The Maya make up the largest homogenous group of Indians north of Peru, inhabiting a vast area that encompasses Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula and parts of the states of Tabasco and Chiapas, as well as Guatemala, Belize and parts of western Honduras and El Salvador. While not the earliest of the great Mesoamerican civilizations, the Maya […]
Continue ReadingDale Hoyt Palfrey With the rise of a variety of highly developed cultures, Mesoamerica entered its Golden Age. It was an era marked by political, intellectual and urban development, as well as excellence in monumental architecture and the creative arts. Teotihuacan, Cholula, Monte Alban and the foremost Mayan centers all reached their heights in this […]
Continue ReadingThe chief function of the colonies in the eyes of the Spanish Hapsburg kings — who ruled until 1700 — was to make Spain stronger, richer and more self-sufficient. Raw materials brought home from the New World were turned into finished goods, which were then exported to other European nations or sent back to the […]
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It should come as no surprise that in Mexico, a predominantly Roman Catholic country, Easter — Pascua — is the most widely celebrated and important religious holiday of the year. Observances that would be of interest to visitors from abroad may be witnessed in virtually every village, town and city in the Republic beginning with […]
Continue ReadingHuellas Experienced Mexico travelers recognize a sure sign that a local fiesta is in progress whenever they spy a churchyard or stretch of roadway bedecked with lines of bright tissue paper cut-outs. Papel picado— an enchanting Mexican popular art form with roots in the country’s ancient cultures–lends a festive air for many types of celebrations. […]
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In Mexico, the Christmas holidays begin unofficially with the saint’s day of Our Lady of Guadalupe. But can decorations appear anytime after the Day of the Dead on November 2.The festivities are in full swing with the beginning of the posadas — celebrated each evening from December 16 to 24. They are, in fact, a […]
Continue ReadingDale Hoyt Palfrey April 21, 1519 — the year Ce Acatl (One Reed) by Aztec reckoning — marked the opening of a short but decisive chapter in Mexico’s history. On that day a fleet of 11 Spanish galleons sailing along the eastern gulf coast dropped anchor just off the wind-swept beach on the island of […]
Continue ReadingShortly after arriving at Tenochtitlán in the fall of 1519, Hernán Cortés and the Spanish conquistadores were granted an audience with Moctezuma at his breakfast table. They found the Aztec ruler sipping an exotic drink called xocóatl (meaning bitter water). Made from ground cacao beans boiled in water, flavored with vanilla and other tropical spices, and chilled with bits […]
Continue ReadingIn response to all the positive feedback on my Day of the Dead article, here are a few related activities you might pursue in the Guadalajara – Lake Chapala area during late October – early November. It is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating of Mexico´s many holidays and traditions. For authenticity, Guadalajara’s Museo Regional […]
Continue ReadingNEW TO MEXICO? Get off on the right foot! Let an experienced bilingual professional be your guide. I’m well qualified to help you find viable pathways in and around Guadalajara and Lake Chapala IF YOU ARE EXPLORING MARKETS OR STARTING A NEW BUSINESS IN MEXICO… Let me assist you: – making contacts – setting up […]
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