully decorated colonial buildings is the House of the Count of the Suchil Valley, location today’s Banamex Bank, on the corner of Calle 5 de Febrero and Francisco I. Madero. It was originally a home owned by wealthy miner and landowner Joseph del Campo Soberón y Larrea, Count of the Valley of Súchil. In 1763 and 1764, Pedro de Huertas designed its beautifully sculpted baroque fascia and interior. Sculptures include intricate vegetation, shells, ribbons, flowers, fruits, and an image of Saint Joseph and the Christ child. Arches in the interior patio and decorated pillars surround the bank’s main floor, where clients now wait to carry out bank transactions.

Ricardo Castro Theater
(Teatro Ricardo Castro)

At the end of the 19th century, the Compañía Constructora y Explotadora del Teatro de Durango was formed with the objective of constructing a playhouse. The company lived until the beginning of the 20th century, when the first stone was laid and thereafter dissolved, leaving the building in the hands of the state government. The building fell into the private sector and became a movie theater, known as the Cine Principal.

Grandeur marks the neoclassic theater’s entrance, with massive stairs leading up to arched entranceways and, eventually, to crystal-windowed wood doors guarded by iron gargoyles. A statue of the theater’s namesake, Mexican concert pianist and the last romantic composer of the Porfirio Díaz era, stands on the corner of the Avenue 20 de Noviembre and Bruno Martínez Street. Above the entranceway, generously sculptured arches framing wood and crystal doors overlook the avenue.

Inside, in the reception area, before an event, one may observe Durango’s culture lovers in conversation, standing on marble floors beneath white arches or in front of a large wood carving, illustrating the city of Durango. The reception provides a serious introduction to the enormous audience seating area within the velvet curtain-covered entrance. Within the seating area, enormous, rather erotic paintings depicting the exploitation of the Cerro del Mercado (Market Hill) above the Colonial City of Durango frame, along with enormous white pillars, the stage where performers entertain Durangan audiences.

In 1991, the theater was donated by the President of the Mexican Republic as patrimony of the Durangan people, and has since hosted cultural events for large Durango audiences.

Victoria Theater
(Teatro Victoria)

Some may consider the Victoria Theater a bit modest to be considered among Durango’s top architectural gems, but its quaint, simple elegance and relatively small, tiered seating make it a cozy setting for medium-sized theatrical, musical, and other cultural events. It really deserves a visit.

Located next to the Governor’s Palace on Calle Bruno Martínez, the theater was originally called the Zambrano Coliseum and Theater (Coliseo y Teatro de Zambrano). Juan José Zambrano, a wealthy miner, alderman, and mayor in Durango, ordered the construction of the theater as an addition to the Governor’s Palace, for his personal use. The building was inaugurated in 1800 and rebuilt or remodeled between 1909 and 1910 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of national Independence, hence, its new name, Teatro Victoria, to honor Guadalupe Victoria, Mexico’s first president. In 1980, it was again remodeled by order of Dr. Héctor Mayagoitia, the state’s Governor, at the time, with the goal of promoting the development of the arts in the state.

The building’s facade is modestly colonial, as is the tastefully designed reception area. The theater’s attractiveness lies within. A horseshoe of several tears of balconies, each directly above the previous, surrounds main floor seating, and nearly all of the seats provide a right-up-close look at performing artists. Wooden banisters and lots of textiles make the theater acoustically comfortable, and low, but adequate lighting provides a marvelous setting for one to contemplate more than a century of cultural events as one awaits the third call. Visitors to the City of Durango should definitely check the theater’s schedule to see if there’s an interesting event there while in Durango.

Regional Museum of Durango
(El Museo Regional de Durango)

Locals know the Regional Museum of Durango on the corner of streets, Victoria and Aquiles Serdán as “El Aguacate,” (The Avocado), in reference to a tree in the museum’s garden. Built during the second half of the 19th century, it was home of Francisco Gómez Palacio, ex-governor of the state. The structure has served as a pay station for revolutionary troops, the civil register court, the municipal president’s office, the headquarters of the Supreme Court of Justice, as a schoolhouse and as a public library. The museum opened as part of the Universidad Juárez del Estado de Durango (see above) in 1989, and it displays important elements of the state’s history.

Stanislao Sloneck designed the building to reflect French influence and constructive style, which were popular at the time of its construction. Like many buildings of the period, it is built principally of quarry stone. However, the interior is pleasantly decorated with wood finish, giving it warmth uncommon in many of the region’s colonial structures.

Saint Augustine Temple
(Templo de San Agustín)

Born as a simple prayer area, the Saint Augustine Temple, along with its plaza, has grown into one of Durango’s most visually pleasing architectural gems. Its construction began in the beginning of the 17th century with its foundation by Fray Gonzalo de Hermosillo. Its initial construction took nearly a decade and a half, and remodeling and additions were still in process during the 19th century when master mason Benigno Montoya added a Neogothic façade, including simple decorations on the columns and religious figures.

Governor’s Palace
(Palacio de Gobierno)

Juan José Zambrano (see above) ordered the construction of the Governor’s Palace at the end of the 18th century. It is located on Calle 5 de Febrero in front of the Plaza Cuarto Centenario, between Bruno Martínez and Zaragosa streets. The building was occupied by the governor once Mexican Independence was established, and it is the site of today’s state governor’s offices.

The two-story structure is of quarry stone and the entrance way and interior are adorned by arches on stone columns. In the building’s interior, one finds mural paintings of historic events in Durango history painted by Francisco Montoya de la Cruz (1950) and Ernesto Flores Esquivel (1981). The upper story features a balcony from which the state governor participates, each year, in the Shout for Independence celebration. President Benito Juárez resided in the Governor’s Palace upon his return from the Paso del Norte (the Northern Pass, which is today’s Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua). Juárez is commemorated by a sculpture within the building, as well as by a large sculpture in the plaza in front of the palace.

Governor’s House
(Casa de Gobierno)

Built in the 19th century and containing remnants of construction dating back to the 18th Century, the Casa de Gobierno currently houses state executive offices. It was home to governors at one time. It is located on Calle Bruno Martínez between Coronado and Aquiles Serdán. The building features attractive quarry stone and abundant hallways among gardens. Aside from its function as an office building, it hosts numerous meetings and events in its conference room.

Municipal Palace
(Palacio Municipal)

Located on 20 de Noviembre Avenue and Victoria Street, the Municipal Palace is a neoclassical style building built in 1898 as the private residence of Pedro Escárzaga, a wealthy Durangan miner. Inside, a mural by Francisco Montoya de la Cruz depicts historic moments in Durango’s history, including the conquest of Nueva Vizcaya, discovery of the Market Hill (Cerro del Mercado), the Revolution, and the Independence movement. The building has served as the Durango Town Hall (Ayuntamiento de Durango) since 1930.

The Train Station
(Estación de Ferrocarriles)

On Octubre 16, 1892, the first train arrived at the Durango Train Station, located on Felipe Pescador Avenue at the head of Calle Bruno Martínez. Architect Manuel Ortiz Monasterio built the station in 1920, but one of the structures in the train yard dates back to 1893. Outside the station, Durango’s last steam engine, number 900, has been conserved, and gardens in front of the station make it an attractive site for visitors.

I have mentioned only a portion of Durango’s interesting and important colonial treasures. Architecture fans can see many more colonial gems just by strolling the streets in Durango’s historic downtown area. In addition, many of the downtown buildings have been recently remodeled or restored to colonial style, and much of the downtown area has restored quarry stone sidewalks. The municipality has also invested in ground-level and structural illumination that make many of the landmark buildings outstanding sights in the evening.

More information on colonial buildings in Durango and other tourist attractions is available in Spanish, within web pages from Mexico Desconocido (http://www.mexicodesconocido.com.mx/notas/7908-Durango,-Durango), the Instituto Nacional de Información Estadística y Geográfica (http://mapserver.inegi.gob.mx/geografia/espanol/estados/dgo/dgo-it.cfm?c=590&e=10&CFID=2610500&CFTOKEN=49566404#arqrel), and in the Municipality of Durango’s photo gallery (http://www.unidosporti.gob.mx/galeria).

Published or Updated on: November 23, 2009 by Jeffrey R. Bacon © 2009

Re-Published or Updated on January 3,2011 by Aetna J B

Contact Jeffrey R. Bacon

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 21

This months history….. During the month of December in Mexico

Read about Mexico’s important historical events that have occurred during the month of December.

December 1, 1810
José María Mercado, a priest supporting Father Hidalgo’s call for independence from Spain, attacks the Pacific coast port of San Blas, capturing it in a few hours.

2, 1546
Hernán Cortés, leader of the Spanish Conquest of Mexico, dies in Spain. His body is subsequently brought back to Mexico and laid to rest in Mexico City.

3 1533
The name Guadalajara is officially adopted for the new settlement formerly called the town “of the Holy Spirit in New Galicia”. The name Guadalajara was in honor of the birthplace (in Spain) of Nuño de Guzmán, the city’s founder.

U.S. CONGRESS TO FRANCE: WITHDRAW!

5, 1866
The U.S. Congress asks France to withdraw her troops from Mexican soil.

5, 1953
Jorgé Negrete (born 1911), ranchero singing idol and movie star, dies in Los Angeles, California. Negrete was a founder of the Movie Actors’ Union.

6, 1810
In the city of Guadalajara, Father Miguel Hidalgo, “the Father of Mexican Independence”, decrees the abolition of slavery and of the tribute system. This predates by many years similar decrees in the U.S. and Britain.

6, 1865
Although asked by Emperor Napoleon III of France to recognize Maximilian’s government in Mexico, the U.S. government refuses, claiming that the French, by invading Mexico, have attacked a government they “profoundly respect”.

7, 1877
Talks are held between Guatemala and Mexico in an effort to settle a long-standing border dispute.

8, 1714
The town of Guanajuato is elevated to city status. Guanajuato, an important silver-mining center during colonial times, is now a lovely tourist city; its annual international Cervantino arts festival attracts culture-lovers from all over the world.

BIRTH OF A GREAT MURALIST

8, 1886
Diego Rivera is born in Guanajuato. Rivera becomes one of the country’s most prolific artists, famous for his colorful murals, which adorn several Mexico City buildings including the National Palace.

11, 1881
The principal streets of Mexico City get street-lighting for the first time. 12, 1794 The liberal theologian Servando Teresa de Mier gives an irreligious sermon about the Virgin of Guadalupe for which he is arrested and sentenced to 10 years exile in Spain.

12, 1881
Tomás Rogers and Ignacio Alas are awarded the concession to build and operate a railroad across the Altar Desert between Sonora and Baja California.

12, 1884
Nayarit finally achieves separation from Jalisco and the right to be an independent state.

14, 1887
President Porfirio Díaz issues a decree by which the peninsula of Baja California is divided into two territories.

14, 1906
Unrest and strikes begin among the textile workers of Puebla, Tlaxcala and the Orizaba region of Veracruz. The unrest eventually results in the landmark Río Blanco strike of January 7, 1907.

17, 1790
The original “Aztec calendar”, a massive basalt slab weighing 25 tons and carved with elaborate symbols, is unearthed in downtown Mexico City. Representations of the calendar are widely used today on souvenir items.

17, 1885
The decree is signed establishing the School for Primary School Teachers, which later becomes the National Teachers’ School. The school opens February 24, 1887.

17, 1963
The U.S. Congress finally agrees definitive restitution to Mexico for the 333 hectares of territory known as El Chamizal.

18, 1865
President Juárez establishes his government in Paso del Norte (known today as El Paso) in the state of Chihuahua. He leaves the city the following June.

18, 1866
French troops begin to board ships in Veracruz to return home, greatly reducing the strength of support for Maximilian.

19, 1833
Antonio Caso is born in Mexico City. Caso, a distinguished philosopher, sociologist and literary figure, becomes Director of the National University. He dies in March 1946.

FORTUNE HUNTER EXPLORES THE WEST

20, 1529
Seeking fame, Nuño Beltrán de Guzmán takes a leave of absence from the first Governing Council of New Spain and sets off to conquer the west. His explorations carry him through the states of Michoacán, Jalisco and Nayarit to as far north as the Yaqui River.

20, 1827
The government of President Guadalupe Victoria orders the expulsion of all Spaniards from the country. The order is never carried out, but many Spaniards, complete with their wealth, decide to leave anyway.

20, 1918
One of the leaders of the Cananea Strike of 1906, Lázaro Gutiérrez de Lara, is executed in Sáric, Sonora. He was a journalist, poet and lawyer.

21, 1720
For their own protection, convoys of merchant ships, leaving Veracruz for Spain, are accompanied by fleets of warships as far as the Canary Islands. Once there, other fleets escort them to Spain.

21, 1828
The city of Valladolid, capital of the state of Michoacán, changes its name to Morelia, in honor of José María Morelos, born there in 1765.

21, 1954
Francisco Castillo Nájera, an outstanding military doctor, writer, poet and diplomat, dies in Mexico City. He founded the Mexican Society of Biology and the Franco-Mexican Medical Society and represented Mexico at numerous international conferences.

22, 1815
José María Morelos, hero of the independence movement, is executed by Royalist forces in San Cristóbal Ecatepec on the outskirts of Mexico City. In the words of Napoleon III, “With a general like Morelos, Mexico could have conquered the world”.

22, 1975
The Consumer Protection Law, establishing the Federal Consumer Protection Agency, is published in the Diario Oficial (Oficial Gazette).

23, 1888
Heraclio Bernal dies in Cosalá, Sinaloa. Born in Durango, Bernal fought in defence of miners’ rights, prior to starting a new career as a mine assailant! In 1880, Bernal temporarily gained control of the plaza of Mazatlán. By 1887, a substantial price had been put on his head by the Sinaloa state governor.

24, 1816
Manuel Tolsa, architect responsible for numerous outstanding buildings including the Mining Palace in Mexico City, and the Cabañas Institute in Guadalajara, dies in Mexico City. Tolsa’s equestrian statue (El Caballito) of Charles IV is one of Mexico’s finest monuments.

25, 1888
Artemio de Valle-Arizpe is born in Saltillo, Coahuila. A lawyer, diplomat, linguist and historian, he becomes the official chronicler of Mexico City, where he dies in 1961.

29, 1859
Venustiano Carranza is born in Cuatro Ciénegas, Coahuila. Carranza becomes President in 1914 and promotes the new constitution which takes effect in 1917.

AWARD FOR FOREIGNERS

29, 1933
The government creates the Order of the Aztec Eagle, the highest award given to foreigners who have performed exceptional service for Mexico.

30, 1853
The Mutual Society of Mexican Writers and Publishers is founded in Mexico City to promote book publishing.

RED SHIRTS MASSACRE CHURCH-GOERS

30, 1934
Seventy-five anticlerics known as the “Red Shirts” open fire on people leaving a mass in Coyoacán, an upmarket district in Mexico City. The Red Shirts are believed to be following orders from the federal Agriculture Minister, Tomás Garrido Canabal.

31, 1899
Silvestre Revueltas, the distinguished violinist and composer is born in Santiago Papasquiaro, Durango. Revueltas composes symphonies, ballets, songs and theatrical compositions. He dies in Mexico City in 1940.

31, 1900
The general census reveals that the nation’s population totals 13,545,462. In December, 2001, it is believed to be about 101,000,000.

31, 1951
The northern part of Baja California, declared a territory in 1888, is elevated to the category of state.

Published or Updated on: December 1, 2009 by Tony Burton  © 2008

Re-Published or Updated December 21,2010 by Aetna J B 2010

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 15

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posted by AetnaJo on Dec 1

Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – December 12
The Celebration

On this day people from all parts of Mexico make their way to Mexico’s chief religious center at the Basilica of the Virgen of Guadalupe, located in Villa de Guadalupe Hidalgo, a northern neighbourhood of Mexico City. There, they will celebrate the Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe (Our Lady of Guadalupe) with a mass ceremony and a traditional fair in her honor. The Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe became an national holiday in 1859.

Today, tens of thousands of people travel to Mexico City to visit the place where the Virgin appeared to the Mexican People. The holiday is a national fiesta that includes traditional music and fun attractions. Pilgrims bring presents to the virgin, usually bouquets of flowers while other visitors will perform dances and song for her. Some pilgirms walk on their knees on the stone street leading to the Basilica, asking for miracles or giving thanks to the virgin for a petition granted.

At the plaza the fiesta starts after the mass ceremony with delicious food, vendors selling crafts and clothes, along with many performences of music and dance. In other parts of Mexico, similar festivities are organized with some unique variations of the celebration. In some places, altars of flowers are built in her honor. Other parts have traditional food prepared like buñuelos, raspados and tortas as well as activities like parades, rodeos, and bullfights.

History of the Celebration

The Story behind this celebration demonstrates how the Catholic faith gained importance in the hearts of the Mexican people. It is a story of miracles and faith which mark a change in the history of Mexico.

The Spaniards, after they conquered Mexico, had in mind the goal of converting the indigenous indians into catholicism. But the spaniards encountered many difficulties because the Mexican people had existing strong beliefs in their many gods. It wasn’t until the story of the Virgin of Guadalupe and Juan Diego that this started to change.

Juan Diego was a young indigenous Indian walking toward the Hill of Tepeyac on December 12, 1531 when he was stopped by the appearence of the Virgin Mary. The Virgin Mary appearing to Juan Diego was a young woman with black hair and dark skin which looked more like an indigenous person. She ordered Juan Diego to go to the Bishop and ask him to build a church at the Hill of Tepeyac. Juan Diego then ran to the Bishop to tell him what the Virgin Mary had told him. The Bishop didn’t believe what this young men was telling him and decided to ignore the petition.

The Virgin Mary appeared again in front of Juan Diego and told him to collect flowers from the top of the hill, but because it was December Juan Diego knew that there was not going to be any flowers at the rocky hill. Upon reaching the top of the hill, Juan Diego was surprised to see that it was covered with colorful and beautiful flowers. Juan Diego, as he was asked to, collected the flowers using his overcoat and ran again to see the Bishop.

Juan Diego gave the coat full of flowers to the bishop, and here the bishop discovered the image of Virgin Mary’s picture was miraculously traced on the coat. Seeing both the unseasonal flowers and the image of the Virgin, the Bishop realized Juan Diego had told him the truth and The Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe was built on the hill of Tepeyac in Mexico City.

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posted by AetnaJo on Nov 16

.Its an oddity that most people I’ve asked don’t know the National Bird of Mexico, especially considering that everyone seems to know that the eagle is the US National Bird. Do you know what Mexico’s National Bird is? I only found out yesterday. Mexico’s National Bird is the crested caracara, a mix between an eagle and a vulture or buzzard, and cousin to the falcon.

Though these large birds weigh in at about three pounds and are approximately two feet long with a wingspan of four feet, they’d rather hang out mostly on the ground, using their long legs to outrun humans. It’s not that they’re afraid of us; it’s more that they like to show off how fast they are. They’re so fast, they’ve even been known to chase down a jackrabbit. The crested caracara has also been known to wrestle with a snake. I can only guess who won.

It has been said that the male offspring of a male caracara and a female chicken are the fiercest fighters, and nearly invincible in cockfights. Of course, if I were a chicken, I doubt I’d be interesting in dating a guy with a flat head, an orange face and a pointy blue nose who scavenges for road kill and dead fish because he’s too lazy to hunt for his own food.

It seems the caracaras must have expensive lobbyists representing them in Washington DC. The United States Migratory Bird Treaty Act protects crested caracaras as an endangered species, even though these big birds only visit Arizona, Florida, and Texas. This leaves the remaining 47 states to the yellow-bellied sapsucker, red-footed booby and dark-rumped petrel. However, in Mexico, where caracaras have the exalted title of National Bird, humans sometimes eat them. Go figure.

Crested caracaras have a raspy, grunting vocal sound when gossiping with one another or trying to get a date. Nature photographer Greg Lasley says, “During the vocalization the bird thrusts its head sharply upward, and sometimes its thrust so far that the birds head is upside down over its back.”

They have no real natural predators who prey on them for food except for man, since they spend a great deal of time on the ground. They will make a shrieking noise when they feel threatened and throw their heads back in the air then snap them forward so hard and fast, you wonder why they don’t break their little necks. Their facial skin color may change from orangey-red to yellow when excited or threatened. They make a sound that is very harsh, and sounds like “cara cara,” which gives them their name. When mating, the same head-rolling and rattling are also things the male does to attract a mate. They must get this idea from watching Mick Jagger videos.

The nest of the caracara is quite large and made of twigs and such. Many layers are used, with a new layer added each year. In many cases they will reuse the same nest year after year. The female will lay two or three eggs and the male helps to warm and incubate them during the 28 days it takes them to hatch. The adults eat mainly carrion but they do kill fresh meat for their young, who remain in the nest for three months minimum, sometimes longer. Like with human kids, it’s not easy to get your young ones to leave home either, considering its free room and board.

Caracaras will fly the highways nearly every morning to eat animals that traffic has killed during the night and, if they’re unable to pick apart the carrion themselves, they wait for kin vulture to do so and then move in and take it away from him. Hey, nobody said they were stupid.

One strange behavior they do have is that they will attack brown pelicans returning to the nest with food for their young, forcing them to disgorge what they’ve caught and then stealing it. I suppose they could market that as predigested the way they market cars as pre-owned. Either that or they choose only bulemic pelicans. They will also watch for turtles laying eggs and dig those up assuming, I guess, that the turtles, which do not return to the nest, will never find out.

Caracaras will scratch like chickens for worms and insects, and hunt small animals such as skunks, possums, rats, squirrels, frogs, crabs and even young alligators.

This bird has been called caracara eagle, king buzzard, Mexican Eagle, Audubon’s caracara, and Mexican buzzard.

Groups of birds in general are called a flock, but really interesting birds have special names, like a murmuration of starlings, an exaltation of larks, a charm of goldfinches. However, the caracara, being related to so many others, has a choice of four: convocation of eagles, cast of falcons, venue of vultures (unless they are flying in which case they’d be a kettle of vultures), or a wake of buzzards.

Speaking of buzzards, two of them were preparing to migrate north for the summer but, after talking about it, they decided they were too old to fly all that way, so they decided to take a plane. As they were about to board the aircraft, the flight attendant, noticing that both buzzards were carrying a dead armadillo, asked, “Would you like to check those armadillos through as luggage?” “No thanks,” the buzzards replied, “they’re carrion.”

Published or Updated on: October 19, 2010 by Maggie Van Ostrand © 2010

Re-Published or Updated on: November 15,2020 by Aetna J B

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posted by AetnaJo on Nov 3

The Costa Chica (“Short Coast” in Spanish) is one of two regions in Mexico with significant Black communities, the other being the state of Veracruz on the Gulf coast. The Costa Chica is a 200-mile long coastal region beginning just southeast of Acapulco, Guerrero, and ending near the town of Puerto Angel, Oaxaca.

The shaded area in the map shows the location and extent of the Costa Chica.

While the Costa Chica is home to many Blacks, there are many indigenous groups, as well. I have spent very little time learning about these people, and can’t speak with very much confidence about them. What I do know is that there are two major indigenous ethnic groups in the region: the Amuzgos, the coastal Mixtecs and, to a lesser extent, Tlapanecos and Chatinos.

What is also clear to me is that there is very little social interaction between Blacks and indigenous people. Part of this is the issue of the language barrier, but I believe the issue is much more complex than that. There has been a long history of hostility between the two groups, and while today there is no open hostility, negative stereotypes abound on both parts. I would hope to explore these inter-ethnic relations further, and that would likely require my learning one of their languages. Wish me luck!

Most of the homes in the region were round mud huts, whose roots have been traced back to what is now Ghana and the Ivory Coast. Now, the norm is a one-room house with wall of adobe. Also, while some of the better houses are constructed with brick or cinderblock, others can be a rather makeshift structure of sticks, mud and cardboard.

The economic base of the Costa Chica, not unlike most of the rest of the country, is agricultural. These campesinos, or peasant farmers, concentrate most of their efforts in the cultivation of corn, almost exclusively in order to make tortillas for their own consumption. Other common crops are coconut, mango, sesame, and some watermelon

Published or Updated on: September 1, 1998by Bobby Vaughn © 1998

Republished or Updated on November 3, 2010 by Aetna J B

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posted by AetnaJo on Oct 27

Día de los Muertos - It sounds so mysterious, Mexico’s celebration for when dead relatives, both young and old, are allowed to return to the mortal world for two days to visit loved ones. Spirits coming down and walking among the living, sampling earthly treats and joining in the festival … it sounds like a merry version of our Halloween holiday.

But instead of scarry goblins and blood curdling shrieks, the people in Mexico welcome the spirits of their families with the delicious smell of food in the air, tasty candies decorated like skulls, and lighted candles to guide them home again. Gravestones are decorated, and the whole family will gather in the graveyard to await and pay respects to the deceased.

Follow the links below to learn all about this unique Mexican holiday of Dia de los Muertos. For the truly adventurous there is information on how to arrange tours to the more coloful events in Mexico and to take part in the celebrations.

Skeleton puppets seem to welcome you to the
Day of the Dead celebrations

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posted by AetnaJo on Oct 16

I know this is October.LOL  I was meaning to post this article, ‘Mexico in the month of September‘ last month but is just slipped by me. Non the less this includes such good information that I couldn’t wait another year.

September 1, 1880 Porfirio Diaz’s government awards the concessions for building railroad lines from Mexico City to the U.S. border.

1, 1925 The inauguration of the Bank Of Mexico which will function as a central bank, the only one able to print money. On this precise date, 57 years later, in 1982, President Lopez Portillo announces the nationalization of all banks. (The banks have since been privatized again.)

1, 1969 From this date, Mexicans reaching their eighteenth birthday come of age, and assume voting rights.

3, 1783 Spain and England sign a treaty which allows the English to exploit the timber resources of Belize, formerly a Mexican province. The province is later renamed British Honduras, a name which persists until it gains independence from Britain, when it reverts to “Belize”.

4, 1781 The city of Los Angeles is founded by Felipe de Neve, governor of the Californias.

4, 1884 Francisco J. Múgica is born in Michoacán. Mújica becomes one of the key figures in the Mexican Revolution, and occupies important government posts under President Cárdenas. The town of Jiquilpan, not far from Lake Chapala, has a museum housing a permanent photographic record of both men’s achievements.

4, 1969 Line 1 of Mexico City’s “metro” (the subway) is opened. The line boasts French technology and super-quiet trains.

7, 1949 MEXICO’S TOP MURALIST DIES.

José Clemente Orozco, the internationally famous mural painter from Guadalajara, dies in Mexico City. First recognized as a great artist in the U.S., he later painted murals in many of Guadalajara’s public buildings, including the Government Palace, the University and the Cabañas orphanage, which later became the Cabañas Cultural Institute. Orozco’s work ranks amongst the finest ever produced in Mexico.

8, 1546 Deposits of silver ore are discovered in the state of Zacatecas, the first such deposits to be found by the Spanish conquistadors. Coincidentally, two years to the day later, more deposits are found. This discovery leads to the founding of the city of Zacatecas

8, 1824 The author of the music of Mexico’s national anthem, performed for the first time officially in 1854, is born in Spain. Jaime Nuño Roca lives to the ripe old age of 84.

8, 1847 Mexican forces defend Chapultepec Castle against invading U.S. troops. In the succeeding days, there are numerous acts of heroism, including that of the “Child Heroes” (which some modern day historians believe never took place!) The major battle for the castle begins on the 12th and ends on the 13th when the last remaining cadets throw themselves off the ramparts, rather than surrender.

8, 1862 Death, from typhoid fever, of General Ignacio Zaragoza (born 1829), whose forces, only four months earlier (May 5), had defeated the French at the Battle of Puebla.

9, 1847 The U.S. troops in Mexico City hang 16 Irish soldiers of the Saint Patrick’s Battalion (see August 20th for their story). More captured Irishmen are put to death on the 10th and the 13th of September, 1847.

9, 1850The American Congress formally admits “Upper California”, as a State of the Union -leaving Mexico only “Lower (Baja) California”.

10, 1824 Colima is formally declared a “city”.

12, 1931 Mexico joins the League of Nations.

14, 1526 The city of Antequera (now known as Oaxaca) is founded by Francisco de Orozco.

>15, 1498 Christopher Columbus begins his third voyage to the New World.

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15, 1810 CALL FROM PULPIT FOR INDEPENDENCE!

Father Miguel Hidalgo, and his fellow conspirators, decide to begin an armed uprising aimed at gaining independence from Spain. The days prior to the 15th have been full of intrigue and incident, with the Spanish authorities desperately trying to capture the ring-leaders. In the early morning of the 16th, Hidalgo issues his call to the people, an event commemorated today by the Independence Eve “Grito” (shout) made by the President every 15th of September. The 16th is Mexico’s “Independence Day”, a national holiday.

15, 1882 The Public Education Law makes primary education free and compulsory. Even today, all the primary school textbooks used in public schools are free.

15, 1939 The Partido Acción Nacional (PAN) was founded. During the 1990s, PAN candidates win several state governorships from the PRI party. In 2000, standing for PAN, Vicente Fox became the first opposition candidate to wrest the presidency from the PRI for more than seventy years. Fox’s term of office ends in 2006.

16, 1850 The opening of the first railway in Mexico: 11 kilometers of track between Veracruz and Molino.

16, 1869 President Benito Juárez inaugurates the railroad from Mexico City to Puebla. It takes another four years to finish the Puebla-Veracruz section of the line.

16, 1896 Mexico adopts the decimal system.

17, 1810 1000 PESOS FOR THEIR HEADS.

Spanish authorities offer a bounty of 1000 pesos each for the heads of Hidalgo, Allende, Aldama and Abasolo, the leaders of the Mexican Independence movement, which on that same day, installs the first independent government, in San Miguel el Grande (today San Miguel de Allende). The price on each of their heads was soon raised to $2500!

17, 1964 President Lopez Mateos opens the National Anthropology Museum in Mexico City. Recognized as one of the world’s outstanding museums, the building was designed by Pedro Ramirez Vazquez and is a “must see” for anyone visiting Mexico City for the first time.

19, 1553The Spanish Crown gives a coat of arms to the city of Valladolid, today known as Morelia. This year (2001), the city will celebrate its 460th anniversary.

19, 1985A severe earthquake, measuring 8.1 on the Richter scale, shakes Mexico City and surrounding states. An estimated 20,000 people lose their lives and some 3,000 buildings are damaged.

20, 1870 The National School for the Blind is founded in Mexico City.

21, 1629 Disastrous floods, with the water rising up to 2 meters in some places, cause extensive damage and loss of life in Mexico City.

25, 1493 Christopher Columbus departs from Cadiz, on his second voyage to the New World. Exactly twenty years to the day later, Balboa discovers the Pacific Ocean, naming it “the Southern Sea”.

25, 1572 The first Jesuits arrive in New Spain. The Jesuits play a crucial role in the exploration of north-west Mexico, and in the early development of education and colleges.

26, 1949 After exhaustive research, Dr. Eulalia Guzmán discovers the remains of the last Aztec Emperor, Cuauhtemoc, buried in a church in the state of Guerrero.

27, 1821 Mexico formally wins independence from Spain.

27, 1862 Miguel Angel de Quevedo is born in Guadalajara. Quevedo, a road engineer, is a pioneer tree planter, and eventually becomes the Head of the Forestry department in the Agriculture Secretariat. He is sometimes referred to as the “Apostle of the Trees”.

29, 1759 The first completely new volcano to be formed in the Americas in historic times, Jorullo, commences activity. Jorullo is located in the state of Michoacán, very close to the site of the America’s second (and better known) new volcano, Paricutín.

The main source for this series is:
Efemérides Mexicanas by Noé Solchaga Zamudio and Luisa A. Solchaga Peña,
published in two volumes by Editorial Avante, Mexico City, 1983.

Published or Updated on: September 1, 2009 by Tony Burton © 1997

Contact Tony Burton

Re-published or re-posted on Oct 16,2010 by Aetna J B

Sources: Tony Burton mexconnect.com

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