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Explore Mexico

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When I first started thinking about creating Mommy Maleta, I decided that I would follow the pattern of choosing a country alpabetically (Australia, Brazil, China etc…) and that I would spend 4 weeks on each country as follows: Week 1: Flag, Map, Country Facts Week 2: Interview Week 3: Craft Week 4: Recipe I set my editorial calendar according to that framework. In other words, we are exploring Mexico based on a schedule that I set over a year ago, without taking seasons & holidays into consideration. I am so happy that it worked out for us to explore Mexico over Christmas! There are many rich and wonderful Mexican Christmas traditions. The Mexican flag is even red & green (& white)! Over the next 4 weeks you’ll hear terms including Las Posadas, you’ll get crafty and learn stories about poinsettias, and you’ll get cooking with Mexican wedding cookies and maybe some tamales! Ready? Let’s explore…

Explore Mexico

Country Facts

1. Size: 758,445 sq. miles 2. Population: 116,220,947

Mexico

StepMap Mexico

3. Capital City: Mexico City which is the 10th largest city in the world by population.

Explore Mexico

Mexico City

4. Religion: 95.03% Christians (Operation World) 5. Currency: Mexican Peso (MXN) 6. Language: Spanish only 92.7%, Spanish & indigenous languages 5.7%, indigenous only 0.8%, unspecified 0.8% 7. Highest Point: Volcán Pico De Orizaba 5,700 meters
Explore Mexico

Volcán Pico De Orizaba

8. Fun Birthday Traditions in Mexico

  • The birthday boy or girl might be woken up with the song “Las Mañanitas” which means “The Little Mornings”.
  • Many birthday celebrations include piñatas.
  • Most Mexican girls have a special party when they turn 15 called a quinceañera.

Explore Mexico

A Nine-Pointed Star Piñata

A Quinceañera Mass

A Quinceañera Mass

9. Mexico is on the continent of North America 10. There are many beautiful cities and famous landmarks to visit in Mexico. Chichen Itza was a large pre-Columbian city built by the Maya people. This archaeological site is on the Yucatan Peninsula.
El Castillo (The Castle) dominates the Chichen Itza archaeological site

El Castillo (The Castle) dominates the Chichen Itza archaeological site

While exploring Mexico I started to think about my childhood birthday parties. Often times, we celebrated with piñatas. And I have had piñatas at birthday parties for my children. The best piñata we ever had was definitely a giant Diego from Dora the Explorer. A Mexican family actually gave it to my dad to say “thank you” after he let their family members and friends park at his office for a birthday party they had. My dad let us use it for my daughter’s birthday party. It took quite a few hearty swings to crack Diego open! And he was quite generous with the candy. So now I’m curious. Have you ever had a piñata at your birthday party? If so, what did your piñata look like? And how many swings do you estimate it took to crack that puppy open?   This post is linked up over at… Smart Schoolhouse , Sincerely Paula , With A Blast ,Cornerstone Confessions , Social Media Saturdays , Laugh & Learn Link Up , Crystal’s Tiny Treasures , Education Possible , All Things With Purpose , Creative Kids Culture Blog Hop

Comments

  2. Rachel G says

    So, my husband’s sitting next to me and I asked him if he’d ever heard of “Las Mañanitas” before and he just started laughing. Apparently it played a big role in his childhood! haha. I learned a few new things in this post! My MIL is from Guadalajara and my FIL is from Mexico City, but I’ve never been to the country. I did have my first tamales on Christmas Eve last year.

    • Mommy Maleta says

      So glad this post gave you a glimpse into your husband’s childhood! I’m so glad you shared this with me. What did you think of the tamales? Will you be having them again this year for Christmas Eve?