QUESTIONS10. What is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world?11. Mention some examples of Nahuatl words that are still used.12. What influenced the Modern Mexican Literature?13. What is the Golden Age of Mexican cinema?14. Write some Mexican main dishes.15.What includes the Mexican traditional music?16.What are the 3 main sports practiced in

Mexico?

MEXICO

FACTSUnited Mexican StatesIt’s Capital is Mexico CityIt’s area is 1,972,550 km2 It’s currency is the PesoEstimated population of 113 millionBefore the Europeans arrived, it was populated by the Olmec, the Toltec, the Teotihuacan, the Zapotec, the Maya, and the Aztec.It’s considered to be a regional power and middle power.

CULTURE

Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world.The government recognizes 62 indigenous Amerindian languages.Some Amerindian words are commonly used. For instance, tomato, chocolate, coyote, and avocado are Nahuatl.

RELIGION

Colonization brought Roman Catholicism to the country, which became the main religion of Mexico.However, there is 3% of evangelical and other protestants evangelical groups.

ARTMexico is known for its:

Folk art traditions, notable handicrafts (clay pottery –Oaxaca), cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls, colorful baskets and rugs.

The paintings of Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Jose Orozco, and David Alfaro.

ARQUITECTURESpanish Colonial Style dominated the colonial Mexico.The Academy of San Carlos (1788) was the first major art academy in the Americas.

LITERATUREModern Mexican literature was influenced by the concepts of the Spanish colonization of Mesoamerica.Outstanding colonial writers and poets include Juan Ruiz de Alarcon and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz.

CINEMA

The Mexican cinema history was back to the beginning of the 20th century.The Golden Age of Mexican cinema is the name given to the period between 1935 and 1959.

Maria Felix

Pedro Infante and Jorge Negrete

TELEVISION

La Colorina

El Derecho de NacerLa Antorcha Encendida

TV AND CINEMA NOWADAYS

HOLIDAYS

May 5th: Puebla battleIndependence Day: September 16thLocal patron saints: they pray and burn candles to honor their saintsGuadalupe Day: Dec 12th Holy Night: Dec 24th

Christmas Day: Dec 25th

New Year’s Day: Jan 1st

Death Day: Nov 2nd

CUISINEMexican cuisine is known for its blending of Indigenous and European cultures.Popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, mole sauce, atole, tamales, and pozole.The main Mexican ingredients are maize, beans, meat, potatoes, tomatoes, peppers, chili peppers, habanero peppers, and avocados.Popular beverages are fruit juices and hot chocolate.Alcoholic beverages are the mescal, pulque, and tequila.

CHILE EN NOGADA

MUSIC AND DANCEMuch of the traditional contemporary music of Mexico was written during and after the Spanish colonial period, using European instruments.Traditional music includes Mariachi, Banda, Norteño, Ranchera, and Corridos.Folk dances are a feature of Mexican culture. Significant in dance tradition is the Jarabe Tapatio.Popular composers are Agustin Lara, Consuelo Velasquez (Besame mucho), Jose Alfredo Jimenez, and Armando Manzanero.Some well-known Mexican pop singers are Luis Miguel and Alejandro Fernandez. Others like Carlos Santana, Caifanes, and Café Tacuba have incorporated Mexican folk tunes in their music.

SPORTThe traditional national sport is Charreria (it’s a series of equestrian events – horses and bullfighting). The Plaza de Toros in Mexico City has seats for 48,000 people.Football is the most popular team sport in Mexico. The most famous are Chivas de Guadalajara, Club America, Cruz Azul, and Pumas de la UNAM.Mexico is also known for its boxing tradition, having such as Julio Cesar Chavez and Salvador Sanchez.Lucha Libre, baseball, fishing, scuba diving, and basketball are other popular activities.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z32890GLm4k (JARABE TAPATIO)

BAILES

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7I9zdq__FX4 (DURANGUENSE)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H_JixOgNb5c QUEBRADITA

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ji14wdp-V0 (CUMBIA MEXICANA)