World of Footprints

Day of the Dead VS Halloween

2011-11-08T20:27:00.004-06:00

For a long time now, the "dilemma" of celebrating or not Halloween has been in the minds of a lot of Mexicans. "It's not part of our culture", some say, others even think that it has to do with a satanic thing (we can thank that to some catholic priests). For me, it has more to do with the fact that a lot of people ignore the origins and meaning of this interesting holiday.

Before I continue, I must tell you that I am a big fan of the Day of the Dead - it is my favorite holiday, as a matter of fact - and I wouldn't trade it, but I also think that the formerly known as "Al Hallows Eve" has its own charm.

So, Halloween has its origins around 2500 years ago in the north of England and Ireland, where the Celts used to celebrate their New Year in the end of October. This was very important to them because it was the ending of the harvest and the beginning of the dark cold winter - which was associated with death, of course, no surprise there -. Superstitious as they were, they believed that this day the barrier between the world of the living and the dead became blurred, and that this could make it easier to do predictions that would help them survive the so feared winter. So the Druids, their priests, used to make big bonfires dressed with animal heads and skins in order to do the predictions. This ritual was called Samhain.

Many years later, when Christianity wanted to erase all pagan acts, Pope Gregory III decided to expand the Day of All Martyrs (that took place on May) and create the Day of All Saints, which he intelligently moved to the same date as Samhain. From then on, November 1^st was declared All Saints Day, or All Hallows Eve, which eventually became Halloween.

There you have it!! Religious syncretism once more!!

Contrary to what many Mexicans believe, this is not truly a tradition from the U.S. (not really). Actually, it wasn’t celebrated in America before 1850, when the big Irish migration occurred. Of course, it became popular in the entire continent after the big Hollywood movies were shown everywhere.

What exactly made Halloween a holiday about candy, costumes and spooky parties, so different from our tradition? I’m really not sure, but if you ask me, the origins are not far from the origins of the Day of the Death. For instance, at least we all celebrate November 1^st as the Day of All Saints, same as all the other Catholic countries like France (La Toussaint) or Italy (Ognissanti). Also, they both originate thanks to religion, and they both have to do with the spiritual world.

I don’t know why some Mexicans have this aversion to Halloween, but I do believe that there is nothing wrong in having both holidays as long as we know where they come from, why do we celebrate them, the importance of each in our cultures and, more important, as long as we don’t confuse and mix them.

That is my opinion, I just think both Day of the Dead and Halloween are really awesome.

img source: http://greenscreensaver.blogspot.com/2010/10/halloween.html

16 REASONS TO LOVE MEXICO

2011-09-16T00:00:00.000-05:00

I love Mexico because...

1. It's full of big hearted people.
2. It has a very rich (very, very, very rich) culture.
3. The food is amazing and cheap.
4. The beer is amazing and cheap.
5. Tequilaaaa!!
6. It is full of natural resources and the most beautiful landscapes.
7. It has some of the most beautiful cities of the world.
8. It has traditions that come from many centuries ago.
9. Day of the Death.
10. Parties are great!
11. There are creative minds all around the country.
12. It's unique.
13. Even though people always complain, we are not that bad.
14. Salsaaaa!! (the food)
15. Mezcaaaaaaal!!
16. There are still families with values, hope and will to make this country a better place.

Happy celebration of Mexican Independence!!!

img source: http://imagenesifotos.blogspot.com/2011/05/gifs-viva-mexico-para-fiestas-patrias.html

PUTUMAYO WORLD MUSIC

2011-09-14T00:40:00.000-05:00

Whenever I'm teaching a language, I always encourage my students to practice and increase their vocabulary by listening and singing along with the songs of foreign artists. This is also useful because music is an important part of the cultures, and in order to learn a new language you should understand a little bit about the cultures of the countries in which that language is spoken.

A great example of that is brought to us by Putumayo, a genious record label that introduces people to the music of the world's cultures since 1993. It grew out of the Putumayo clothing company founded by Dan Storper in 1975, who later on launched Putumayo World Music with the help of the co-founder Michael Kraus.

Always fulfilling its motto “guaranteed to make you feel good!”, this unique company is considered pioneer and lider in developing the non-traditional market. In addition to that, they are also commited to help others by contributing millions of dollars to worthwhile non-profit organizations around the world.

The CDs can be found in most record stores and in thousands of other retailers everywhere in the world (book stores, gift shops, cafes, etc.). Plus, to honor their motto, if you purchase a CD that doesn't meet your expectations, they are happy to give you a full refund.

So I highly recommend Putumayo's wonderful music, either to practice a language (they have a collection of more than 80 CDs from all around the world), or just to relax while you're having a good cup of coffee.

Putumayo has music for every taste, and I'm sure that you will really enjoy listening to these tunes.

Pics from the covers of my favorite Putumayo CD's

If you would like to find out more about Putumayo World Music, listen to some of the music, or purchase a CD, you can visit their web site www.putumayo.com.

Info & img source: www.putumayo.com

MULTICONTINENTAL APARTMENT

2010-10-10T22:45:00.000-05:00

Its been a very long time since I update this blog (sorry about that), but I've been wanting to write this piece since the first days I arrived in Orlando. The positive part about taking so long, is that I have more to say more about the topic.

Nobody said it was going to be easy, I was sure it was going to be interesting, but I never imagined it was going to be one of the most amazing experiences of my life that would leave me with great memories and the feeling of having a family outside my country.

The place was The Commons, apt. 1433, third floor, good view and great location. A two bedroom apartment for 4 people (just the right amount if you are living there, if you ask me).

So we were four girls from different parts of the world, truly from the four different corners of the world: Anastasia from Germany, Chantelle from Southafrica, Natsuki from Japan and me from Mexico.

one of the first pics we took together

We are so different and yet it was amazing how we got along right away. I remember my friends telling me everytime that, whenever they were in ous apartment, they could really feel the good vibes around the place.

I miss so much living with them: Natsuki's singing and her effort for learning Spanish (mostly the bad words); the long chats with Chantelle about my sentimental "problems"; Anastasia's potatos, her wine, her energy to party all night long and how she used to play songs over and over again... I miss them so much...

our last pic together

I am convinced that we will meet again someday. I've decided that I will do everything I can to visit them in their own countries. Any donations?

From Q1 to WDW

2010-06-25T01:12:00.000-05:00

Almost three months have passed since the day I went to Mexico City to get my Q1 type Visa, but still I would like to tell you about this incredible experience.

It was the end of March when I met my arrivals at the Starbucks close to the American Embassy. I remember it was very early, and I was really cold and tyred, and I was the last one to arrive.

The whole process took around 3 hours, but it was the perfect time to get to know each other better (and I must confess that from that day I knew that we would get along really well, I liked them from the beggining).

Something I remember very well is that after the appointment I got for the first time this strange feeling of being on my own from that day (it also had to do with the fact that I was walking around Mexico City and taking the subway by myself for the first time- meaning no one was waiting for me or picking me up until my bus trip to Morelia-).

After 10 days I finally got my passport back and the rest was easy (plane ticket, insurance, etc.). Time just flew after that.

Now I have been living in Orlando for 2 months and I feel that a lot has happened since that day in the embassy (everything is going so fast). And that sensation of freedom still stays on, and I'm loving it.

I'll update soon, I promise.

Cheers.

5 de mayo baby...NOT

2010-05-05T12:24:00.000-05:00

Ok, here goes the awful truth: ... 5 de mayo is NOT our most important celebration, nor our national day. In fact, it is only celebrated in one place of the whole country (and I bet not many know why).

I really don't know why it became so important for the Mexicans that live in the US, and I have to admit that also I don't know much about the historical background of that day.

I do know that on may 5th 1862, a battle took place in the city of Puebla, Mexico. The very strong and experienced French army was beaten by the not so preparated Mexicans. That is why it is kind of important.

Nowadays, in Puebla they have a military parade and everyone has the day off (nice, but just in Puebla).

Well, that is everything I know about it, if anyone wants to add something else, I will appreciate it.

By the way, the most important national party in Mexico takes place on September 16th, when we celebrate our independence day.

Mexican Thali!!

2010-02-12T02:32:00.000-06:00

The thali is an Indian meal that includes different dishes in the same plate (as you can see in the picture). The contents can vary depending on the region, but it usually includes rice, vegetables, papal, dhal, chapati, paneer and yoghurt. Thalis are commonly vegetarian (like most of the Indian dishes), but many restaurants offer the meat-based choice as well.
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I am not very fond of Indian food, but I most admit that I really liked Thali. Besides, the place where I ate it included a non-stop refill (I thought the waiters wanted my stomach to burst, haha) for a very cheap price, and the service was excellent.

Now, moving towards the other side of the world, I have to tell you that most Mexicans are meat-lovers (not that we don't eat vegetables, or anything like that), so it is hard to find good vegetarian restaurants (at least in my city). However, the other day one of my closests friends recomended me one place that was just in the heart of Morelia, and my mom and I decided to check it out.

I was a little surprised to see that the add in the entrance of the restaurant said "Indian-Vegatarian Food", because I didn't now I would find this food in Morelia. Inside, the walls were decorated with some Indian images, but the menu was closer to be all Mexican. Later, when the food arrived, I could finally see the similarities.

Maybe I'm exaggerating, but I swear it was the first time I saw those kind of plates in a Mexican restaurant (the most modest restaurants in Mexico usually use plastic dishes). Also, there were vegetables, rice, tortilla (which looks like chapati) and some dessert in the same tray. The only bad news were that we had no refill that time.

Here are the pictures of both trays, judge for yourselves:

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I just love to find cultural differences and similarities, especially when it is by chance and without leaving my city.

Rosca and Tamaleeees!!

2010-02-03T23:16:00.000-06:00

Hey there!!

Well, it's been a while since I don't update my blog... sorry about that, but somethimes I get distracted or busy and I forget...

Anyway, this time I will talk about a Mexican tradition that took place two days ago, February 2nd: "Día de la Candelaria" or Candlemas, which is a Catholic tradition also known as the "Feast of the Presentation of Jesus at the Temple". In this day, the very religious Mexicans go to church accompanied by a baby Jesus figure which they dressed "formally". Some people dress their figures in a very original -sometimes kind of weird- way; you can find for exemple, angels, saints, and even superheroes (I have a cousin who said that she was going to dress it like a doctor... don't know if she did it though).

But what's the fun part for a Non-Catholic Mexican like me? Well, on this day we also gather with family and friends to eat TAMALES (a Mexican dish made out of corn, sometimes stuffed with meat or vegetables... it can also be sweet). Traditionaly, only one person has to pay for the dinner, but to explain that I have to talk a little bit about another tradition: Día de Reyes (Three Wise Men Day).

Día de Reyes took place almost a month ago, on January 6th. It is a tradition in which family also gets together to eat a delicious ring-shaped bread that is called "Rosca de Reyes" (king cake). Inside this sweet bread are hidden several muñequitos (plastic figurines). Each person cuts a piece of bread, and the ones who find the muñequitos have to pay for the tamales.

In fact, I've been wanting to write this entry since that day, when I was eating Rosca with my friends and we started to think about the tradition. Suddenly we realized that nobody really knew its origins for sure. Two days later, my friend Nilda from Venezuela asked me more about the Rosca de Reyes, so I decided to do a little research.

The origins of the tradition of the Rosca have nothing to do with the Three Wise Men. It is related to the festivities dedicated to the god Saturn in the Roman Empire, where they used to bake round cakes with prickly pears, dates and honey for all the people. Inside, a broad bean was hidden, and the lucky one who discovered it was proclaimed the King of Kings for a short period of time.

In France the tradition continued with the Galette des Rois, which is a very fine cake proper of their cuisine. Nowadays, the French also get together to eat the Galette, and the finder of the hidden surprise becomes the king (or queen) of the party.

Very similar to this is the Roscón the Reyes from Spain. The recipe and the tradition was taken from the French, but actually, it is made also in different ways (sometimes they add chocolate, pastry cream, etc.). The one who finds the dry broad bean has to pay for the Roscón.

The tradition was brought to Mexico by the Spaniards in the 16th century. It is now related to the tradition of the Three Wise Men who visited Jesus when he was born. For us, the hidden broad bean represented baby Jesus who had to hide from Herod (the king who wanted to kill him). Of course, since nobody wants to pay for the tamales and a broad bean can be easily swallowed, the bean was replaced for the figurine I was telling you before (but initially, it was pottery instead of plastic).

Although the Spanish Roscón is round (as the name indicates), the Mexican Rosca has now a traditional oval shape, so there can be enough for everybody (yes, we have large families, and we like to invite lots of friends home... besides, each one eats usually two pieces). And that is also why now there are several figurines, so many can divide the cost of the tamales for such a large party (the economy doesn't help either).

The Spanish Roscón and the Mexican Rosca (the differences are very clear)

Some say that it is a blessing to find the muñequito (jesus figurine) and that it brings good luck... but anyway I don't care, I still don't want to be the one who has to pay for the tamales. Also, the tradition is shared in school and work places, so you end up cutting 3 or 4 roscas in a week (imagine all the muñequitos you can get!!!).

Two of my bests friends (David and Alhe) found muñequitos this year (they still owe me some tamales...)

This celebration is even more special for the children, because the Wise Men come and bring them several toys and treats if they have been good (we also have Santa Claus on Christmas, but the Wise Men are more important here).

So with this entry I kind of catch up with some of the things that I wanted to write related to the Mexican traditions that take place after New Year's Eve. I really found out to many details and facts that I didn't imagine. I hope it was interesting to you as well.

by Lil21

THE MANY COLOURS OF INDIA

2009-12-16T03:00:00.000-06:00

Two months ago I had the opportunity to visit this amazing country, and I must say that it was a really great (and unique) experience. Everyday there I woke up thinking "what is a mexican girl like me doing here? This is just terrific!".

I saw a lot of interesting things, but what I'll never forget is seeing that India is a colourfull country. You could find colour in every corner, even in people. Take women, for example: almost all of them wear saris (a colourfull shiny dress) or kurtas (long shirts) with dupathas (a long shawls), wich are full of colour as well. They also wear a lot of accessories, like bangles (shiny bracelets), flowers, earings, noserings, etc.

My cousins and me with saris, kurtas and two Indian women

Another exemple can be clearly found in the many temples that are all around the country. No matter where it's found or to which god it's dedicated, each temple is full of colour in its own style.

A temple from the countryside and antother from the city

Even trucks and carts are fully decorated.

To sum up, I really loved this country and its people for their warmth and sense of decoration, and I will continue to talk about this and my other experiences in this incredible country some other time.

India truly shines!!

by Lil21

Happy Thanksgiving!!... In Mexico?

2009-11-25T00:51:00.000-06:00

Let me start by saying that Thanksgiving is NOT a Mexican tradition, however, it has been part of my family for almost 7 years now.

Some of my Mexican friends often ask me (with a puzzled look on their faces) why we do this if this is not something traditional in Mexico. Well, the reasons are very simple to explain.

My Mom lived in the US for about 5 years. She was married to an American, so she spent a lot of time with his family celebrating all the American holidays (4th of July, Halloween, Christmas, etc.). Thanksgiving was one of her favorites. She loved it so much that, after getting divorced and moving back to Mexico, she still wanted to share that special day with us.

From the first time I thought it was a great idea, for I knew all about the Thanksgiving historical background, but I never experienced it by myself. Now, after all these years, I can tell you that I also love it, because we have given it another meaning.

Everyday we complain about the "bad" things that happen to us, we always feel sad because we don't have "this" or "that"; so why not make the opposite for a change? Lets be thankful for at least one day. Think about the good and the bad things (bad things are also good, they help you grow and learn) that happened to you in the past year and be thankful for them, then hope to experience even more in 2010. That's what I do every last Thursday of November.

So, my advice is: no matter were you live (Mexico, India, Italy...), your culture, or your religious beliefs, celebrate Thanksgiving. Besides, it's a perfect excuse to have a delicious dinner and to share a special moment with your family. Why don't you give it a try this year?

Cheers!!

by Lil21

THE DAY OF THE DEAD: RELIGIOUS SINCRETISM

2009-11-10T01:39:00.000-06:00

I know I'm a week late, but still, I didn't want to miss the opportunity to tell you a little something about one of Mexico's most beautiful and important celebrations: el "Día de Muertos", which is a big deal all around the country, but can be best experienced in the state of Michoacan (especially in rural areas).

There are many celebrations of the Catholic world that people in Mexico adopt as their own, and by doing so, they are “mexicanized”, but there is no celebration as especial as The Day of the Dead.

This unique celebration has been created as a mixture of two worlds: the pre-Hispanic world and the Catholic word of the Spaniards. But, how did this happen? Here I will try to explain the facts that led to this creation, the way this festivity was carried out in the past and its contrast with the way it’s celebrated in the present time.

I will also have the chance to show you some of the nice pictures I took while walking through Downtown Morelia on the Day of the Death weekend.

"Las Tarascas" fountain decorated for the Day of the Death celebration

Origins of the Day of the Dead

As I said, “Día de Muertos” is one of the most important celebrations in Mexico, especially in rural areas. Its importance could only be compared with the festivals celebrated in honor of the local saints of the towns. These saints are believed by Mexicans as “lesser deities” who intercede with God. In the folk-Catholicism of Mexico, the souls of the departed also have this possibility.

This festivity is mostly a family feast, but it has a public aspect at community level. On this date, the family is reunited. Living and death share a few time together once a year. Although this might seem scary, it is the contrary.

The celebration combines elements from the pre-Hispanic religious belief and practice and elements from the Catholic feast. It is this last one which has obscure origins.

In Mesoamerica, the idea of arising out of death was very clear. In their complex religion, the recurrent theme is the interdependency and interaction of the humans with the gods. Also, the belief of an afterlife was present since very early times.
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It was until the end of the 13th century when the “All Souls” was accepted as a liturgical day. However, it was difficult to incorporate the practice of feasting, as it was a pagan custom.

Christian church tried to refocus the feasting by incorporating festivals for the saints, but the practices associated with the death were strong.

Two of the Aztec festivals, Miccailhuitontli and Micaihuitl (life feast of the death and great feast of the death) are associated with cults of the dead. On these celebrations they used to adorn the figure of Huitzilopochtli with flowers, then, they would feast and dance.
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Common to the ancient and modern ceremonial connected to dead are the flowers, the offering of food, incense, paper ornaments, dancing, music and cleaning of cemeteries.
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When the Spaniards tried to incorporate their Christian rituals, Indians couldn’t understand them, so they tried to hold on their customs hiding their symbols and gods within the Christian ones.

What helped the conversion of Indians was the fact that there were a lot of elements that seemed close to Christianity (infant bathing, eating part of the gods, ideas of confession, etc). They had gods that were related to Christianity to (Tezcatlipoca, Huitzilopochtli, Coatlicue and Quetzalcoatl). The saints quickly adopted the place of small gods.

During the colonial period there was a mixture of the commemoration of the dead formed by Spanish and Mesoamerican aspects. Ceremonial fiestas reached a peak of riotous display in the cities that alarm the authorities, so, in 1766 gatherings in the cemetery and the consumption of alcohol was forbidden during the time of “todos los santos”. Indians were not content with this, so eventually, this was changed.

The Celebration

On the first days of November (1st and 2nd), households make offerings of food and drink to the dead. In many places, there is also a feasting in the cemeteries. The Totonac Indians, for example, extend the celebration to 8 of November (octava).

There are days designated to celebrate the different ways of deaths, some say this are hierarchical.

Within the days of “todos los santos”, people clean and decorate the tombs in very creative ways (the cemeteries of Tzintzuntzan are a very clear example). Flowers, candles, incense and crosses are carried there. There is also music-making of all kinds. In some places, the celebration takes place at daytime (Tancoco, Veracruz and Chilac, Puebla, for example). On the other hand, in other places like Michoacán, the visit to the cemetery consists in a nightlong vigil.

The Cemetery of Tzintzuntzan

There are other places, like San Pablito in Puebla, where special masses are made and, if the priest is available, he leads the activities in the cemetery.

The “Ofrenda” (Altars)

Most of this day’s preparations start much earlier in the year. Everything in this festivity is supposed to be new, but sometimes circumstances do not make it possible.

The rural markets are filled with color and excitement because this is where all the things for the offering can be buyed (fruits, vegetables, pottery, flowers, incense, toys, sugar sweets, tissue-papers with punched or cut-out decorative designs, etc.).

The orange color of the “cempaxochitl” (flower of the dead) is predominant, as this is the flower associated with festivals for the dead in pre-Hispanic times. That is why the “ofrendas” often have paths made by its petals, so the dead can find their way to the food and drinks (also to find the way back, so they won’t stay and haunt the living).

Traditional Ofrenda dedicated to Morelos

The preparation of the bread for the dead begin before 30 October and its carried out by men. The cooking of the other food also begins in advance.

The ofrenda is constructed on the 30 or 31 of October bye the whole family. It is usually a table covered with a white cloth or plastic sheeting. It has also an arc made by canes, and decorates with flowers, palms, other green leaves and sugar canes (this may vary). The “papeles picados” are also used to decorate the “ofrenda”. On the table, pictures of the dead ones (in central position), saints and virgins are placed. Candles are very important, the guide the souls of the dead. Before the table, a “petate” will be placed. Finally, the food offering and more flowers are placed on the table.

Return of the Soul

The belief is that the souls of the children are the first to return. Food and gifts appropriated to them are settled. These “little” souls are divided in to: the ones who died before baptism (who return the 30 October) and the other children (31 of October). Then, it’s the adults turn, with more spicy food (mole, tamales, enchiladas, chalupas, etc) and drinks that they preferred (coffee, atole, tequila, mescal, aguardiente, etc.). They arrive on November the 1st.

Clothes and personal possessions are also added to the offering. If they receive new stuff, these will be used by the living, such as it happens with the food. The spirits of the dead do not consume the food, but the spirit of it, so later the family will consume part of it and will distribute the other part with friends and relatives.

In the present time, we find that some “ofrendas” include commercially produced goods. The elaboration and the cost of the ofrendas depend on the family status. Mestizo families sometimes hire experts to build their “ofrendas”.

Traditional Ofrenda from Michoacan

In Mexico City the “ofrendas” are from the traditional way, to only a table with photos, flowers and candles. Skulls and skeletons are found in the urban context. In fact, there are made some skeleton figures in papier mâché in honor of the artist Posada (la Catrina).

Me and a fancy Catrina

Many public buildings make their “ofrendas” (museums, stores, galleries, hotels, etc.).

Fountain of "Jardín de las Rosas" decorated for the Day of the Dead

Now, competitions of “ofrendas” are held all around the country, which make them every year more complex. In Morelia, for example, you can see two competitions: one of the traditional “ofrenda” (the one described above) and the other of modern “ofrendas”. In this last one you can find very original and metaphoric ideas (they tend to be very weird though) which have nothing to do with the traditional “ofrenda”.

Modern Ofrenda dedicated to Alfredo Salce (known artist of Michoacan)

On the present day, the celebration of the day of the dead is becoming more a custom than an obligation, and it has everyday less religious significance. The purpose is to maintain a good relationship with the dead ones.

My friend Juan and me making a new acquaintance

Other Facts

The origin of sugar figurines used in today’s ofrendas appears to be Europe. They also have relationship with the fact that pre-Hispanic used to keep skulls as trophies. Now, new types of skull appear every year in Mexican markets.

On 1840, the urban celebration was deep related with traditions of catholic church (it was kind of gloomy), now, it is more in touch with an atmosphere of joy.

"Mariachi Calavera" in Downtown Morelia

By this festivity and joy environment, it is noticed that Mexicans do not fear death. They cry for their beloved departed ones, but they rejoice as they think they are in a “better place” now and they have the hopes to reunite with them someday.

The images of Calaveras made by José Guadalupe Posada, who mocked the antics of the living, are still present today in the popular imagery (“la Catrina” is internationally recognized).

"Frida", the Catrina who lives in my house

There is a variation of the festivity depending on the region of the country. In fact, in the present time, the feast has crossed the border, as it is now celebrated by Mexicans who live in the U.S. Music, dancing, elaborated costumes, masses and ofrendas are made (though this face an acculturation right now).

I would like to finish by saying that the Day of the Dead has an important place in the hearts of, not only Mexicans, but in every person that has had the opportunity to be part of it. In my opinion, this happens because of the deep meaning that it still keeps, and the big quantity of cultural aspects that are put together (music, food, decorations, etc.).

Calzada Fray Antonio de San Miguel

As some say, “the Day of the Dead is alive” and it has become an essential fact in the preservation of the national identity. That is why I think it is important not to loose the real meaning of this celebration, to keep it the way it is so it won’t disappear.

Me just before taking those beautiful pics of Morelia during the celebration of the Day of the Dead

by Lil21

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Source

Carmichael Elizabeth, The Skeleton at the Feast, the Day of the Dead in Mexico, part 1, pp. 14 – 71.

I ♥ to live in MORELIA

2009-09-08T00:29:00.000-05:00

Morelia is a beautiful colonial city, capital of the state of Michoacan, in the southwest part of Mexico. It was founded in 1541 and it played a very important role in the Mexican Independence.

Therefore, its streets, monuments, builings and squares are full of history, and represent a lovely example of the Spanish baroque style.

I have been living here for seven years now, and I must say that I love it. I mean sure, it has problems - like every city nowadays -, but you can find here more pros than cons.

For example, I have seen a lot of Mexican Cathedrals and, in my oppinion, there is not one more beautiful than the one in Morelia -in and outside-. This magnificent pink-coloured construction keeps an enormous organ with 4600 flutes, which is played every year at the International Organ Festival.

Downtown Morelia is, in general, a place worth visiting more than once. Each corner is surrounded by a unique atmosphere. This can be perfectly felt in "La Casa de la Cultura" and in "El Jardín de las Rosas" -two of my favourite places in the city-, were your artistic and bohemian self can revive while painting, writting, reading or simply drinking a cup of coffee with your friends.

Another attractive fact about Morelia, is that festivals take place during the whole year. The most important, I think, is the International Film Festival that takes place in October, were movies, actors and directors from all over the world are united in the heart of this colonial capital.

So, as you can tell, culture is inhaled in this city. No wonder why this place remains the most visited cultural destination in the whole country. Don't miss the chance to come and see it for yourselves!

img source:
http://vivirmexico.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/04/catedral-de-morelia-480x640.jpg
http://mexatua.files.wordpress.com/2009/07/img_1219.jpg

I'ts a Multicultural World After All...

2009-09-06T19:56:00.000-05:00

It's imposible to say that a culture is not touched or influenced by another one. This, in fact, has been happening for many years, and it has built the world as we know it today.

In these days, the internet and the other mass media make it easy to have all this cultural barter, even when you don't have the opportunity to travel a lot. If you ask me, this is one of the greatest qualities of the web.

But I'm sure I don't need to explain that. Each one of us has lived at least one experience in contact with another culture, and I bet we can find one relative or friend that has married someone from a different country.

Even a mexican who lives in a small city like me, can have the opportunity to interact with different cultures without living her country. I just love that!

What about you? Do you have a multicutural experience to share?