Mexico After the Spanish Conquest 1521
Latino Cultures Directory
ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC - Mexico's narrowest part, 125 miles across. Gulf states Veracruz and Tabasco raise crops and cattle easily in rich alluvial soil and constant moisture. Along with abundant seafood the cuisine has deep Caribbean and African roots along with that of others stopping at Veracruz' seaport. The isthmus is the cradle of Mexican and Central American civilization and the site of Spain's first settlement. Feb 1519 Cortez leaving Cuba first landed on the Yucatan Peninsula, later in Tabasco. With horses and superior weapons he easily defeated locals. Native women cooking for Spain were first to combine Old and New world foods.
Spain's arrival abruptly ended Indian achievement as churches and bullfights replaced most of their civilizations. Born in Sevilla in 1729, Joaquin Roderiguez Costillares invented the basic cape pass, the Veronica, and basic modern corrida form. There's a season each for Matadors (Oct - March) and novilleros. Former Juarez general Porfirio Diaz ruled Mexico as a dictatorship. Opposition precipitated the 1910 Revolution. Factions led by Pancho Villa, Emilio Zapata and others split Mexico. A new Constitution adopted in 1917 established a democratic government composed of legistlature, executive and judicial. Political storms continued after Zapata and President Venustiano Carranza were assassinated. With 1934's election of General Lazaro Cardenas reconstruction began.
IMPORTANT DATES
Jan 6 Epiphany
Feb
2 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe
5 1917 Constitution Day
24 Flag Day
1825 uprising against Spanish rule
March 21 Benito Juarez Day
May 5 Cinco de Mayo
June 1 Corpus Christi Day
Aug 13 Cortez conquers Tenochtitlan, 1521
Sept
15 Citizen Day
16 Independence Day, Spain
Nov 20 Civil War anniversary
Dec 12 Virgin of Guadalupe Day
Links to Mexico
Latino Links * Mexconnect * Mexico On Line
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