¡Bienvenidos a México! (Welcome to Mexico!)
Being the only Spanish-speaking country that borders the United States, it is important to know about Mexico, it’s people, and it’s traditions!
Mexico is home to over 120 million people that consist of the ethnicities of mestizo (a mix of Amerindian, which means indigenous people, and Spanish), Amerindian, and white. Aside from speaking Spanish, a small portion of the country speaks Spanish as well as an indigenous language. Much like other Hispanic countries, the main religion of Mexico is Roman Catholicism.
Formerly functioning as a Mayan center, Chichen Itza is one of the most visited sites in Mexico. It served as a religion center for the Yucatán peninsula for a while. Since it has survived over 1,000 years, many tourists are in awe at these ruins while also marveled at how pre-Hispanic Mexicans could construct such a building despite not having modern technologies.
There are two famous Mexican holidays: Día de los Muertos and Cinco de Mayo.
Día de los Muertos is celebrated on November 1st and it is a day filled with festivals and celebrations. While some people might think that this holiday is sad and mournful, it is the opposite. Mexicans celebrate this day because they believe it is the day their loved ones come back to see them. Usually, families make an altar for their deceased loved ones that has flowers, pictures, that relative’s favorite items from while they were alive (i.e. food, drink, toys, etc.). Some families even throw parties in the cemeteries.
While America celebrates Cinco de Mayo, the Mexican’s surprisingly don’t! Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Mexican army’s victory over France in a small battle called the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Most American’s assume May 5th is the Mexican Independence Day, but it isn’t (it’s actually September 16th). Mexico has since embraced the American-created celebrations of Cinco de Mayo and have turned the holiday into an opportunity to increase tourism. The day is celebrated with parades , music, and lots of food.
For those of you who are adrenaline junkies, Mexico has a tradition made just for people like you! Originating from the Veracruz area, the “Voladores de Paplanta” (Fliers of Paplanta) are five men that ascend a very tall pole, attach themselves to just a rope, launch off of the pole, and spin upside down until they reach the bottom. Only four out of the five men descend to the ground, each of them representing the four cardinal directions. The fifth person, who stays at the top of the pole while beating a drum and playing the flute, represents the center of the universe. This odd ritual began in pre-Hispanic times, and has since been passed down generation to generation. The Voladores perform this ritual so the gods will provide them good weather for a good harvest. Also, the fliers perform this ritual to honor the earth and the passage of time.
This week’s vocab is food!
- Quisiera…/ No quisiera…= I would like…/ I would not like…
- Tengo hambre= I’m hungry
- Tengo sed= I’m thirsty
- Aguacate= Avocado
- Ajo= Garlic
- Apio= Celery
- Arroz= Rice
- Cacahuate= Peanut
- Cebolla= Onion
- Champiñones= Mushrooms
- Espinaca= Spinach
- Frijoles= Beans
- Lechuga= Lettuce
- Pepino= Cucumber
- Pepinillos= Pickles
- Papa= Potato
- Maíz= Corn
- Zanahoria= Carrot
- Arándano= Blueberry
- Banano= Banana
- Cereza= Cherry
- Coco= Coconut
- Durazno= Peach
- Frambuesa= Raspberry
- Lima= Lime
- Limón= Lemon
- Pera= Pear
- Fresas= Strawberries
- Pasas= Raisins
- Manzana=Apple
- Naranja= Orange
- Sandia= Watermelon
- Uva= Grape
- Carne de res= Beef
- Cerdo= Pork
- Carne molida= Ground beef
- Costillas= Ribs
- Lomo= Steak
- Pollo= Chicken
- Tocino= Bacon
- Pastel= Cake
- Helado= Ice cream
- Pay= Pie
- Galletas= Cookies
- Café= Coffee
- Chocolate caliente= Hot chocolate
- Leche= Milk
- Limonada= Lemonade
- Té= Tea
- Licuado= Smoothie
- Agua= Water
- Jugo= Juice
As always, I hope you learned something new! Comment any questions and try to use the new vocab!
¡Ten un buen fin de semana! (Have a good weekend!)
Amajuoritse Omatseye says
This is interesting because when I moved to America, Cinco de Mayo was one of the big holidays celebrated here. How ironic is it that people do not celebrate that holiday in Mexico. You would think it was one of the biggest holidays in Mexico with the way it is hyped in the United States. I am a huge fan of Mexican food. Thanks for sharing this information with the class. The blend of cultures is important to be aware of.
etc5099 says
Although I was absolutely horrible at spanish in high school, your fascinating posts make me want to try again so I can travel to some of these amazing places. Your blog posts are really informative and I enjoy reading (and watching videos) about some of these interesting cultures. And the vocabulary in spanish is also very informative as well. Great post!