A Companion Guide to La Charreada
Mexico has its own version of the rodeo is called
la charreada. This basic guide is designed to enhance the enjoyment of the competition for those unfamiliar with Mexico's national sport by of...
read more
Huellas... en el campo santo
The recent demise of one of my dearest friends has made me reflect on how my experiences in Mexico have not only enriched my life, but also taught me to better cope with death. I am deeply grateful to ...
read more
Aztec Calendar
Mexica/Aztec Calendar Systems
The Civil Calendar
The solar year was the basis for the civil calendar by which the Mexicas (Aztecs) determined the myriad ceremonies and rituals linked to agricultu...
read more
Huellas ...en la Parroquia
The graceful 18th century Parroquia de San Andrés, is not only Ajijic's chief landmark, but also the hub around which village life revolves. It is the focal point for those important milestones that b...
read more
Huellas . . . De Mis Amores
Chicho gently took my hands in his, leaned in close and locked in on my eyes with a soul-penetrating gaze. "¡Qué bonitos ojos tienes, güerita!" he whispered huskily.
Geez, I wondered to myse...
read more
Huellas ...Dona Carlota
Secreted behind a thick adobe wall that runs along Calle Ocampo, Ajijic's main thoroughfare, lies doña Carlota's patio. I cherish this tiny, private paradise for to me its warmth and simplicity repres...
read more
Huellas ...papel picado
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. ...
read more
La Bamba Explained - Or, The Music Of Veracruz
Can you hear Ritchie Valens belting that one out? One of Rock and Roll’s most copied songs (from garage bands, movies, and college marching bands, to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir). La Bamba is an ode to an era, the anthem of the American Boom generation. Many of us over the years continue to sing that catchy song without thinking much about it. But in truth, there is a whole lot more here than meets most peoples ears.
read moreRaising The Dead
The attitude towards death evidenced in the quintessentially Mexican holiday of Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) might be puzzling for some. It isn't difficult for foreigners to interpret dancing skel...
read more
Pulp Fiction
Moralistic, prejudiced, racist, misogynist, manipulative, sexist, daring, exciting, critical, sarcastic and passionate - these are just a few adjectives that commonly describe Mexico's most widely-read...
read more
A new generation embraces centuries-old music of Mexico
Every Friday night around six in the evening at Cielito Lindo in South El Monte, California, a large crowd begins to gather. The same thing occurs 1,400 miles away, at El Jalisco Bar in Austin, Texas. What brings crowds to these and hundreds of other restaurants like them across the country? Some say it's the latest margarita happy hour or the growing popularity of Mexican food that packs them in. But a survey of customers reveals that it's the appearance of local Mexican music sensations and an appreciation of the sounds of four or more violins, at least two guitars, a deep-voiced guitarron, a vihuela, and, yes, trumpets. Mariachi music is the sound that speaks to your emotions.
read more
Guadalajara 6th International Mariachi Festival - Aug. 28 - Sept. 5, 1999
Inaugural Parade
The parade route begins at the intersection of Niños Heroes and 16 de Septiembre, traveling east along 16 de Septiembre until it reaches Juárez, then along Corona where ...
read more
What is the mariachi?
The only thing more Mexican than tequila is the mariachi and it seems a shame to have one without the other. Mariachi goes beyond music, it is the sum of a cultural revolution expressed through a group of musicians, dressed in popular clothing (most recently charro suits) which encompasses the essence of Mexico and its people. It is something cultural, spiritual and traditional that is unique to this country, an experience not to be missed.
read more
Music & Dance In Mexico
MUSIC
The music of Mexico provides a rich tapestry of rhythm, tone, and variety. Its roots are based on a compelling history of disparate influences.
From the music of the Mariachi, the Corri...
read more
Mexico's Pyramid Power - Chichen Itza, El Tajin and Teotihuacan
Consider El Tajin's famous pyramid of the Niches, built by inheritors of the Olmec culture. Thousands of small stone blocks came together just so, like a Chinese block puzzle, to produce a structure th...
read more
Arteplumaria - the Mexican art of feather painting
Did you know that one of the highest, most elegant and sumptuous arts of pre-Conquest Mexico was arteplumaria, the art of feather painting? Used to decorate headdresses, standards, staffs, lances,...
read more
Reportaje La Fiesta Popular
Es en las comunidades campesinas del país en donde la fiesta se celebra con mayor intensidad. Destacan también algunos grupos indígenas que buscan conservar intactas sus tradiciones. En los estados ...
read more
Reportaje - Dia de Muertos
REPORTAJE
Día de Muertos
Tradición de siglos que perdura
Por Daniel Díez
Sin cantos ni rezos, lo...
read more
Lotería Mexicana
La loteria is an old game of chance played throughout Mexico. It first became popular in the last half of the eoghteenth century and although it is rapidly being replaced by modern, electronic games, i...
read more
Celebrating the Days of the Dead: The Heart Speaks Clearly in Michoacán
The Days of the Dead, celebrated throughout Mexico, coincide with the Christian All Souls and All Saints days, November 1 and 2nd. People who have died in the past year are remembered, their pictures p...
read more
Holy Week and Easter
LENT is very important in the lives of all Mexicans who profess the Catholic faith, and in a very special way the people of Ajijic.
Lent means a time of penance, conversion, prayer and of ...
read more
Cockfighting - Chicken Soup For The Soul
The Sunday Mexican
fiesta at Guadalajara's Camino Real promised cockfighting. I should have expected the "cockfight" would amount to a quick display of two cheerfully bored roosters who could have...
read more
"Las Posadas"
In Mexico, Christmas is an important holiday season with strong traditions. One of the most colorful traditions is the posada party, celebrated every evening from December 16 to 24. These celebrat...
read more
"El Grito" (the Cry)
The Declaration of Independence of the United States eloquently states in its introductory paragraph: "When in the course of human events it becomes necessary for one People to dissolve the political b...
read more
Mixquic: the Day of the Dead and the Day of All Saints in Mexico
In Mexico on the first two days of November, the dead are remembered in a very special celebration which is one of the most hallowed traditions in the Mexican culture.
Each year, a series of unique ev...
read more
