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Mexico City: Land of Many Cultures
Mexico City still harbors the remnants of its two historic worlds, and a third modern world has arisen with increasing globalization and technology. Each of these worlds—ancient, colonial, and modern—pervades the cultural and physical surroundings of Mexico, perhaps nowhere more so than Mexico’s capital city. Mexico City, along with its suburbs, is the largest city in the Western Hemisphere, and the fourth largest in the world, with 59 municipalities and 19.2 million people. It is also an economic powerhouse, holding the eighth position in the world’s wealthiest cities with a GDP of $315 billion as of 2005. Among modern skyscrapers and ancient art, colonial cathedrals and busy roadways, it is evident that the city’s captivating past has made it what it is today. Mexico is a land of history and contrast, where two cultures once merged to create a new people. When the Spanish conquistadors landed in Mesoamerica in 1519, they encountered indigenous Mayans, Aztecs, and others who had built a vibrant civilization, but one that was in decline as a result of famine. Hundreds of years later the new, combined indigenous and colonial inhabitants of Mexico fought together, more than once, to gain their independence—triumphing first in 1821 over Spain, and then again in the revolution of 1910 (which would rock the nation and create substantial instability for years to come). During the revolution of 1910, Church missionaries (who first arrived in 1875) were forced to leave, but the future of the Church in Mexico was bright. Church growth accelerated in the 1950s and 60s, with missionary work flourishing during this time. A Church school system was also established, and the first Spanish-speaking stake was formed. In 1983 the country’s first temple was built in Mexico City, an invaluable blessing to Saints who previously had to travel to the U.S. for temple worship. Today, Mexico has more than one million Latter-day Saints, second only to the United States in baptized members. Mexico has seen its share of economic struggles and hardship, but it has overcome many of these struggles and has become known as a land of great beauty, crystal-clear seas, historic architecture, and vibrant culture. Read on to discover what Mexico’s largest city has to offer so that you might also enjoy its past and present. Zócalo The central feature of Mexico City is the Zócalo. A common term referring to a city’s main square, this one is one of the largest in the world. The Spaniards began laying out the square shortly after conquering Tenochtitlán, the capital city of the Aztec empire, and demolishing the existing Aztec temple precinct. They had their own ambitions for the area, turning it into a colonial market, bullfighting arena, and place of execution. In modern times you’ll visit more practical venues: the National Palace, a beautiful cathedral, and many open market stalls. Don’t miss the frescoes of Diego Rivera, one of Mexico’s most famous artists, on the walls of the National Palace’s grand courtyard. Here you’ll find portrayed the history of Mexico from Indian times through the period after the revolution and gain a deeper understanding of the indigenous people’s political and social attitudes. Chapultepec Park Follow the Paseo de la Reforma to the southwest and you’ll find Mexico City’s principal park, whose name means “Hill of the Grasshopper.” It is four square miles of trees, museums, a zoo, and even a castle. Consider visiting the Museum of Modern Art where you’ll find a fine collection of nineteenth and twentieth century Mexican art. Then check out the southeast corner of the park and Chapultepec Castle, which was built at the end of the eighteenth century by a Spanish viceroy. Before entering the castle courtyard, stop by the Galería de Historía where you’ll see a display illustrating the history of Mexico from the struggle for independence from Spain to the post-revolutionary period. On the lower level you’ll find “Moctezuma’s Tree,” which is said to date back to Aztec times. Inside the castle itself, a collection of relics will give you a glimpse of the past. National Museum of Anthropology Technically part of Chapultepec Park, this museum has to be singled out since it represents all that is glorious about Mexico City’s ancient history. It is one of the world’s great museums housing art treasures dating back four thousand years. If you begin your tour on the ground floor, you’ll take a chronological journey beginning with the origins of man through the world of the Maya. The second floor will also represent the indigenous people with more of a geographical representation. At the entrance you’ll be greeted by a huge monolithic figure representing the Aztec rain god Tláloc. This 167-ton unfinished statue was transported from more than sixty miles away. Other notable sights are the Central Patio, a free-standing gigantic stone “umbrella” held up by a thirty-six-foot high column. From the top of the column, a curtain of water falls to the basin below and is then pumped back up again. The Sala Mexica will show you what life was like in Tenochtitlán at the height of the Aztec empire. You’ll see the familiar Aztec calendar stone, a mural depicting the pre-Columbian island city, and a diorama of the market of Tlatelolco, which was said to draw over fifty thousand people at one time. And don’t miss the giant Olmec head! Teotihuacán The largest pre-Columbian site excavated so far, Teotihuacán is situated in the treeless valley of Anáhuac. It’s a must-see for all those pyramid enthusiasts—you’ll be seeing the largest (by volume) pyramid in the world along with several other impressive structures. A tour is easily arranged through your travel agency. Or get caught up in an adventurous spirit and make the thirty-mile drive from Mexico City. Adjoining Parking Lot 1 is a small museum/restaurant with exhibits on the chronology and plan of Teotihuacán. From here you can begin the trek down to the Citadel, where the impressive Temple of Quetzacóatl stands. This will give you an idea of what the buildings in the main precinct looked like, with facades that were decorated with sculptures as well. They were all also plastered with multi-colored stucco, which sadly has not stood the test of time. It can be a bit of a walk up the two and a half mile “Street of the Dead,” so you may want to find your way to one of the parking lots near the main pyramids (and bring along your bottled water). It’s easy to imagine the grandeur that this spiritual city once held. You’ll notice that the main street is lined by smaller buildings, thought to have been the homes of various priests, and also smaller temples dedicated to specific purposes. But the areas of focus are undoubtedly the towering Pyramids of the Sun and Moon. Four Places You Must See With so much to do and see in a city rich with history, it’s obvious that you won’t be able to do it all (at least, not if you’re planning on sleeping). So while you may cut some stops out of your trip, don’t miss these particularly beautiful and historic landmarks. 1.Mexico City Temple The temple in Mexico City is the largest temple outside of the United States. It is over 116,000 square feet, sits on seven acres, and has its own visitor’s center. The building is quite distinctive with adaptations of ancient Mayan designs imprinted upon its white-cast stone. The Mexico City temple will be rededicated on Sunday, November 16, in two sessions. The ceremony will be broadcast to Church meetinghouses throughout Mexico. The temple will then be reopened for ordinances on Monday, November 17. An open house, where visitors can see the insides of the newly refurbished building, will run through November 8. A special cultural celebration involving members from the Mexico City area will be held the day before the dedication on November 15. 2.Plaza de las Tres Culturas The name of this plaza pays tribute to the architecture of the surrounding buildings, which each represent one of the three fundamental Mexican cultures, namely, pre-Columbian, Spanish colonial, and modern. The square contains remains of Aztec temples, which are flanked on the east by the Cathedral of Santiago Tlatelolco and by a modern housing complex, and on the south by the former headquarters of the foreign ministry. Historically, this square was also the site of both colonial and ancient tragedies. 3.Basilica de Guadalupe Built between 1531 and 1709 on the site of an earlier sixteenth century church, the colonial structure had to be remodeled because of its sinking foundation. For years worship was not allowed there because of the risk, but it has recently be reopened to the public for both touring and perpetual admiration. A newer concrete and marble edifice was built nearby between 1974 and 1976 to meet worship and pilgrimage demands; this building now houses the cloak of Juan Diego, a Catholic-baptized Aztec, said to have seen a figure that is now referred to as the Virgin of Guadalupe. This site is second only to the Vatican in numbers of pilgrims that visit each year. 4.Torre Latinamericana A great spot to get a general impression of the city is from the forty-third story of this modern office building. Because Mexico City is built on a swamp, the building is weighted so that as much mass is located beneath the ground’s surface as rises above it. Along the Way
Christmas in Mexico Christmas in Mexico begins about two weeks before the actual holiday. While exact details vary from town to town, a common thread is Los Posados, a recreation of Mary and Joseph trying to find lodging in Bethlehem. The procession takes place twelve days before with small children going from house to house, followed by the breaking of a piñata. Other traditions include the making of tamales (bundles of corn masa filled with meat or fruit), and on Christmas Eve, dancing and celebrating in the town square. Usually gifts are not exchanged on Christmas day, but on January 6, the Day of the Wise Men, where shoes are put out for the wise men to fill. An Insider’s View Getting around in Mexico City is easy using the city’s transit system. You have several options. A new metrobus system was just put in along the busiest N-S corridor. It runs around 3-5 pesos a trip, including transfers. Or, consider one of the 250,000 registered “green bug” taxis that scurry along the streets. You should beware of randomly choosing a street taxi, though. Consider a “site” taxi for a few more pesos or have your hotel or restaurant radio one in for you. Agreeing on a price beforehand can also save you some hassle. The subway can be a little daunting for “gringos” because signs are not easy to follow, and it can be filled to capacity during peak hours. But they’re great for quick trips because it costs only about two pesos per trip (about twenty cents). Just stay calm and act like you know what you’re doing. LDS Living Nov/Dec 2008
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Today's date: March 19, 2010
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