Mexican cuisine has become already the most international. Who does not know the fajitas, nachos, tacos and other culinary delights of tex-mex Now these dishes are just the tip of the iceberg of a great food culture, which also has many variants, by each of the states of Mexico. Instead of Mexican cuisine can talk about cuisine of Yucatan, Jalisco, Guerrero Still, there are several features that are common to all regions, and one of the most interesting is the incredible variety of cultures that have influenced Mexican cuisine. Of course, the most important is Spanish, due to colonization in the fifteenth century, but Mexico’s cuisine also has touches from as far away as the Middle East, Africa, Belgium and Asia.
Cereals are the basis of many Mexican preparations. Maize is the most important in the diet, since pre-Columbian times. With corn flour or wheat (cereal that led to Mexico the Spanish) are prepared as emblematic dishes like fajitas, burritos or tacos (other fine cakes, stuffed with meat, vegetables and sauces prods) and tamales (cooked corn dough wrapped in leaves or banana ear, with or without filling of meat, vegetables) or porridge, a kind of cream or thick, sweet drink that is also prepared with cornmeal. Rice is also omnipresent, either white (cooked without more), fried with tomatoes or tomato, black (with beans, Mexican beans known), with mole poblano (traditional spicy sauce), green (with chile poblano)
The most consumed meat in Mexico also was taken to the country by Spanish settlers, and it is pork. The pig is used everything: meat, cut into strips, is consumed in carnitas, fajitas, burritos or chile con carne, the hooves are the basis of the classic pig’s trotters with vinaigrette, the bark is used to prepare pork rinds, and brains are filled with a crispy quesadilla. Beef and veal is also common in the form of steaks or roasts. All these dishes are usually accompanied by Mexican cake made with corn flour or wheat bread is also consumed, although less common, and also prepares a sweet bread that accompanies the drinks.
One day in Mexico, culinary speaking, begins with a hearty breakfast with eggs a la Mexicana, steak or steak to the fire. Lunch is usually at about one o’clock, and it’s time to try the tamales or gruel. In the snacks we opt for something sweet, like a delicious chocolate than Spanish, or may use the so-called snacks: enchiladas, tacos, quesadillas Other traditional dishes from different regions that have spread like popular all over the country are the goat, roasted suckling pig, pozole (corn soup, meat and vegetables) or the bread of dogfish.
To end this tour of the cuisine of Mexico, we must make room for drinks. The best known and international are mezcal, a fermented beverage of high rank, and pulque, the pulque, ancient shrines in honor of the goddess of pulque Mayahuel, today are almost museums for tourism. And why not mention the renowned tequila consumed with salt and lemon or with? Sangrita? (Spicy drink with orange juice), the soft, fresh Mexican beers that are drunk with half a slice of lemon inserted into the neck of the bottle, or the famous margaritas, the international cocktail was born in Mexico based on mixing tequila lemon and triple sec, and garnish the rim of the glass with salt.
Religious traditions, running of the bulls and the Day of the Dead
Octavio Paz, the great Mexican writer of international fame, once said: “The holidays are our only luxury.” The Mexican holiday calendar is incredibly broad and it is difficult to find a week that is not held a party in a district or state. Some celebrations are pre-Columbian times and celebrate indigenous traditions, while others were introduced by the Spanish, and still have to come from North America. Fireworks, bands and festivals are common in these celebrations, which runs the tequila and the sounds dance, salsa, marimba …
In March and April Fair takes place in San Marcos in Aguascalientes, cockfighting, trade and play an important part of these celebrations. Soon after, the 5th of May, commemorates the Battle of Puebla holding a parade in the town, while the 15th is celebrated the feast of San Isidro, patron saint of farmers and ranchers, with popular foods and blessings of the implements farm and animals. The Day of the Assumption of Mary August 15, on the occasion of this celebration processions across the nation, although the most spectacular party is in Huamantla Tlaxcala, where the festivities last for two weeks, including bull runs .
But if there is a popular and internationally famous festival in Mexico, that is the Day of the Dead. According to popular tradition, is the day when the dead get divine permission to return to earth and visit their loved ones. The living, for their part, are dedicated to decorate houses and streets to welcome the dead, for it, skeletons and skulls are made of paper-based or sweets, special meals are prepared and made wreaths. Funny how this party live in Mexico as a celebration of joy, marked by the joy that’s in the atmosphere, while in other countries, this day is devoted to grief and reflection. D. Mexico F. is the city with more profusion celebrates the Day of the Dead, with festivities ranging from 31 October to 2 November.
Finally, a traditional Christmas celebration ancient tradition: the Traditional Posadas. This feast recalls the journey of Joseph and Mary on Christmas Eve, when looking inn to sleep without getting it and had to stay in a manger. On the night of December 24, the pilgrims are singing from house to house, at home parties are held culminating in the breaking of the piñata (clay pot filled with gifts) by children. Las Posadas are celebrated throughout Mexico.
