Top 10 Amazing Facts About Mexico
Vibrant culture, rich history, and amazing natural beauty are the best adjectives to describe the Mexican land. One of the most interesting countries in the world, Mexico provides the perfect blend of the old and the new - ancient civilizations and modern traditions. Be you an explorer, a historian, or just an incredible foodie, there is always something exciting to learn about this North American gem. Here are the top 10 amazing facts about Mexico that will intrigue you.
1. Home to Ancient Civilizations
Mexico was a great home for the old-time great civilizations, namely, Aztecs, Mayans, and Olmecs. These were people who added value to the world with their knowledge of astronomy, mathematics, and architecture. The Mayans were excellent in keeping time; in fact, they had produced that world-famous calendar. On the other hand, the Aztecs designed Tenochtitlán, an excellent product of urban design, now known as modern Mexico City.
These sites in Mexico have become some of the famous UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Archaeologists and tourists have never stopped visiting them since they were discovered.
2. Land of Birth for Chocolate
Chocolate is an enjoyable candy product in today's life. Without the cacao trees planted first by the Aztecs and Mayans, we could never enjoy the deliciousness of chocolate. They even thought of it as the sacred cacao tree, as well as the food of the gods.
The Aztecs used cacao beans as currency and consumed chocolate in a bitter, spiced beverage form. Today, Mexican chocolate is still known for its rich flavor, often mixed with spices like cinnamon and used in traditional recipes such as mole.
3. The World’s Largest Pyramid is in Mexico
Most people associate pyramids with Egypt, but the largest in the world by volume, is actually the Great Pyramid of Cholula located in Puebla, Mexico. This massive pyramid, built by the ancient Choluteca people has a base four times larger than the Great Pyramid of Giza.
Though less evident than other monuments, it bears tremendous historical value. Another part of the pyramid shows tunnels and artifacts that inform one of the pre-hispanic culture.
4. Mexican Food Gets Registered UNESCO
Mexican cuisine is so exceptional that it has been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage by UNESCO. From tacos, tamales, and enchiladas to mole, guacamole, and chiles en nogada, the diversity and flavors of Mexican food are unmatched.
Maize, or corn, is a staple ingredient in Mexican dishes, and its importance dates back thousands of years to when it was first domesticated. Vibrant street food culture is an experience not to be missed in cities like Mexico City and Oaxaca.
5. It's the Land of Mariachi and Tequila
Mariachi is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Mexican music. This lively, traditional music style originated in Jalisco and is an integral part of Mexican celebrations.
Jalisco is also where tequila was born: Mexico's most famous spirit. Tequila is derived from blue agave plants and has been a Mexican cultural icon for centuries. The town of Tequila itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and visitors can tour agave fields and distilleries to learn how it's made. 6. Mexico City Is Sinking
Mexico City, founded on the ancient lakebed of Lake Texcoco, is sinking at an alarming rate of up to 20 inches per year. The city was originally the capital of the Aztec Empire, but when the Spanish drained the lakes to create urban spaces, the land became unstable.
Today, the weight of Mexico City's buildings, coupled with the removal of groundwater, has sunk the city faster than any other in the world. Yet it remains one of the most vibrant and populous cities in the world.
7. Biodiversity Hotspot
Mexico is one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, hosting over 200,000 species of plants and animals. It ranks as the fourth most biodiverse country, with ecosystems ranging from deserts and rainforests to coral reefs.
Mexico is home to such species as the axolotl, an amphibian found in lakes there and considered critically endangered. Millions of monarch butterflies arrive annually for their unbelievable journey to the forests of Michoacán to spend the winter.
8. Day of the Dead Celebrations
One of Mexico's most colorful and meaningful traditions is the Day of the Dead, Día de los Muertos. This is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, which honors the dead loved ones by using altars or ofrendas, marigold flowers, candles, and food and drinks as offerings.
Instead of a somber occasion, it is a celebration that shows life and death mixed in with the pre-Hispanic belief and the Catholic traditions. The holiday made its mark on the international arena due to films such as Coco, which magnificently showcases the culture.
9. Mexico has 68 Official Languages
While Spanish is the official language, Mexico is a linguistic treasure trove with 68 recognized indigenous languages and over 300 dialects. The number of people speaking languages like Nahuatl, Maya, Mixtec, and Zapotec is in millions across the country. These languages are being preserved for their invaluable cultural and historical importance. Listening to the indigenous languages gives a more profound understanding of Mexico's diverse heritage.
10. Mexican Flag and its Symbolism
The Mexican flag is a beautiful embodiment of the country's history and values. The green stripe symbolizes hope, the white stands for purity, and the red represents the blood of national heroes.
An eagle stands perched on a cactus holding a snake in its beak. It originates from Aztec mythology. The gods told the Aztecs to settle down and build their city, Tenochtitlán, at the place they first caught a glimpse of this vision. Today, the eagle continues to be a proud emblem for Mexicans.
Conclusion
Mexico’s rich history, cultural traditions, and natural wonders make it a country unlike any other. From its ancient ruins to modern culinary delights, it’s a land full of stories waiting to be discovered. Whether you’re a traveler, historian, or just someone curious about the world, exploring Mexico’s many facets will undoubtedly leave you in awe.
Next time you hear the word "Mexico," think beyond the beaches and resorts and dive into the incredible stories, traditions, and facts that make this country so unique.
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