MexicoMexico

CULTURECULTURE

► The Aztecs were the The Aztecs were the original inhabitants of original inhabitants of Mexico. In 1520, a Mexico. In 1520, a Spanish Conquistador Spanish Conquistador named Hernando named Hernando Cortez took control of Cortez took control of Mexico. Mexico today Mexico. Mexico today is a combination of is a combination of Aztec and Spanish Aztec and Spanish cultures.cultures.

LIFESTYLELIFESTYLE

► Mexican homes are Mexican homes are simple with hand-simple with hand-crafted furniture and crafted furniture and dishes.dishes.

► Traditionally, Mexican Traditionally, Mexican families are close-families are close-knit. Children learn at knit. Children learn at an early age to help an early age to help out around the house, out around the house, with siblings and with siblings and possibly income.possibly income.

HolidaysHolidays►Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic Most Mexicans are Roman Catholic

►Many of the holidays celebrated center Many of the holidays celebrated center around religious celebrations.around religious celebrations.

► The Feast of Epiphany on January 6The Feast of Epiphany on January 6thth

This day celebrates the coming of three kings to This day celebrates the coming of three kings to see the infant Jesus.see the infant Jesus.

► People share a special supper, which People share a special supper, which includes a ring-shaped cake with a tiny includes a ring-shaped cake with a tiny plastic baby baked inside. plastic baby baked inside.

Galette de Rois or Kings Cake Galette de Rois or Kings Cake

►The person who gets the baby is to The person who gets the baby is to host a tamales party for all who are host a tamales party for all who are present.present.

Days of the DeadDays of the Dead

► Mexicans believe dead Mexicans believe dead souls return to visit the souls return to visit the living between October 31 living between October 31 and November 2.and November 2.

► Called the Days of the Called the Days of the DeadDead

► Families set up altars in Families set up altars in

the corners of their homes the corners of their homes with candles, photos and with candles, photos and favorite foods and drinks favorite foods and drinks of the dead loved ones.of the dead loved ones.

AgricultureAgriculture

► Corn is major cropCorn is major crop

► Beans are secondBeans are second

► Other important crops Other important crops

include sugarcane, coffee, include sugarcane, coffee, tomatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, green peppers, peas, melons, citrus peas, melons, citrus fruits, strawberries and fruits, strawberries and cacao bean. cacao bean.

► In the North cattle are In the North cattle are raised and wheat is grown raised and wheat is grown

Mexican CuisineMexican CuisineAztec and the Spaniards made contributions to Mexican Aztec and the Spaniards made contributions to Mexican

cuisine.cuisine. ►The Aztecs:The Aztecs:

chocolate, vanilla, chocolate, vanilla, corn, peppers, corn, peppers, peanuts, tomatoes, peanuts, tomatoes, avocados, squash, avocados, squash, beans, sweet beans, sweet potatoes, pineapple potatoes, pineapple and papayas. and papayas.

► Aztecs boiled, Aztecs boiled, broiled or steamed broiled or steamed their food.their food.

►The SpanishThe Spanish::

oil, wine, cinnamon, oil, wine, cinnamon, cloves, rice, wheat, cloves, rice, wheat, beef and chicken. beef and chicken.

With the introduction With the introduction of oil many of the of oil many of the foods could be fried. foods could be fried.

► Frying is an Frying is an important part of important part of Mexican cooking. Mexican cooking.

Characteristic Foods of Characteristic Foods of MexicoMexico

► Corn, beans, and Corn, beans, and peppers are staple peppers are staple ingredients in ingredients in Mexican cuisine Mexican cuisine

TortillaTortilla

►A flat unleavened bread made from A flat unleavened bread made from cornmeal and water. cornmeal and water.

►EnchiladaEnchilada BurritoBurrito TacoTaco

GuacamoleGuacamole

►A spread made from mashed avocado, A spread made from mashed avocado, tomato, and onion. Served with tomato, and onion. Served with tortillas.tortillas.

MolesMoles► From an Aztec word meaning chili-flavored From an Aztec word meaning chili-flavored

saucesauce

►Mole is a complex sauce made from chilies, Mole is a complex sauce made from chilies, almonds, raisins, garlic, sesame seeds, almonds, raisins, garlic, sesame seeds, onions, tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, onions, tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds, anise seeds, chicken stock, coriander seeds, anise seeds, chicken stock, and lastly unsweetened chocolate.and lastly unsweetened chocolate.

DessertsDesserts

►Early Spanish and Portuguese cooks Early Spanish and Portuguese cooks influenced Mexican desserts that use influenced Mexican desserts that use large amounts of egg and sugar, such large amounts of egg and sugar, such the flan.the flan.

Mexican Meal PatternsMexican Meal Patterns►DesayunoDesayuno- a substantial breakfast with fruit, - a substantial breakfast with fruit,

tortillas, eggs or meat with coffee or (hot) tortillas, eggs or meat with coffee or (hot) chocolatechocolate

► ComidaComida- Main meal of day, served between 1-3- Main meal of day, served between 1-3 Six courses are typically served Six courses are typically served Normally followed by a siesta (rest period)Normally followed by a siesta (rest period)

►MeriendaMerienda- a light snack, served around 5 or 6 - a light snack, served around 5 or 6 o’clock includes sweet breads, fruit & coffeeo’clock includes sweet breads, fruit & coffee

► CenaCena- (supper) is served between 8 & 10 - (supper) is served between 8 & 10 o’clock Similar to comida but lighter and o’clock Similar to comida but lighter and smaller.smaller.