Mexico Vacations - The Past Is Always Present
Mexico’s history continues to impact life today
Few countries offer such a living, visible and touchable display of their history as Mexico. Mexico’s record of early humanity is almost overwhelming, with over 115,000 archaeological sites documented, registered and catalogued. When the Spanish arrived in 1519 the Pre-Columbian civilization they encountered had been there since 1200 BC The early inhabitants were masters of art, astronomy, architecture, construction, hieroglyphic writing, advanced mathematics and created intricate books and a solar-year calendar with 365 days.
The colonial period is best represented by the many cities built during the 3 centuries of Spanish occupation. Mexico won its independence from Spain in 1821, but the colonial cities still cast their romantic spell as living relics of a turbulent past. It’s not too difficult to envision old Mexico as you walk in the footsteps of those early Spanish adventurers.
Zacatecas is set in a forbidding mountain range once a source of Spanish silver ore, and boasts an impressive Aqueduct built in Colonial times. Enjoy a mixture of buildings, museums and markets reached through the cobble stoned streets and welcome plazas.
The very “Mexican” city of Guadalajara is linked to the origination of Mexican music, dance and traditions. The Mexican Hat Dance, brassy Mariachi music, ornately-dressed ranchers known as charros, and the charreada, (The Rodeo), are said to have begun around here. Also claimed is tequila, pozole a hearty soup, and the meat dish birria. The country’s second largest city was founded in 1542 and maintains an infectious zest for life in a climate that’s spring-like year round. No wonder it’s home to the largest colony of Canadians and Americans living outside their own country.
Guanajuato is just a scenic drive from Mexico City passing through Queretaro and San Miguel de Allende on the way. Virtually every building is from the colonial era. Silver fortunes of early citizens account for lavish mansions, churches and public buildings seen today. The world renowned multi-week International Cervantes Festival, named after Cervantes, author of Don Quixote, is held here every October. The festival hosts world famous symphony orchestras, drama companies, ballet groups, performing artists and visual and cinematic arts.
San Miguel de Allende, declared a National Monument in 1926, is overflowing with art and artists. Many foreigners come to study, create or retire. Long an intellectual centre, the city offers endless numbers of galleries, antique shops, boutiques, folk arts and crafts and, nearby, natural hot springs boast luxurious spas to rejuvenate body and soul.
Queretaro has been the site of many dramatic moments in Colonial times, from the signing of the peace treaty of the War for Independence, to the birth in 1917 of the present Mexican Constitution. Again, a city full of Colonial reminders in a setting of intense beauty.
Small town Tepotzotlan boasts the majestic complex of the Saint Xavier Seminary and Convent, considered to be the supreme example of Churrigueresque design. If you’re going to Mexico over Christmas, plan to see the Pastorela (The Shepherds) pageant. Book early.
Patzcuaro comes to mind when people think of the perfect little Mexican town, clinging as it does to the edge of a mountain lake dotted with islands. The most famous is Janitzio where one of Mexico’s most memorable Day Of The Dead (Dia de los Muertos) celebrations take place in early November. Check with your travel agent and book well in advance.
Finally, Morelia is a UNESCO World Heritage Artistic Site, home to San Nicolas, the oldest university in the Americas and one of the noblest Baroque cathedrals in Mexico.
There’s more, but this brief glimpse of some of Mexico reminds us of the words of William Faulkner, “The past is not dead. It’s not even past.”
Author: Vic Foster
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