Talk about anything rich, energetic, and colorful, and Mexico will come to mind. Well, Mexico has everything to celebrate and be jolly about. With its natural resources, man-made attractions, and delightful dishes, it’s hard not to include Mexico on everyone’s travel list.
Mexico is a beautiful country located in the North American continent with unimaginable riches for over 127.6 million inhabitants. The Pacific Ocean surrounds Mexico’s 1.973 square kilometer land area, while the United States is Mexico’s neighbor in the north. Since located along the Pacific Ocean, Mexico is in the Ring of Fire with over 48 volcanoes.
Mexico’s 31 states are governed through a federal republic. Its economy is considered one of the largest in the world. It has faced economic crises in 1994 but managed to rise through challenges. Mexico’s richness never declined after that grueling year, and the country’s economy is now comparable to the GDP of the whole of Peru, one of the world’s wealthiest countries.
The capital of Mexico is Mexico City, holding its place as the oldest capital city in the Western Hemisphere. It dominates the country’s economy by generating more than 15 percent of Mexico’s GDP and being the financial center of Mexico. Mexico is a massive producer of avocadoes, silver, and appliances that are considered additional assets in their economy.
Tourism is also massive in Mexico. Amidst the pandemic surge in 2020, there were about 23 million international visitors in the country.
The Mexican Climate
Mexico’s climate is as diverse as its culture. Since it is a large country, the areas experience varying weather and climate all year round. For instance, its northern part is drier because of the abundance of deserts and rock formations, while southern Mexico is teeming with rainforests which gives the inhabitants a cooler climate. The pleasing news is that tourists can visit areas of Mexico and experience diverse weather at once.
Mexico generally has two seasons throughout the year, and the dry season occurs from November to May, while the rainy season happens from June to October. Most tourists prefer to visit Mexico during the dry season, while others prefer to stay during the busy months of December to March. These months are ideal if you would like to see the variety of celebrations in the country.
The Colorful Celebrations
It wouldn’t be Mexico without festivals and celebrations, and Mexicans make sure to celebrate very significant events that made the country as rich as it is now. Mexico is the only country that lavishly commemorates the day of the dead.
- Día de Los Muertos
This event happens every month of November, where Mexicans gather in parades of vibrant costumes and face makeups. They sing, dance, and party to commemorate their deceased loved ones. Mexicans believe that the dead temporarily return to their families during the day of the dead.
- Semana Santa
Mexico comprises more than 80 percent of the Catholic population, so Holy Week is another celebration not to miss. Here, Mexicans carry out processions and rituals to commemorate the last days of Christ on earth. The festival lasts for two weeks, and Mexicans often go to beaches after the religious activities.
- Cry of Independence
Cry of Independence is another big celebration among Mexicans. It is a tradition every evening of September 15 for the President to do the “El Grito” or the cry of independence. Thousands of Mexicans flock in front of the National Palace to scream for the fallen heroes and cheer for Mexico’s greatness.
The Mexican Cuisine
What excites tourists when setting foot in Mexico is its tasty cuisines. You have everything to expect from the country that introduced tomato, chili, chocolate, corn, and tequila in the world. Before being invaded by Spain, Mexico had its ancient cuisine with a signature taste of herbs, onions, chili, and garlic.
- Chilaquiles
Chilaquiles is a breakfast staple of fried tortillas made of corn. Mexicans often top it with salsa, cheese, cream, and fried egg. The dish said to have been originated in 1898 in central Mexico.
- Pozole
Pozole is a soup dish handed by the indigenous tribe of Aztecs to Mexicans. The soup is made of hominy corn, made of either pork, chicken, or veggies. Its savory taste is made more distinct by salsa, garlic, and chili peppers.
- Chiles en nogada
Chiles en nogada is considered a patriotic dish in Mexico because it resembles the colors of the Mexican flag. The dish comprises Poblano chili filled with meat, spices, and fruit, topped with a white walnut cream sauce and vibrant colored pomegranates.
Natural and Man-made Attractions
Mexico has its share of natural tourist attractions and man-made spots that are all equally amazing. The country has about 500 beaches facing the vibrant waters of the Pacific, Caribbean, and the Gulf of Mexico. It is also home to the Quetzalcóatl Pyramid, hailed by Guinness as the largest in the world.
- Chichen Itza
This amazing structure is the most visited in Mexico, a pyramid built by the Mayans. UNESCO recognizes it as a heritage site. The pyramid has a stairway said to be containing the remains of the dead and a jaded throne.
- Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve
Mexico is considered the 4th biodiverse country globally, the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere Reserve boasting six to 60 million monarch butterflies for visitors to see. UNESCO also recognizes the butterfly sanctuary as a heritage site.
- Guanajuato
Another UNESCO heritage site is the Guanajuato, Mexico’s art city, teeming with colonial buildings and ancient alleys. There are galleries you can visit within Guanajato like the Museum of Quixote or stroll the hyperactive plaza of Jardin de la Union.
Getting around these places is possible through several options of transportation in Mexico. You can freely travel in the country via its metro system, buses, or Uber. Mexico’s buses are often comfortable and come with wi-fi with affordable fares, and tourists prefer Uber for safety and convenience. Mexicans are also hospitable to tourists, so you can always ask for directions and better ways to explore the country from locals.
