References

DK Eyewitness Travel Guides (2003) Mexico. Dorling Kindersley, London.

Lonely Planet (2000) Mexico City. Lonely Publications Pte Ltd, Australia.

Advameg Inc. (2010) Mexico – Languages. Available: http://www.nationsencyclopedia.com/Americas/Mexico-LANGUAGES.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Bryman, A. (1999) The Disneyization of Society. Available: http://www.canyons.edu/Faculty/haugent/Disneyization%20of%20Society%20Article.pdf. Last accessed : 9 Dec 2010.

Bubba Gump Shrimp Company. (2010) Company. Available: http://www.bubbagump.com/locations. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Bureau of Consular Affairs, US Department of State. (2010) Mexico: Country Specific Information. Available: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Buzzle. Quinceanera Traditions. Available : http://www.buzzle.com/articles/quinceanera-traditions.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Different world. Mexican Food. Available : http://www.differentworld.com/mexico/food.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Direct Essays. The Disneyfication of Deviance. Available: http://www.directessays.com/viewpaper/84106.html. Last accessed: 8 Dec 2010.

Edward, M. (2006) Where we Stand - an overview of tourism in Mexico. Available: http://www.hotelinteractive.com/article.aspx?articleID=6674. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Farlex Inc (1995) Flagship theme park parque plaza sesamo opens in Monterrey, Mexico as first of five ‘

Sesame Street

’ Parks planned in Mexican venture. Available: http://www.thefreelibrary.com/FLAGSHIP+THEME+PARK+PARQUE+PLAZA+SESAMO+OPENS+IN+MONTERREY,+MEXICO+AS...-a017590805. Last accessed : 9 Dec 2010.

Fox News. (2010) Mexico grows, with migrants’ numbers falling. Available: http://www.foxnews.com/world/2010/11/25/mexico-grows-migrants-numbers-falling/. Last accessed: 8 Dec 2010

Garstka, K. (2010) Michoacan Pottery from Mexico. Available: http://www.suite101.com/content/michoacn-pottery-from-mexico-a198299. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Grabianowski, E. (2009) How Mexican Wrestling Works. Available: http://entertainment.howstuffworks.com/mexican-wrestling.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Guzman, A. (2010, Sep) Movie Theme Restaurant. Available: http://www.ehow.com/list_6952825_movie-theme-restaurants.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Highbeam Business. (1994, Jan) Mexico’s Peri Magico Fun Center scheduled to open in summer. Available: http://business.highbeam.com/53/article-1G1-14981559/mexico-peri-magico-fun-ctr-scheduled-open-summer. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Ilich, T. (2010) Music of Mexico- Son, Ranchera, Mariachi. Available :http://latinmusic.about.com/od/countrie1/p/PROBASICS17.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Indigo Guide Mexican Vacation Guide. (2008) Mexico, Culture and Traditions. Available: http://www.indigoguide.com/mexico/culture.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Love to Know Corp. (2010) Traditional Dances of Mexico. Available: http://dance.lovetoknow.com/Traditional_Dances_of_Mexico. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Mexican Dances. Available: http://www.barraganzone.com/mexicandances_others.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Mexico Less Traveled. Theme Park Fun South of the Border. Available: http://mexicolesstraveled.com/mexicothemeparks.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Mullen, N. (2004) Mexican Folk Art. Available: http://hearstmuseum.berkeley.edu/outreach/pdfs/mexican_folk_art.pdf. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Six Flags (2010) Six Flags Friends. Available : http://www.sixflags.com/national/community/SixFlagsFriends.aspx. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Spain Exchange. (2009) The Education System in Mexico. Available: http://www.spainexchange.com/guide/MX-education.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Sperling, K. Mexican Folk Art History. Available: http://www.ehow.com/about_5139112_mexican-folk-art-history.html. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

Tourism Mexico. Traditons in Mexico. Available: http://www.toursinmexico.com/general/traditions.htm. Last accessed: 9 Dec 2010.

(2009) Indigenous people of Mexico. Available: http://www.indigenouspeople.net/Mexico/. Last accessed : 9 Dec 2010.

Culprit of commodification?

Mexico is a culprit of commodifying their culture and traditions to some extent. The indigenous tribes, especially, make handicrafts items for a living and sell them to government sponsored events. It is obvious that the people who would appreciate these cultural items would be the cultural tourists. There are many forms of art that the indigenous people engage in which is not evident in other parts of the world. Therefore, seeing this as an advantage for the people, commodifying is supported to allow these people to earn more income.

For example, pottery or textile art is sold at the markets or roadside stalls. Some tourists may buy it as a form of a souvenir or they may even treat it as a form of art. This would mean that it is commodifying the product as the culture behind it is reduced to becoming a symbol of purchase.

However, most of their traditions like bull fighting or the festivals are kept to the orginal dates. This preserves the authenticity of the festivals. It is unlike some rural areas in China where they perform the dances everyday. Therefore, the evidence of commodification of their culture is present to a small extent.

I believe that every country that supports tourism in their country would be guilty of commodifying their culture as it is a way of generating another form of revenue through merchandising and indirect promotion of their country. A souvenir brought back to the tourists’ home country would allow them to share their experience or memory of the location they visited. Therefore, commodification would be inevitable.

Changes brought about by tourism

The changes brought about by tourism are generally positive as it is helping Mexico develop at a faster rate. The government is recognising the potential and the niche area of Mexico. In 2005, Mexico earned 15% of the world tourism market. Mexican tourism experienced a 9.1% growth domestically. This helps to recover from Mexico’s trade defcit and generate foreign direct investment which is a benefit to the economy.

The government is planning to preserve the cultural heritage of Mexico’s different states and protecting the environment while solving its poverty issue. Although, it may be a plan but it is a sign of a positive step. Mexico is proud of its rich heritage and I believe their strong sense of loyalty to the country would spur them to further preserve their rich and diverse heritage. Their heritage is also a source of tourism. Their other niche market is their natural landscapes which attracts many different types of tourists from adventure tourists, cultural tourists, eco-tourists, leisure tourists, etc. Without protecting the environment, Mexico might lose their beauty and their major source of tourism. Lastly, with the tourism revenue flowing into the country, the government is hoping that it will benefit the people as well. In 2005, tourism provided 180,000 jobs. However, the breakdown on who the jobs were provided to is unknown. Thus, if the jobs went to the more educated people then the poverty cycle would not be eradicated.

The government is also reallocating resources to develop new and different destinations besides the recognised tourism hotspots of Cancun, Cozumel, Acapulco and Mexico City. This shows that the other areas will be developed as well, which means infrastructure will be implaced and improvements will be made to another area. This way there will not be a concentration of the population in the areas now.

A major concern would be the lives of the indigenous people in the future as more tourism developments occur. Would it affect their cultural lifestyle? Another concern would be that at the rate that tourism is developing and gaining popularity in Mexico, would it inflate the prices where the locals cannot afford.

Thus, the changes is brought about is more in terms of the macro perspective where the economy is gaining prosperity. However, on the micro perspective, it is unsure if the standard of living for the locals is improving as well since most of the tourist destinations are focused on the resort areas. These are places where there are less locals living.  

Disneyization

This term implies a homogenization of consumption, merchandising and emotional labour. Disneyization or disneyfication arose due to the fact that others tried to follow this concept of the dimensions of theming, hybrid consumption, merchandising and performative labour.  Despite having many negative connotations to this concept, it is still highly adopted all around the world.

The most prominent evidence of disneyization can be seen at theme parks. However, not all theme parks can be considered to be disneyfied in my opinion. Some theme parks do not reflect the dimensions of disneyization. Now, I will introduce some disneyfied locations in Mexico. However, not all information may be available due to the language barrier as most of the official websites are in Spanish.

1. Six Flags Mexico, Mexico City

Six Flags is known to be one of the best theme parks of the world. It is located at the south of Mexico City. It boasts carnival rides, games and 5 roller coasters. Boomerang, was the first in the world with an outdoor round trip, Batman the Ride is the only inverted roller coaster in Mexico and Superman, the last escape is the highest and fastest in Latin America. The theme park also has a dolphinarium where there are many bonding activities that can be done with dolphins.

Batman

Although, the theme is not outrightly stated, the rides are named after cartoon superheroes like Batman and Superman which both adults and children can relate to. This theme makes it easier to brand itself as the theme is applied in their retail shops where they sell merchandises with the Batman or Superman logo on it. Theme parks are generally an all-in-one attraction which encompasses all forms of entertainment. There are restaurants and eateries within the grounds as well as retail shops and not forgetting the main attraction which is the rides itself. Hence, this makes it a form of hybrid consumption as it is a one-stop location. Lastly, Six flags expects its employees to deliver smiles and thrills to the guests. This indirectly shows the performative labour as the employees are expected to be cheerful so that the guests can be happy.

2. Parque Plaza Sesamo, Monterrey

Parque Plaza Sesamo is a theme park based on the famous characters of Plaza Sesamo, the Spanish version of Sesame Street. The theme park has water rides, play elements, live entertainment and state-of-the-art technology. It is a privately owned venture lead by several Mexican investors. CTW has allowed the park the liscense to use its characters. Official sponsors include Coca Cola, Hewlett Packard, Polaroid and CMEX.

This theme park is themed based on the Sesame Street characters. All the rides are named in relation to Plaza Sesamo for example, Expresso Minero (Mine Train) and Aerosesamo. Hybrid consumption is also present as there are restaurants, snack bars and theatres. This is definitely a location targeting children. There are many Sesame Street mascots and it is considered performative labour as the children would want to take pictures with them. Even if the employees wearing the mascots are tired or get ‘abused’ by the children, they have to endure their shifts. This makes it disneyfied.

3. Peri Magico, Mexico City

This amusement park is very unique as it is located within an existing shopping mall. Who would have thought of that? Incorporating both elements together which is like bringing the fun to the shops. Simultaneously, it would definitely generate higher revenue for the shopping malls.

Peri Magico is built in the middle portion of a mall, Peri Norte which is situated outside Mexico City. This fun center has a glass roff that allows shoppers on the other levels of the mall to look down on the activities. This tempts them to join in the fun. A popular ride is the steel roller coaster ‘Huracan’, the Mayan word for hurricane.

This example does not reflect the theming dimension but more of the hybrid consumption dimension. This shows that many forms of entertainment can be confined into just that one location. A mall is usually a place where locals purchase their groceries, necessities or shopping. The addition of having the fun center, it further promotes consumption of the people to take place.

4. Bubba Gump Shrimp Company

The Bubba Gump Shrimp Company Restaurant is a movie themed dining place inspired by the 1994 movie Forrest Gump. It is a family styled restaurant that features an array of shrimp dishes. However, it also serves other items for those who want a range of food items. The interior décor reflects the snippets of the movie. For example, a imitation of Forrest Gump’s running shoes, posters with ‘Run, Forrest, run!’ on it and pictures of actors and actresses playing the roles in the movie.

Globalisation allows the restaurants to have 32 outlets worldwide. Two of which are located in Mexico. One restaurant is in Plaza Flamingo, Cancun and one in Puerto Vallarta.

This is considered to be disneyfied as it has a theme and merchandises are sold like souvenirs and apparels which all display the Bubba Gump logo or name. This whole package of having the theme and merchandise together with the good food, makes people come back for more.

5. Club Med, Cancun Yucatan

Club Med promotes itself as an all inclusive resort and is set up all around the world. In Cancun Yucatan resort, the theme is the relaxed and natural atmosphere. The staffs all wear uniforms with the Club Med logo and portray a relaxed nature. Facilities and amenities are abundant at Club Med as they aim to be all-inclusive therefore catering to the different needs of their clientele. Being an all-inclusive resort, it definitely promotes hybrid consumption as the tourists are there to spend, enjoy their vacation and relax.

Club Med has their own retail shop in every resort they own. The shop sells a range of apparel for the tourists to purchase. At the same time, it helps in advertising their brand when these items are brought back as souvenirs. Lastly, the staff are always friendly, smiling and enthusiastic about their job. This is the requirement of the Club Med staff as they need to be approachable all the time due to the many events and activities they have at the resort. Therefore, Club Med engages in performative labour. The interaction between the staff and the tourists are much higher than that at the theme parks. Therefore, Club Med is highly disneyfied all around the world and not just in Mexico.

 

Disneyization reflects the breach between production and consumption which is achieved through the visual removal of all hint of production and the blanketing of consumption with layers of fantasy so that residents are blinkered from seeing the actual labour processes that condition and define their lives (Bryman, 1999). Moore mentioned that workers sewing Hercules, 101 Dalmations and Lion King children’s clothes were forced to work overtime and bathroom visits are limited to two per person and permission to leave must be granted. The factory also does not have clean drinking water for anyone so water must be brought by employees.

We are all blinded as consumers and we often do not think of all these issues and purely think of our own selfish needs like entertainment and enjoyment. Disneyization is largely evident all around the world due to globalisation. Yet despite the negativity of the whole concept, it is proving to be a successful strategy for companies to make greater profits.

Country known for

Food

Mexican food is known for its rich flavours infused with spices or chillies and the colourful presentation of the dishes.

Tortillas

It is the staple food for generations. It is made of flour or maize and often served as alongside a meal. It can also be used in a variety of dishes. It is rolled and baked for enchiladas, fried for tacos and grilled for quesadillas.

Salsa

It is a dip or sauce that is made up of red or green mix of tomatoes, onion, chilli and coriander.

Tequila

This is a spirit that is served at bars or pubs. It can also be served as a cocktail. It is usually served mixed with lime juice in salt rimmed glasses.

Bullfighting

It is one of the leisure activities in Mexico. Although it is an illegal sport, large crowds are drawn to stadiums to catch a glimpse of the hype. Bullfights are held at the bullring Plaza de Toros. The season is from December to April every Sunday and most holidays.

The Jarabe Tapatio

This Mexican Hat Dance is known as the national dance of Mexico. The music is Mexican folk that was written in the 19^th century. The dance was choreographed in the 20^th century for a performance at a fiesta thrown at the end of the Mexican Revolution. Today, it is still widely performed during fiestas or other events.

Types of leisure programmes

There is an endless range of sporting activities due to the diverse topography of Mexico. Hence, activities that can be done include hiking, trekking, mountaineering, climbing, scuba diving in the Yucatan region. Extreme sports like Bungee jumping and paragliding are also becoming popular in Mexico.

Soccer or futbol is one of Mexico’s favourite sports. The Tigres and the Chivas are Mexico’s most known soccer teams. It is no doubt a form of bringing people together within and across nation’s as well.

Another sport that is popular in Mexico is Lucha Libre, which is free fighting in Spanish. It is a type of professional wrestling that is inspired by American pro-wrestling. The unique aspect of this type of wrestling is that the wrestlers wear masks and does not use their own names. Their identity is to be kept a secret. Only in rare events that the mask of the wrestler is removed, which the crowd is always anticipating.

There are other types of leisure programmes through the dances and music mentioned earlier. The Mexicans do love their entertainment and fun. They embrace their life by enjoying it through fiestas and feasts.

Indigenous groups, languages and mode of education

Indigenous groups

In the past, there was the presence of the Olmec civilisation. Later on, there were the Aztecs, a wandering Chichimec tribe from the north or west who were led to the Valle de Mexico by their priests. The Aztecs resided around the current Mexico City. Historical evidences found that multiracial communities resided in Teotihuacan. The Maya civilisation which influences Mexico’s culture today was previously influenced by other Medoamerican civilisations. They inhibited in south-east Mexico while the Zapotec and Mixtec culture located at the valley of Oaxaca and the Purepecha in Western Mexico.

The most prominent groups are the Tarahumaras, Nahuas, Huicholes, Purepechas, Mixtecos, Zapotecas, Otomis, Totonacas and Mayas which still make up the major population groups in some regions in the country. The indigenous people are concentrated in the south but some large groups, the Yaqui, Mayo and Tarahumara, are in the north. The states of Oaxaca and Chiapas have the largest proportion of indigenous people. However, indigenous peoples in Mexico are often considered as second class citizens by ‘pure European’ Mexicans and mixed race mestizos.

Mexico has 62 indigenous groups and each has a unique language although some languages may have multiple dialects. In 2005, the indigenous population summed up to about 12 million which represents 11-12% of the nation’s population. Most of the indigenous population are in the central and south eastern states.

Languages

Spanish is the official language in Mexico. Almost the entire population speaks Spanish, which makes Mexico the largest Spanish speaking country in the world. 7.5% of the population also speaks indigenous languages. There are at least 31 different Amerindian language groups where the five most spoken indigenous languages are Nahuatl (Aztecs’ language), peninsular Maya, Zapotec, Mixtec and Otomi.

Body Language

Mexicans do not really respect personal space and they may stand really close when conversing. They also feel that refusing an invitation is rude, thus they might agree to a meeting but it may end up being a ‘no show’. Standing with your hands in your pockets is viewed as impolite and ill mannered. Putting your hands on your hips is confrontational too. Lastly, using the ok sign by joining the thumb and index finger is an incredibly rude sign. Therefore, all these minor body languages should be avoided as they Mexicans may take it the wrong way.

Mode of education

Compulsory education is nine years as of 1992. However, many people do not adhere to this law. In 2004, the literacy rate is 91%.

The education system consists of Basic, Secondary and higher education. Basic education includes preschool, primary school and lower secondary school. Preschool is usually free for children aged 3-5. Primary school is compulsory 6 year course while lower secondary lasts for 3 years. The secondary education has 3 stages, general upper secondary, technical professional and technological upper secondary education. Finally the higher education has 4 choices, university, technical institute, teacher-training college or technological universities. Students can choose any 4 year degree in colleges and universities which is known as licenciatura.

The seriousness of Mexico’s literacy rate is shown through the video below.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xm47s-bRfMc

Mexican Culture & Traditions

The Mexican culture is largely influenced by the infusion of the Spanish, Mayan and Aztec cultures.

Family

The Mexicans consider family to be of utmost importance. It is the core groundings of every household. The extended family is considered to be equally important as the nuclear family as they believe that it is the key to stability. The family size is mostly large except those in the cosmopolitan cities. Therefore, their family bond is very strong and filial piety is largely evident.

Most Mexican families still hold traditional values where fathers are the breadwinner, authority figure and decision maker while mothers are well respected.

Hierarchical importance

Ranking is very important to the Mexicans. Hierarchy is stressed on in relationships. Thus, they respect those ranked above them and look up to them. The Mexicans are sensitive to every hierarchical chain, in the family, among friends or when doing businesses. Therefore, it is important to know the positions of the Mexicans when talking to them or they might regard you as being disrespectful.

Machismo

Machismo means masculinity. Mexican men must uphold their reputation as a male and they will not let their image be ruined.

People

Mexicans are generally warm, friendly and hospitable people with the condition that you respect their culture in return. They greet each other by shaking hands. They shake hands and exchange greetings prior to making a request or before posing a question. When meeting a group of Mexicans, one should address each individual personally, greeting the entire group gives the impression that one is lazy and rude.

Mexican men are flirtatious thus they might whistle or pass teasing comments to women. The women should humbly accept the compliments without picking up an argument.

Art

Mexican Folk Art is influenced by the Spanish and also traditional Indian arts and craft. Folk art is usually based on shared traditions but it is always changing into new forms. Today, an estimated of 8 percent of the Mexican population, many of which are Indians, making a living by making and selling different types of folk art and craft.

The most popular and most ancient form of folk art is Mexican pottery (Mullen, 2004). Michoacan pottery of the Purepecha people can be in the form of dishes, pots, jugs, toys, whistles and whimsical figurines. These people not only make pottery but also textiles, create musical instruments, carved wooden items, prized lacquer ware, etc. The Purepecha art specialize by village, making it more unique. The handcrafted items are sold in cities and towns all over Mexico either in government sponsored shops and fairs. It is recommended to find these treasures in the original villages where they are made to make the experience more memorable.

Another type of folk art is the clothing and textile art. Mullen mentions that weaving dates back to ancient times. During the colonial period, the Spanish brought wool and silk to Mexico. Synthetic fibers and dyes were only introduced later on. The Spanish also introduced the treadle or floor loom to the Mexican weavers who were initially using the backstrap loom. Textile art include the rebozo (a woman’s shawl) and sarapes or large blanket capes worn by Mexican men in the 19^th Century.

 Music

 

Mexican music incorporates many different styles and influences.

Ranchera is a type of music the begun in the mid 19^th century before the Mexican Revolution. The music concentrated on traditional themes of love, patriotism and nature. The songs are usually more than one rhythm. The music is a waltz, polka or bolero. It is also characterised by having an instrumental introduction and conclusion with verse and refrain in the center.

Mariachi is a group of musicians and the mariachi orchestra consists of at least two violinists, two trumpeters, a Spanish guitar player and two other guitars, the vilhuela and guitarron. There is no specific type of genre that the band plays.

Click on the link below to watch the Mexican culture of music and dance 

Mexican Music from Puebla Mexico

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kHUh-3k7Hpg&feature=related

 

Dance

The Tlacolorerosis is an agricultural dance perfomed in the state of Guerrero. The name comes from the Aztec Tlacolol, which refers to ‘prepare the land for cultivation’. The dance showcases the burning of the bushes and the cleaning of the corn patch. The dancers will put on burlap tunics, jeans, knee-high thick boots and large interesting marks that represent animals, usually a tiger. The tlacoloreros dance with the accompaniment of violin music, marking the rhythm with their whips which they use to hit each other on their padded left arms to copy the sound of crackling of the fire as it burns the trees. During one point of the dance, the fire goes out and the dancers will go about whipping each other to find out the culprit.

Festivals

Mexican Posadas

‘La Posadas' is a buildup to Christmas Eve and one of the most enjoyable and exclusive Mexican tradition. On 16 December, they celebrate the events in the

voyage of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem.

In the night of each ‘Posada’, a procession led by two children starts. The children will carry a small-pine decorated platform with models of Joseph and Mary riding a burro. The other people will sing the ‘Litany of the Virgin’ holding lighted long slender candles while reaching the appointed house door of the first ‘Posada’. They will then chant a traditional song and awaken the mast of the house to request lodging for Mary. When the owner of the house understands his guests, he will elatedly open the doors and welcomes them. All of them will kneel around the mander scene, Necimiento, and offer welcoming songs, Ave Marias and a prayer.

Then, the piñata, refreshments and the dancing begin. The piñata is a pottery or paper container that is brightly decorated and stuffed with candy and toys. It is usually hung from the ceiling or a tree where the blindfolded children will turn around and are assisted to strike the piñata with a stick. It may take a few attempts before it is broken. When it breaks, the candies and toys will spill out of the piñata.

On Christmas Eve, an additional verse is added to the Ave Marias, telling Virgin Mary that the awaited night has come. Small children will be dressed as shepherds and stand on either side of the nativity scene while the other people kneel and sing a litany. Then the Christ Child is lulled to sleep with the song ‘ El Rorro’ (Babe in Arms).

At midnight, the birth of Christ is declared through the use of fireworks, ringing bells and blowing whistles. Worshippers would head to churches to attend the famous ‘Misa de Gallo’ (Mass of the Rooster). After the Mass, families make their way back home for a feast of traditional Mexican foods which differ in each region. However, common items are the ‘tamales’ (meat filling steamed in corn husks), rice, rellenos, ‘atole’ (a sweet traditional drink) and ‘menudo’ which is more sobering than strong coffee.

 

Quinceanera Tradition

This tradition is a famous Hispanic tradition which is the Christian adaptation of the Aztec culture. It represents the beginning of adulthood in an adolescent female, therefore, she has reached sexual maturity and now eligible for marriage. The ceremony includes the mass and a grand reception. Little children wil receive piñatas as gifts and the function will close with a banquet.

Mexico




Source: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html



 

Initially, my impression of Mexico is not entirely a good one. Like every other human being, I am guilty of stereotyping but through the in-depth discovery of Mexico I have come to understand and appreciate the Mexican culture better. I used to only perceive Mexico as a developing country that has many slums and it is polluted and congested. Little did I know that the culture and background behind this country is extensive.



So now, let me take you on a ride to discover Mexico through this embarkation of a cultural realm!

Introduction

Mexico at the Southern most tip of the North American continent. It boasts a colourful history and it is one of the rare places that exhibit both strong cultural elements as well as showing signs of modernization. The capital is Mexico City and it is also where majority of the population is.



Currently the population is 112.3 million as of July 2010 and the growth does not seem to be slowing down. It is the 5th largest in the North American continent and the 14th largest in the world.

Mexico got its name from Mexica (also known as Aztecs), an indigenous group that lived in central Mexico in the early 14^th Century.