Introduction
to Mexico
Mexico is a land of surprise and contrast. It holds
immense rewards for the visitor who comes with an open
mind. Chiapas, the indigenous heart of the country,
reveals a very modern side to ancient traditions. Oaxaca remains a treasure for colonial architecture,
vibrant markets and non-stop fiestas. And Mexico City,
the world's largest urban center, long infamous for
pollution and crime, shows itself to be a vibrant city
with hidden pockets of calm, exquisite art, fine restaurants
and world-class entertainment.
General Information on Mexico
Geography
The variety of
Mexico's geography can be generally
categorized according to region: the
north is arid, the south hot and tropical
and the central region at higher elevations,
sprinkled with mountains, some as
high as 18,000 feet.
We will spend most
of our time in Mexico's central valley
and the Chiapas highlands. Temperatures
are generally warm during the day
and drop quickly at night.
Traditions
We will concentrate
on two types of attractions during
our visit.
First
are the traditions of 'artesania'
(crafts) practiced extensively in
and around Oaxaca. Craftsmen and women
have perfected techniques over hundreds
of years for working clay, wool and
cotton, leather and even wood.
Some
of the most unusual crafts are called
'alebrijes'. They are whimsical fantasy
creatures carved from wood and painted,
the brighter and more imaginative
the better. They make a tempting souvenir,
even for the jaded traveler!
The
other facet of living culture we will
witness is that of traditional lifestyles.
Far from wanting to assimilate into
modern society, some indigenous communities
such as Chamula in Chiapas, proudly
refuse to give up their traditions,
whether religious or secular. We will
visit with them and learn to appreciate
the many complex layers of ancient
and modern life that co-exist there
as much as anywhere in Mexico.
Festivals
and Events
There are calendars
which list 5,000 festivals per year
in Mexico, roughly 14 a day for those
of you counting! We will concentrate
on three very special, very significant
festivals during our trips in 2003.
Gueleguetza: all 15
indigenous groups from the state of
Oaxaca come together for two Mondays
in July in a brilliant display of
pageantry and a flurry of dance, music
and color.
San Sebastian: On January
21, this patron saint is feted all
over the
country, nowhere more elaborately
than in Chiapa de Corzo, Chiapas.
The tradition there is mixed within
a larger, two week celebration called
the January Fair. However, San Sebastian
stands out as one of the most important
days of the fair. Some highlights:
thousands of 'parachicos' dancers
with rattles and costumed from head
to toe, wearing wooden masks
made to look like European faces along
with enormous wigs made from
the maguey cactus. This is an unequaled
opportunity to photograph, dance and
celebrate in one of the most welcoming
festivals anywhere.
The
Day of the Dead: famous throughout
the world, Mexico celebrates their
dead as much as the living. The first
two days of November mark this festival
and CULTURE XPLORERS travelers will
not only learn about the history and
significance of this festival, but
will also share a traditional day
of the dead meal with a local family
in Oaxaca.
Language
The official language
of Mexico is Spanish. The fact remains,
however, that there are hundreds of
different languages spoken in the
country, mostly by various Amerindian
groups in and around Oaxaca's central
valley and also in Chiapas and the
Yucatan peninsula. CULTURE XPLORERS
travelers will have ample opportunity
to hear these other languages spoken
as we visit villagers in Chiapas during
our trip.
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