According to the online publication mexico24.ru, modern Mexico is an intricate mix of luxury and poverty, old and new historical monuments, amazing places and natural objects. For those in a particular hurry – tourists, that is, those who have little time but want to see as much as possible – we offer a brief overview of the attractions and events considered the most interesting in Mexico.
It is believed that the development of Mexico began from the city of Teotihuacan ("Place of the Gods"). In ancient times, it was teeming with merchants, artisans, nobility, and was considered as significant as Rome and Constantinople. Some mysterious majestic structures of that era have survived to our days. Almost in the center of Teotihuacan rises the 70-meter Pyramid of the Sun. In ancient times, it was crowned by a huge stone idol, which was later destroyed during the conquest. Tourists are recommended to climb to the top of the pyramid and from there admire the beauty and grandeur of the city.
Many idols and reliefs on religious themes can be seen in Uxmal. This city is literally saturated with legends and traditions. The fact is that the ancient religion of Mexico is a mixture of sorcery and disparate beliefs that were brought from different countries. Often tour guides frighten gullible tourists with stories that some reliefs turn into evil flying spirits at night.
There are many pyramids in Mexico. Among them is the definitely noteworthy Pyramid of the Magician. According to legend, it was built by the son of an evil wizard. The base of this pyramid is a perfect oval, which is considered a sacred shape. Nearby is a ball court. In ancient times, the losers faced an unenviable fate – they were sacrificed to the gods.
The most interesting is the Pyramid of Kukulkan, decorated with sculptures of huge snakes. It is here that the unique Mayan stone calendar is located. Those who get here on the days of the spring and autumn equinox are especially lucky. It is during this period that an optical illusion is created, due to which it seems that a huge dragon is crawling along the steps of the Pyramid.
Also, you must see Monte Albán, which is a huge square located on a high-altitude plateau, surrounded by palaces and temples. Amazingly, all these buildings are connected by underground tunnels, serving so that in case of danger people could leave the complex.
The nature of Mexico is amazing – its numerous islands, natural canyons. Among them, the Sumidero Canyon is especially popular with travelers, the height of its walls reaches almost 1000 meters. Here you can see rare species of plants – for example, orchids and bromeliads, and animals – pumas, jaguars, monkeys. All of them are protected by Mexican laws. And there is also a legend that in this canyon the souls of people who did not want to fall into slavery to the conquistadors and preferred to throw themselves from a cliff into the abyss gather.
Not far from Mexico City there is another popular tourist spot – the "Cemetery of Dolls". In this place, thousands of dolls are gathered – old, big and small, hung on tree branches, scattered around. The sight, frankly, is frightening and creepy.
A unique attraction are the ports of Mexico. The most famous among them is Veracruz, where various warships and cruisers are based. There are also industrial wharves through which imports arrive in Mexico.
Also interesting is the city-reserve Taxco, which is considered the silver capital. The fact is that the Mexican industry is largely built precisely on the extraction, processing, and sale of products from this popular metal. In Taxco, even today, many small handicraft workshops operate, offering tourists various silver jewelry, dishes, and religious items. It is pleasing that the cost of these products in Taxco is much lower than even in the airports of Mexico.
Many amazing events take place in Mexico, for example, bullfighting in the huge arena La Monumental, in the very center of Mexico City. Similar arenas, but smaller, are also in other major Mexican cities.
And also, annually on November 2, the eerie Day of the Dead – Dia de Los Muertos – is widely celebrated. Mexicans believe that on this day the souls of loved ones and relatives return to earth and are very close to living people. On this day, markets sell sweets in the form of coffins and skulls, souvenirs in the form of skeletons, and other items of 'afterlife' theme. It is noteworthy that neither wars nor revolutions in Mexico have been able to eradicate this holiday, which came to the country from the depths of centuries.
May 5, on the contrary, is a cheerful, bright and colorful holiday. It celebrates Mexico's independence and its outstanding people. Carnivals and festivals associated with May 5 last a whole week. This main national holiday is celebrated not only throughout the country, but also in all Mexican embassies in other countries.
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