What began as one of the most important civilizations in human history is today one of the most important cities in North America.
México City is the capital city of the country of México. México Distrito Federal or México DF is also known as Ciudad de México and the La Ciudad de los Palacios, which is Spanish for the City of Palaces. This alpha global city is a financial, cultural, political and educational center of the country of México and is the largest city in the country.
México City occupies a total land area of 1,485 square kilometers or 573 square miles and is divided into 16 boroughs. This makes it the 32nd largest metropolitan area in the country and serves as the home of 20% of the country’s total population. Distrito Federal sits on a high elevation of 2,420 meters or 7,940 feet above sea level.
The city of México can be found in the Basin of México or the Valley of México. It is located in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, which accounts for why earthquakes and seismic activities are a common occurrence. The unique typography of the city is due to the fact that much of modern day México City sits on what used to be Lake Texcoco, which was drained in the 17th century. It is only thanks to an extensive network of canals that flooding was prevented since there is no natural drainage in the area. However, the soft clay base where the city is built on, combined with the over extracting of groundwater to be used as the city’s drinking water, is causing modern day floods, as well as some of the areas of the city to sink.
The city’s population is recorded at 8.8 million residents in 2010, making it the second most populated city in the country. México City has a population density of 6,000 individuals per square kilometer, or a whopping 15,000 residents per square mile. This makes it the most densely populated city in the country. At the same time, over 21 million residents call the greater metropolitan area of México City their home. Thus, México City is the biggest metropolitan area in the western hemisphere and one of the largest cities in the world in terms of population.
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In 2009, México City was ranked by the United Nations as the fifth largest agglomerations in the world, following Tokyo, Delhi, Sao Paulo and Mumbai. In terms of economic GDP, México City ranks as the eighth richest metropolitan area in the world and at the same time generates 34% of the country’s GDP.
Spanish is the official language spoken in the capital city, as well as in other parts of México. However, there are as much as 50 various languages spoken in the city. Indigenous people in México speak Nahuatl, Mazahua, Otomi, Zapoteco, Mixteco and even various Mayan languages like Quecha and Guarani. Other languages such as German, French and Chinese are also spoken by many of the city’s expatriates and immigrants. Mexicans also have varying levels of English proficiency. For those who wish to do business in México City, it is useful to avail of the services of a professional language translation specialist.
The high elevation combined with the tropical location of the city gives México City a subtropical highland climate. Rain is more frequent in the higher regions than it is in the lower portions of the valley. México City experiences two seasons, wherein the rainy season is from June to October, and a dry season, which lasts from November to May. Within the dry season is a cold period, which is from November to February, and a warm period, which is from March to May.
The temperature in México City on average ranges between 12 °C to 16 °C or between 54 °F to 61 °F. The coolest months are January and February, wherein the temperatures drop below zero °C. During the winter season, snow has been known to occur although this is rare. On the other hand, the spring and summer season brings in temperatures that reach a warm 32 °C or nearly 90 °F.
While the summer season is recorded to have the hottest temperatures, it is also the months wherein the most rainfall is most likely to occur. Hail is even known to fall during this time. The average rainfall in the city is 820 millimeters or 323 inches, most of which occur in June and lasts until September or October. Most travelers visit México City in July and August when the weather is perfect for many outdoor activities. On the other hand, the most humid climate is in April and May.
Just like other major metropolitan cities, street crime is common in México City. Pick pocketing and armed robbery does occur so travelers have to be especially vigilant when touring. Keep your travel documents locked in your hotel safe but always bring some form of valid identification. Passport theft has been known to happen, even at the airport.
As a safety precaution, do not wear obviously expensive jewelry and designer clothing to avoid drawing unnecessary attention to yourself. Keep an eye on your things and hold your belongings close to your person, since laptops, briefcases, purses, bags and other personal items have been stolen from visitors while in the city. Avoid purchasing counterfeit and pirated goods, as these are illegal. Also, change your dollars at the airport to ensure that you do not get counterfeit pesos. Avoid using your ATM card while in México since skimming is also a problem and bring only the cash you need for the day. When going around, use “sitio” taxis and avoid “libre” taxis, which may be unregistered and may place travelers at a higher risk to crime. Finally, use your common sense to keep safe and follow some basic safety rules, such as avoiding taking a walk alone at night and staying away from unlit and unfamiliar areas. By keeping these in mind, travelers would still have an enjoyable time visiting México City.
Visitors to México City would be impressed by the cosmopolitan downtown area and find that the people are irresistibly warm and friendly. The city offers a variety of cuisines from around the world and there are also a number of attractions, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Xochimilco and Centro Historico, Templo Mayor and the iconic landmark of the Angel of Independence to keep travelers busy.
There is much to discover about one of the most interesting cities in North America. With its rich history, interesting attractions, thriving economy, diverse people and delicious cuisine, travelers would find that México City as a must-have on any travel itinerary.
History of México
The city traces its history back to the 14th century when the Mexican people, who were later also known as the Aztecs, founded Tenochtitlan in the Valley of México by Lake Texcoco. According to their stories, divine guidance played a role in finding the ideal location by providing the people a visible sign on where to build. This symbol is an eagle with a snake on its beak perched on a cactus plant, which is found in the country’s coat of arms, included on its national flag. This ancient city grew over the years and prospered so that its population far exceeded that of the City of London.
Two centuries later, it became known as Ciudad de México with the conquest of the Spaniards. Hernán Cortés landed in Veracruz in the 16th century and proceeded to destroy the Tenochtitlan city to establish the capital for New Spain. The Spaniards are credited with introducing Christianity to the people and building Catholic churches where Aztec temples used to be.
Under Spanish Rule, Ciudad de México’s trading industry prospered, for it had access to both the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. The city also became the administrative center for other Spanish colonies such as Guatemala, Philippines, Yucatan, Cuba and Florida. At the same time, the Spanish nobility sought to gain the King’s favor by building numerous extravagant churches and palatial homes in the colony. This earned México the moniker “The City of Palaces,” bestowed upon by Alexander Von Humboldt. Many of these grand colonial homes and churches could still be seen today.
By the 19th century, the Mexicans wanted to gain their independence from Spanish rule. This is marked by Grito de Dolores or the “Cry of Dolores” on September 16, 1810, which is today a national holiday in the country. After more than a decade of war against the Spanish crown, Mexicans won their independence on September 27, 1821.
In 1824, the city was officially known as Distrito Federal, since the city’s leaders patterned their new government to the U.S. Constitution. However, although the Mexicans gained the right to govern themselves, many wars ensued after the country’s liberation from Spain. The Mexican-American War later arose over territorial disputes. The Mexican Revolution was also borne out of civil unrest in the city.
By the 20th century, México’s size grew at a phenomenal rate. The city’s boundaries began to spread as the population began to grow. The first skyscraper in México City, Torre Latinoamericana, was erected in the 1950s. During this time, the city had three million residents. By the 1980s, the city’s population exceeded eight million. At the same time, the number of industrial jobs in the city lured people from provincial towns, further increasing the city’s population and straining its resources. It resulted in the creation of shantytowns due to the lack of adequate housing, as a consequence of which caused the increase in the air and water pollution levels of the city.
Today, the city of México is an exciting and vibrant metropolis. It is home to the tallest building in Latin America, the Torre Mayor. México City also ranks at the 8th of the top ten major cities in North America. It is also ranked 4th in economic potential and is listed as the 4th most cost-effective city today.
Demographics of México City
México City is the third largest city in the world, next to Tokyo and New York. The metropolis accounts for 20% of México’s total population.
México City is the most densely populated city in the country. The city is home to more than eight million residents while over 21 million people reside in the metropolitan area. México City is a mixture of various ethnicities. Close to 19% of the city’s population is made up of indigenous peoples. Many of the people are also considered mestizo or people with mixed indigenous and European ancestries.
Because the city is a financial and economic capital, it also home to a number of expatriates and immigrants from various parts of the world including the Middle East, Canada and Asia. México City is likewise home to the most number of Americans who reside outside of the United States, estimated to be about 600,000.
Immigrants from South America include those who come from Colombia and Argentina, as well as Venezuela, Brazil, Uruguay and Chile while those from Europe mostly hail from Spain, Switzerland, Germany, France, Czech Republic, Italy, Romania, Poland, Ireland and the Netherlands. There are also those who come from Haiti, Cuba, Honduras, El Salvador and Guatemala. The Asian community in México City comprises Filipinos, Chinese and South Koreans.
All these immigrants and expatriates have given the city a uniquely international flavor. Spanish is the lingua franca in the city, although English is widely spoken by the English-speaking immigrants. The people in the city have varying levels of mastery of the English language. German is also spoken in the city, as well as French, Occitan, Basque, Catalan, Galician, Filipino, Chinese, Hebrew, Korean and Armenian. Given the city’s tremendous diversity, there would be instances wherein the services of a professional language translation service provider might be needed. Mexican companies that wish to do business in America, or English speaking companies that wish to tap into the Spanish speaking community will greatly benefit from language translation services of a professional company.
Religion plays an integral role in the lives of the Mexicans. The majority of the people are Roman Catholic, with about 90% of the population belonging to the Catholic Church.
Unfortunately, there are a number of marginalized poor that coexist with many of the more affluent in the city. There are an estimated 50,000 Mexicans who are homeless. Many people from other parts of the country also find themselves in México City as they try to reach the United States.
Economy of México City
The city of México is considered as an integral part of the Latin American economy and a large contributor to the México’s coffers. México’s GDP in 2008 was around US$877 billion, 22% of which was generated by México City. During the same year, the GDP of the metropolitan area of México City was placed at US$390 billion, making it the eighth richest metropolitan area in the world, along other major metropolitan cities such as New York, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Paris, and London. This also makes México City the richest city in Latin America. At the same time, México City ranks as the 30th largest economy in the world. It is also posed to be one of the fastest growing economies in the world today, as its GDP is estimated to double by the end of the decade. The Mexican peso is the currency used in the city.
The city provides over 25% of the country’s service sector. Many of the industrial jobs have moved closer to the border, thanks to the country’s participation in the North American Free Trade Agreement. However, México City still remains as the corporate headquarters of many companies.
Various industries make the backbone of the city’s economy. Construction, as well as the production of iron, steel, yarn, plastics, textiles, furniture and cement are just some of the industries that generate jobs and growth in the city. At the same time, México City has a solid tourism industry because of its numerous attractions.
Many international firms have a presence in México City. Top international advertising agencies such as JWT, Ogilvy, Leo Burnett, Saatchi and Saatchi, Grey, McCann Erickson, BBDO, Euro RSCG have offices in the city.
American retailer Sears has an office downtown. Media giants Televisa and Azteca are also based in the city. These are considered as the two largest media companies in the Spanish-speaking community. Telecom giant and Fortune 500 Company, América Móvil is headquartered in México City. The second largest non-publicly listed company in the world is also based in México, the Mexican state-owned petroleum company Pemex, which is another Fortune 500 Company. Finally, the government-owned CFE or Comisión Federal de Electricidad is the city’s third Fortune 500 company.
Overall, Mexicans enjoy a good quality of life as the city has an HDI index of 0.915 as of 2002. However, there is some disparity between the rich and the poor in México City, with some areas of the city considered marginalized. At the same time, as many as 50,000 Mexicans are homeless, the bulk of which are the elderly poor and about ten percent of which are minors.
México City also suffers from the highest unemployment rates in the country in relation to the total population of the city. The informal employees in the city are estimated at over 25 million people. They work as street vendors, as well as workers in low-paid temporary jobs. However, there are various government programs meant to stimulate the local economy to help the city recover from the recent years of recession.
Given the city’s central location, diversified industries, strong manpower, cheap labor costs and ideal economic climate, it’s not surprising that México City is slated to be one of the world’s top economies in the next few decades.
México City Attractions
Most visitors to México City are welcomed by the iconic image of the Angel of Independence or Columna de la Independencia. The whole structure was erected for the centennial celebration of the War of Independence. It has a bronze sculpture at its base symbolizing law, justice, war and peace. There is also a bronze statue of a lion being led by a child. Marble statues of some of the independence heroes surround the base, too. On top of the column 36-meter is the bronze statue of Nike covered in 24-karat gold. The Nike statue is 22 feet high. The iconic symbol of México City doubles as a mausoleum. The whole structure, popularly known El Ángel is stunning when lit at night. This is found at the Paseo de la Reforma, which was designed to resemble Champs-Elysees in Paris. The avenue serves as the home of the Mexican Stock Exchange and where many corporate headquarters are located. This links the National Palace, which is the seat of government, to the Castle of Chapultepec.
The Castle of Chapultepec is located at Chapultepec Park. The castle was used as an imperial residence, the site of the military academy, an observatory and is today the home of the Museo Nacional de Historia. The site of the Castillo is built on sacred Aztec ground. This is the only royal castle in the Americas and North America that has served as the residence of the emperor of the Second Mexican Empire, Emperor Maximilian I and his consort.
Bosque de Chapultepec is the largest ecological reserve in the city and its biggest park. The natural forest reserve occupies 686 hectares and helps preserve and balance the ecosystem of the busy metropolis. The park, particularly its first section contains most of its attractions including a lake, an aquarium, a theater, fountains, monuments and an amusement park, called the Chapultepec Magico. The Baths of Moctezuma was unearthed in this section of the park, too. This is also where México’s most famous tree, the Montezuma cypress or Ahuehuete is located. It is a giant tree, with a trunk whose diameter measures 165 feet. It is believed to be over 2,000 years old.
The park is likewise the location of the national zoo, as well as the National Museum of Anthropology. The most important piece in the museum is the Aztec Calendar Stone called Stone of the Sun or Piedra del Sol, while other interesting finds include an Olmec mask made of jade and the Aztec statue of Xochipilli that dates back to the 16th century.
The Historic Center of México City or the Centro Historico is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The site where Spanish explorer Hernán Cortés met Aztec leader Moctezuma in 1519 is known as El Zocalo, or the Plaza de la Constitucion. Cortes is responsible for transforming the former Aztec capital to resemble traditional Spanish towns, wherein there is a city center or square that is surrounded by the church and various important colonial buildings. Today, this is the venue for various festivities such as Dia de la Bandera in February, Grito de la Independencia in September and a number of Christmas activities in December.
The Palacio Nacional or National Palace is an important historical building since this has served as the home of the country’s leaders since the time of the Aztecs. It is where the President starts the celebration for the Grito de Dolores, by shouting “Viva México!” to the crowd below. It is also here that travelers would find beautiful murals painted by renowned Mexican artist, Diego Rivera.
Just northeast of Zocalo is Templo Mayor, which is an ancient Aztec Temple that was discovered accidentally in 1978 by city workers. It dates back to the Aztec Empire and is five centuries old. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Though the Spaniards tried to destroy the temple when they conquered Tenochtitlan, many of the artifacts, jewelry and various archeological gems have been unearthed in recent times to give travelers an idea of the Aztec way of life. The items that were excavated from the Temple can be found at the Museo del Templo Mayor.
The chance to see the floating gardens located in the borough of Xochimilco, another UNESCO World Heritage Site in the city should not be missed. Being here is an experience similar to being in Venice, Italy. A series of canals measuring 170 square kilometers long and artificial islands called chinampas could be viewed onboard colorful flat-bottomed boats called trajineras. The canal is a remnant of the extensive waterway system created by the Aztecs. This borough is the third largest in México City, and consists of 18 old barrios and 14 pueblos. Xochimilco dates back to pre-Hispanic times. Today, it is an important part of the country’s ecosystem as it is home to a number of indigenous flora and fauna. Sundays are the busiest time to visit.
The opulent and white marble structure of the Fine Arts Palace is a fine example of Art Nouveau and Art Deco architecture and serves not only as a museum but also a theater. It dates back to 1934 and is one of the most important cultural centers not only in the city but also in the entire country. The venue has been called “Cathedral of Art in México” due to its importance in promoting Mexican art and culture, and more than 10,000 visitors are welcomed here each week. It is also a UNESCO Artistic Monument. Diego Rivera murals adorn the walls of the structure. It is also where travelers get to view performances of the Ballet Folkorico de México and the National Symphonic Orchestra. This is the best place to view traditional Aztec dance rituals, Jalisco agricultural dances, mariachis, marimba players and even Mexican films.
The Plaza of the Three Cultures is located in Tlatelolco neighborhood. The square’s name refers to the three periods of the country’s history paying homage to the pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial and the independent period in the history of México. The plaza is where travelers could find Aztec temple ruins, as well as the 16th century Santiago de Tlatelolco Church. There is also the Tlatelolco Monument, in memory of the 1968 student demonstrations that cost the lives of 300 student activists, as well as the museum called Memorial 68, which chronicles the México City student movement of the 1960s.
One of the most famous residents of the Coyoacán neighborhood is the artist couple Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo. It is also here where the home of Russian Leon Trotsky could be found. Frida Kahlo’s work and personal items are housed in the Museo Frida Kahlo, although it is more popularly known as the Blue House or Casa Azul because of the distinct cobalt blue walls of the structure. This is the same home where she was born and where she likewise died. On display are her personal belongings, such as diaries, early sketches and other memorabilia. For her other art pieces, travelers should also visit the Modern Art Museum in Chapultepec Park and the Dolores Olmedo Patino Museum in Xochimilco, which boasts of Kahlo’s “The Broken Column” artwork.
Catedral Metropolitana or the Metropolitan Cathedral serves as the seat of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of the country. It also has the distinction of being the oldest and biggest cathedral in the Americas. It dates back to the 16th century, although the cathedral has undergone much reconstruction over the years. It is built on top of old Aztec ruins and is today one of the most impressive churches in the city.
Our Lady of Guadalupe Shrine and Basilica is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites for Catholics. The shrine is where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin in 1531. La Villa de Guadalupe is visited by millions of devotees from all over the world. The busiest time to visit is December 12, which is the feast day of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
The Avenida de los Insurgentes is known as one of the longest single avenues anywhere in the world. It stretches 28.8 kilometers or just under 18 miles and crosses 16 boroughs of the city. In México, it is the longest avenue, while it is the second longest avenue in the world, preceded only by Avenida Rivadavia in Buenos Aires. This is the location of the World Trade Center México, the Polyforum Cultural Siqueiros, the Teatro de los Insurgentes, the archeological area of Cuicuilco and various shopping malls.
México City also boasts of one of the tallest buildings in Latin America, the Torre Latinoamericana or the Latin American Tower. At 45 floors, it is one of the tallest buildings in the city, soaring 183 meters or 597 feet from the ground. There is an observation deck with telescopes to give visitors a panoramic view of the city. This building is considered an important engineering feat because it is the first skyscraper in the world built on a highly active seismic area.
Those who wish to visit a traditional amusement park should visit the La Feria Chapultepec Magico. This is the oldest amusement park in the city located at Chapultepec, and boasts of the famous Montaña Rusa rollercoaster, Ratón Loco, Cascabel and Montaña Infinitum roller coasters. Other attractions include thrill rides like Martillo, Cóndor and Power Tower.
Six Flags México is the biggest theme park anywhere in Latin America and is the only theme park of the Six Flags group that operates in the continent. Formerly called Reino Aventura, it is found at Ajusco borough in the Tlalpan forest. Top attractions in the park include Wild River, Batman: The Ride, Superman: the Last Escape, the wooden roller coaster Medusa, as well as Kilauea and the laser tag activity named Terminator X: A Laser Battle for Salvation. Aside from the various thrill rides, visitors would have a great time learning and interacting with delightful dolphins
A popular day trip from the city is a visit to the impressively vast archeological site of Teotihuacán. Just 48 kilometers or 30 miles away from México City, travelers would find some of the biggest pyramids as well as residential structures that date back to pre-Columbian times. The city itself dates back to 100 BC and was one of the biggest and most important cities during its heyday. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the most visited and most popular archeological site in the country of Mexico.
Another important archeological site is Cholula. This is one of the biggest and most important archeological excavations in the county. It is an ancient city with seven pyramids, some of which are even larger than Egyptian pyramids. The Great Pyramid of Cholula or Tlachihualtepetl stands 55 feet above the surrounding flat land. It was believed to have been erected for Quetzalcoatl. It is still being used today since the Spanish built a Catholic church on top of the pyramid.
A daytrip to Cholula is oftentimes tied together with a visit to the City of Puebla. It is an hour and a half away from México City. Also known as “the City of Angels,” this UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for the Cathedral at the Main Square and is one of the top five most important pre-colonial cities of México. There is also the Convent of Santa Monica, as well as ceramic factories where travelers might pick up a few interesting souvenirs. Puebla is best known for its Cinco de Mayo celebrations, since this is where the festival originated.
Another daytrip that travelers could consider from México City is a trip to Cuernavaca, which is known as “The City of Eternal Spring” because of its pleasant climate. Located just 60 miles or 97 kilometers from México City, it is an important archeological site of Gualupita I by the Olmec people. It is more than 3,200 years old. It has one of the oldest cathedrals in the continent. On the other hand, travelers who wish to buy silver jewelry and ornaments should go further down and find the best selections in the city of Taxco de Alarcón, known as the Silver Capital of the World.
México Culture
There are many amazing things awaiting travelers to México City. It is home to about 160 museums, more than a hundred art galleries and around thirty concert halls. In fact, México City ranks as the city with the fourth most number of theaters in the world, preceded only by New York, London and Toronto. It is the city with the most number of theatres in any Spanish-speaking city. The National Auditorium is a top venue for English and Spanish language performances and has been deemed as best venue in the world. Other concert and performance venues are the Teatro Metropolitan, Palacio de los Deportes and the Foro Sol Stadium.
Those who wish to enjoy some art don’t even need to go in a museum to find it in México City. There are murals painted by Diego Rivera that grace the walls of such places as the 200-meter long Palacio Nacional and the Instituto Nacional de Cardiologia. His home with his wife, artist Fida Kahlo is located in the borough of Coyoacán, and this has been opened to the public. Most of the historical buildings in the city have sculptures, friezes and frescoes and other embellishments on their façades.
The city boasts of the México City Philharmonic, which plays at the Sala Ollin Yoliztli and the National Symphony Orchestra, which plays as the Palacio de Bellas Artes. The city is also home to the Philharmonic Orchestra of the National Autonomous University of México and the Mineria Symphony Orchestra, and smaller ensembles such as the Carlos Chavez Youth Symphony, the Bellas Artes Chamber Orchestra, the National Polytechnical Symphony and the New World Orchestra.
Travelers looking for some of the best food in México City would find it in various restored haciendas. Some examples are the Hacienda de Tlalpan as well as the Hacienda de los Morales, both of which serve authentic Méxican cuisine. México City is known for some of the best seafood and at the same time serves cuisine from all over the world. Famous international restaurant chains by world-renowned chefs are found in the city, such as Brasserie Lipp, Nobu, Philippe by Philippe Chow, Pampano and New York steakhouses The Palm and Morton’s.
Mexican food is full of flavor and utilizes a number of ingredients and spices. Empanadas, carnitas, enchiladas, flautas, gorditas, huevos rancheros, lengua, menudo, moles and pollo asado, tamales, taquitos, tortas, flan and dulce de leche are just some of the famous Mexican dishes that you could enjoy in the city. Hot chocolate is a must-have while in México City. This rich and decadent drink dates back to the time of the Aztecs, although it was first created by the Mayans more than 2,000 years ago.
When it comes to shopping, México City offers both high end luxury goods found at Avenida Presidente Masaryk in Polanco and Galerias Insurgentes, as well as various goods sold at local mercados, the biggest of which is the Tepito Market that spans 25 blocks. Sundays are the best time to find tianguis or mobile markets. Outlet shoppers would be delighted with the Punta Norte Outlet Mall, where top brands such as Max Mara, Hugo Boss, Salvatore Ferragamo and Zegna are sold. The Santa Fe district is also home to a number of shopping malls and department stores.
No trip to the city is complete without watching a live bullfight. There is bullfighting every Sunday at the Plaza México. This is the biggest bullfighting ring not just in México but also anywhere in the world.
Religion plays in integral role in the lives of Mexicans. Many holidays and traditions are centered on religious holidays and events. The year starts of with Dia de los Reyes Magnos, which is celebrated on January 6. It is a tribute to the Three Kings who visited the baby Jesus. Here, Mexicans exchange gifts and also serve a Rosca de los Reyes, which is a cake with a plastic doll baked inside. Traditions states that whoever is served the doll must host the Dia de la Candelaria in February. Also known as Candlemass Day, Dia de la Candelaria is held every 2nd of February.
Carnaval is sometime in February or March, which is a five-day celebration complete with parades, floats and dancing to mark the beginning of the Lenten season. Semana Santa starts on Easter weekend. In November, there is the two-day celebration of Dia de los Muertos, which falls on All Saint’s Day and All Souls Day. Rather than a somber celebration, Mexicans pass out sugar candy in the shape of skulls and serve Pan de Muerto or Bread of the Dead.
However, the biggest religious festival in the city is Dia de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe or the “Our Lady of Guadalupe Day.” Another celebration centered on the Virgin Mary is Fiesta del Virgen del Carmen in July. Flowers are offered and dances and musical performances are made, especially in the San Angel district of the city.
The most important holiday in the city and in the nation is Dia de la Independencia. September 16th commemorates the country’s Independence Day. The festivities start at 11pm of the 15th, wherein the country’s president cries out “Viva México”, to recreate the El Grito. There are various parties and celebration throughout the city. Another important holiday is Dia de la Revolucion, with is celebrated on November 20th, which marks the end of the 1910 revolution. The birthday of the first president of the country, Benito Juarez, is a national holiday that is celebrated every 21st of March.
Mexicans celebrate music and dance with the Guelaguetza Dance Festival in July held in Oaxaca. Travelers get the chance to witness traditional folkloric ballet or check out various traditional dances set to authentic mariachi music at the Palacio de Bellas Artes. This is also the venue to catch top Méxican and international performance artists.
México City’s culture is alive and well and offers visitors an endless array of entertainment choices. The city’s sounds, sights, history and flavors remain vibrant and provide a glimpse into the unique history and culture of the people.
Interesting Facts About México City
México City is an amazing and interesting city because it is rich in history and has a distinct culture. Here are some interesting facts about México City that help reveal why this Spanish-speaking capital is such an attractive destination for travelers and immigrants alike.
- With about 160 museums, México City outranks even the cities of Paris and New York as the city with the most number of museums anywhere in the world.
- The Papalote Children’s Museum is home to the largest dome screen in the world. This is found at the Chapultepec Park.
- México City is the highest city anywhere in North America. The city has an elevation of 2,420 meters or 7,940 feet, while its highest point has an elevation of 3,930 meters or 12,890 feet.
- México City is sinking. Because of its unique typography being built over an underground water system, it is estimated that the city sinks about six to eight inches a year. The problem is aggravated because the underground water system is the source of the city’s drinking water so water is constantly drawn out.
- In the wintertime, the main square found in Zócalo is transformed into an ice skating rink. This is considered to be the second biggest ice skating rink in the world, after the one at the Red Square in Moscow. Other attractions during the wintertime include ice igloos and slides. During other times of the year, Zócalo is a popular venue for free events such as concerts.
- México city has one of the most number of IMAX theaters in the world.
- The Spaniards established the Spanish Inquisition in the city in 1571.
- Europeans learned about hot chocolate when it was brought to Europe from México.
- The city also hosted the 1968 Olympic Games and two FIFA World Cups, the first in 1970 and the second in 1986.
- México City is home to one of the oldest universities in the Americas. The National Autonomous University of México was established in 1551, making it the second oldest in the Americas. It has a student body of close to 306,000, ranking it as the largest university in the country and in the continent. Some famous alumni include many of the country’s presidents as well as three Nobel Prize laureates. It is among the top 200 universities in the world, earning the 45th place, according to The Times Higher Education Supplement in 2009. It is the top-ranked Spanish-speaking university in the world. Aside from being a center of learning, the main campus of the university, called Ciudad Universitaria, is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- México City has been called many flattering nicknames throughout its history. Baron Alexander von Humboldt called it Ciudad de los Palacios or “The City of the Palaces” in the 19th century. Under Lopez Obrador’s rule, it was called La Ciudad de la Esperanza or “The City of Hope.” Marcelo Ebrard Casaubon’s administration called the city Capital en Movimiento or “the Capital in Movement.” Locals call their city Chilangolandia, while the residents are called chilangos or capitalinos and defenos.
- México is a twin city with some of the most important cities in the world. Some of the cities include Athens, Beijing, Beirut, Berlin, Buenos Aires, Cairo, Chicago, Guatemala, Istanbul, Lima, Los Angeles, Madrid, Nagoya, Panama City, Paris, Rio de Janeiro, Rome, Seoul, Santiago, Seoul, Stuttgart, Sydney, Tel Aviv and Toronto.
References
https://www.yourspanishtranslation.com/México/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/México_City
http://www.Méxicocity.com/
http://www.mexperience.com/guide/essentials/México-facts-and-figures.php
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_970.html
http://www.demotix.com/news/232959/poverty-and-unemployment-México-city
http://money.cnn.com/magazines/fortune/global500/2011/countries/México.html
http://worldinfozone.com/facts.php?country=México
http://www.travels.com/destinations/México/fun-facts-México-city/