Facts about Mexico

Four Facts About Mexico City: A Capital of Contrasts

Beautiful top view of Bellas artes at night, Mexico City, Mexico
Beautiful top view of Bellas artes at night, Mexico City, Mexico
Photo by depositphotos.com

Mexico City, a bustling metropolis rich in history and culture, holds many surprises beneath its vibrant exterior. From its rapid physical changes to its unique influence on popular culture, this city never ceases to amaze. Here are four fun facts about Mexico City that highlight its extraordinary character.

1. The Sinking City: Mexico City is experiencing a dramatic descent, sinking at an alarming rate of up to 50 centimeters per year. At this pace, it humorously faces a journey to the Earth’s core in about 12.6 million years – a challenging deadline for city planners trying to address this pressing issue.

2. The City That Named a Country: Contrary to what some might think, the country of Mexico actually derives its name from its capital, Mexico City. The connection extends further back in history; New Mexico was named ‘Nuevo México’ after the Aztec Valley of Mexico by Spanish settlers long before the nation of Mexico was formally established.

3. Life Imitating Art: The James Bond film ‘Spectre’ left a lasting impact on Mexico City with its depiction of a vibrant Day of the Dead parade. Prior to the movie, no such parade existed in the city. However, inspired by the film, Mexico City hosted its very own “Día de Muertos” parade, drawing an attendance of 250,000 people in its first year and becoming a new tradition.

4. A Home Away from Home: Mexico City boasts the largest population of American expatriates in the world. With estimates ranging up to 700,000, the city is a preferred residence for more Americans than the entire state of Wyoming, highlighting its allure as an international hub.

These fascinating facts about Mexico City showcase its dynamic nature – a city that’s both rapidly evolving and deeply rooted in its rich cultural heritage.

The Intriguing Tapestry of Mexico: Five Facts That May Surprise You

Mexico, a country renowned for its vibrant culture and diverse history, continues to surprise us with its wealth of lesser-known facts and captivating stories. This article takes you on a journey through five fascinating insights into Mexico’s historical ties, unique traditions, military history, culinary love, and a remarkable diplomatic stance.

Panorama of Pyramid of the Sun. Teotihuacan. Mexico.
Panorama of Pyramid of the Sun. Teotihuacan. Mexico.
Photo by depositphotos.com

1. U.S. Territories: Mexico’s Historical Legacy

What we know today as American states like Texas, California, Nevada, Utah, New Mexico, most of Arizona and Colorado, and portions of Oklahoma, Kansas, and Wyoming, were once part of Mexico’s territory. Texas’s journey from being a Mexican region to becoming an independent country in 1836, and then being annexed to the United States in 1845, is a significant chapter of history. Moreover, following the war of 1848, the aforementioned territories transitioned from Mexican governance to the U.S. Interestingly, the state of New Mexico was named prior to the country of Mexico achieving its independence.

2. A Peek into the Unique Burial Customs

Mexico’s burial traditions offer a fascinating glimpse into the cultural fabric of the country. There existed a time when graves were maintained based on subscriptions, and an inability to pay could lead to exhumation. In the Day of the Dead tradition from Pomuch, known as Choo Ba’ak, families clean the bones of their deceased relatives, exemplifying a unique custom of remembrance and respect.

3. The Irish Connection in the Mexican Army

The St. Patrick’s Battalion in the Mexican Army was largely composed of Irish Catholic immigrants. These soldiers had deserted the U.S. Army to fight for Mexico, resonating with the Mexican cause due to the parallels they drew between the situations in Mexico and their homeland, Ireland.

4. Mexico’s Affection for Eggs

Eggs are an indispensable part of a Mexican breakfast, considered a “sacred” meal that must not be skipped. Whether it’s household kitchens or restaurant menus, eggs are a prevalent choice. This fondness for eggs is validated by the fact that Mexico surpassed Japan to become the world’s top consumer of eggs in 2021, with an astonishing 409 eggs consumed per person.

5. A Square in Vienna Honoring Mexico’s Bold Stand

Mexico’s diplomatic history is marked by its solitary protest against the annexation of Austria by Nazi Germany. To commemorate this valiant stance, a square in Vienna has been aptly named “Mexikoplatz“. This tribute symbolizes Mexico’s firm opposition to aggressive expansionist policies and its unwavering support for national sovereignty.