Hola everyone. Since we are starting summertime I decided to do a little something to help us get in the mood for the season. There are many styles of Mexico’s awesome music and this one is dedicated to you.

I really hope that you’ve enjoyed this small portion of  Mexico’s  awsome music. If so, drop me a line and let me know and I will continue sharing Mexican music with you.

Maximilian I Emperor Of Mexico

Maximilian I (1832-1867), Emperor of Mexico from 1864-1867, qualifies as one of the country’s most ill-fated rulers. Hailing from a european dynasty, Maximilian was duped into accepting the role of Mexico’s emperor. Brought to the country under false pretenses, the archduke of Austria was led to believe his presence would be welcome by the people of Mexico. In fact, the opposite was true.

Mexico was experiencing the painful residues of a civil war (The War of the Reform) when Maximilian arrived in Veracruz in 1864. Mexico’s president, Benito Juarez, supported wide sweeping reforms for the country. This deeply angered the conservatives and the church who sought to maintain the status quo.

In 1861, President Juarez suspended interest payments to Britain, Spain and France. Juarez took this drastic measure out of necessity to help stabilize the country’s infrastructure. This decision, however, set off a chain of events that ultimately culminated with Maximilian’s arrival.

Maximilian I

In response to President Juarez’ decision, Napoleon III of France persuaded Britain and Spain to join forces with his country and demand repayment from Mexico. The Treaty of London was signed in 1861 for this purpose. However, France had ulterior motives that went beyond the settling of a debt. Napoleon III sought to take advantage of Mexico’s instability by establishing a monarchy in the country.

Once Britain and Spain learnt of France’s true intent, they withdrew from the treaty. Napoleon III remained resolute and French soldiers were promptly dispatched to Mexico. The Battle of Puebla occurred during this time, a rare Mexican victory over a foreign country. This famous engagement gave birth to the tremendously popular Cinco de Mayo holiday so widely celebrated today.

Despite Mexico’s success at the Battle of Puebla, the French soon emerged victorious and took command of Mexico City. This occupation was welcomed by the conservatives and members of the clergy who hoped to have their powers restored by the forthcoming monarchy.

Maximilian was enjoying the life of a country gentleman when Napoleon III approached him concerning the role of emperor. A member of the Imperial Habsburg-Lorraine family of Europe, Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian of Austria had a received a fine education. However, he possessed a naive nature that led him into dangerous circumstances. As a result, Maximilian became embroiled in an international melee that would have no happy ending.

Napoleon III convinced Maximilian that Mexico had authorized his appointment. In truth, a mockery of a vote had been staged. Led to believe their presence would be welcomed, Maximilian and his wife Charlotte looked forward to their new home and dominion. They set sail for Mexico.

Maximilian was crowned Emperor on April 10, 1864. Both he and his wife immersed themselves in Mexico’s culture. Charlotte changed her name to the Spanish equivalent and was known as Empress Carlota. A humanitarian at heart, Maximilian could not help but notice the great disparity between the country’s rich and poor. To the great dismay of those who had put him in power, Maximilian supported the liberal social reforms set forth by President Benito Juarez.

The United States had been embroiled in its own civil war during the French occupation of Mexico. However, once this war was over, the United States made it clear that they recognized Benito Juarez as Mexico’s legitimate president and reminded France of the Monroe Doctrine. As a result, Napoleon III was successfully pressured to withdraw his troops from Mexico.

Without military support, the Maximilian monarchy was destined to fail. Empress Carlota returned to Europe to beg Napoleon III and the Pope to reconsider their decision. Her pleas fell on deaf ears and these futile attempts proved to be the downfall of Empress Carlota’s sanity. She lived out her life in Europe, in seclusion, never to see her husband again.

Maximilian was encouraged to flee for his life. He adamantly refused, fully committed to Mexico and her people. Maximilian had grown to love his adopted country and felt responsible for her future. Before long, Maximilian was captured and sentenced to death. Pleas came from around the world, imploring President Juarez to spare Maximilian’s life. These pleas were in vain. Maximilian was executed by a firing squad on June 19, 1867. A famous chapter in Mexico’s history had come to an end. MEXonline.com

Maximilian I Emperor Of Mexico

Feliz Año Nuevo

Happy New Year

Mexican New Year

Feliz año nuevo y prosperidad.  Happy New Year and prosperity to all.
AetnaJo

Mexico Awaiting 2010

The year-end holidays in Mexico are always known for time honored with traditions and a family oriented spirit. You can sing Christmas carols with your friends and family and enjoy some buñuelos, tamales and ponche with spiked rum.

Then comes New Year’s Eve. And while it has its traditions, this holiday is not so family-oriented.

The most important beach destinations in Mexico are packed with young people looking for a good time. The most visited ones are Acapulco, Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Vallarta and Cabo San Lucas. They are always packed with young Mexicans who travel in groups to get together and have fun with friends on the last night of the year.

Upscale hotels and restaurants host New Year’s Eve dinners with festive menus and orchestras for dancing.

What you wear on New Year’s Eve is thought to influence your destiny during the next 12 months. Some dress in white from head to toe to invite good vibrations and assure a good year spiritually. Green clothing attracts a year of good health. Wearing red underwear is said to bring love, while yellow underwear brings wealth. And no, it’s not fair to wear both colors. You have to decide which is more important.

Whether you celebrate with family or friends, New Year’s Eve dinner is usually a feast.

Roast turkey or stuffed pork loin with pasta in a creamy sauce and a salad are favorites in my family. A margarita glass filled with grapes and a glass of champagne or sparkling cider, known as sidra, are set at each place.

Someone keeps an eye on the clock, and leads the countdown chorus to midnight — “Diez! Nueve! Ocho! Siete! Seis! Cinco! Cuatro! Tres! Dos… Feliz año nuevoooo! At the stroke of midnight, we drink a champagne toast to the New Year. Then we gobble down the 12 grapes in a single minute, one at a time, to assure good luck in the upcoming 12 months that they represent. Here’s a suggestion… choose small seedless grapes. They’re easier to chew and swallow fast.

Some of us seize an empty suitcase we had ready and walk around the house or run around the block so we’ll get to travel in the year to come.

And all of us embrace those present, one by one, with an air kiss near the cheek for the ladies, and a bear hug that goes slap, slap, SLAP, slap, slap, SLAP on the back for the men. Published on December 26, 2009 byDaniel Wheeler © 2009.

As you now see,  Mexicos’ New Years Eve Traditions are full of fun and love and are never ending. As always, enjoy.

New Years Eve Fireworks In Mexico

Straberry/Lime Margarita

Because of the popularity of this article at http://www.Mexican-goods.com and the information given to you  in the previous article on this blog (“tequila,”) I’ve decided to share this with you. So here it is, specially for you.

This traditional Mexican tequila-based cocktail has grown in popularity since it’s inception in the 1950’s. Now it is practically synonymous with tropical beaches and palm trees. While there are thousands of Margarita recipes, this one will give you one of the most traditional, classic fruit flavors of the earlier original version.

Tangy and fruity margaritas can be whipped up in the blender quicker than you can say “cheers!”

Ingredients:

• 2 cups lime juice
• 1 cup tequila
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1/2 cup triple sec or cointreau
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• Ice
• Salt (optional garnish for glass)

Preparation:

Fill blender 2/3 with ice. Add ingredients and blend until smooth. Serve in a glass with a salted rim.

As you enjoy the holidays, relax with a few,  Mexican tequila based cocktails. Remember, all in modest consumption is good.  Enjoy!

Mexican Pinata

Piñatas for Mexican Theme Parties

When it comes to Mexican goods, the Piñata is one of the first things that come to mind. Piñatas are enjoyed world wide for their festive presence and the promise of fun.  They are beautiful fabulous creations and are used for party decorations and are also used as a fun game.  Usually it is heightened at the end of a party with candies and toys inside it.

In the past piñatas offered traditional motifs, such as the seven pointed star and the classic donkey.  Today, piñatas can be purchased that look like Sponge Bob, Superman, and Mickey Mouse or just about anything you desire. Most of us associate piñatas as being only Mexican but their origins are elsewhere.

Unlike most Mexican goods, the piñata’s origins are multi cultural.  The merchant and great traveler, Marco Polis is known to have seen a version of the modern-day piñata when he was exploring in the Orient 13^th Century. He observed the Mandarin people celebrating the New Year.  They were celebrating with miniature representations of animals that were fashioned out of craft materials and made hollow to accommodate seeds.  On a given holiday, it would be displayed, usually hanging from a tree branch and beaten with a stick, therefore releasing the contents inside the piñata. Seeds represented a good forthcoming harvest and also portended wealth and prosperity.

Marco Polo, as legend claims, upon returning to his native Italy,  loaded his vessel with luxurious silks, exotic spices and he also brought an ancient version of the modern-day piñata and introduced it the Catholic Church, and it became intertwined with religious holidays. It was not long before the tradition spread from Italy to Spain which in turn came to New World from Spain. The missionaries used the piñata to teach the natives their religious doctrine. Interestingly, this method succeeded in teaching the indigenous peoples of Mexico because they already had their own version of the piñata.

The Aztecs would honor their god each year with a gift. This offering took shape in the form of a clay pot that contained presents. When the contents fell to the ground, it was a sign to the Aztecs that the offerings had been received.

Wearing a blindfold while trying to break open the piñata is also rooted in the past. The ancient Mayans were known to play their favorite game blindfolded. Taking note of this practice was the Spanish missionaries and they incorporated the blindfold into the teachings with the piñata.

Today, piñatas are one of the most sought after Mexican Goods. Piñatas are in very high demand in the United States.  The most popular piñatas have to do with a child’s birthday party. Children love the game as well as the hidden treasures inside.

Getting a piñata for your next event or party will truly give it a special festive feeling. Given time I can provide any and all shapes of pinatas. If you wish, I would be more than happy to help you with the planning or simply in  making suggestions for your Mexican party.