10 Surprising Facts About Mexico
Mexico is not the land of sombreros, tacos, and small dogs...yet. Mexico is a huge country with people as diverse as its breathtaking landscapes. Here are some myth-busting Mexican facts that may entice you to include Mexico on your list of vacation destinations.
1. Mexico City is sinking
Like Atlantis, the city is slowly sinking into the depths of the oceans! No, not at all. Mexico City, on the other hand, is sinking at a rate of about 10 inches per year as city pumps draw water from the lake that supports it. In reality, it has dropped so far that it has lost its place as the world's seventh-highest capital city to Yemen, and now ranks eighth.
2. It was the birthplace of North American print
Long before phones and the internet became popular, Mexico was the place to go in North America to find literature. Mexico City was the first location in North America to use a printing press in 1539. You can also go to the house where it was used!
3. Mexican kids don’t get presents on Christmas
Mexican children receive their Christmas gifts on January 6th, rather than December 25th. Mexicans commemorate the advent of the Three Wise Men to give gifts to Jesus rather than the birth of Jesus. When Jesus receives gifts, everybody receives gifts!
4. Home of the world's largest tamale
Americans are known for their large food portions, but even they will struggle to finish a 3-foot-long, 150-pound tamale that takes a village to produce! The "el zacahuil" is often served on special occasions such as Xantolo, the Feast of All Saints, and can feed up to 70 people. This monstrosity is stuffed with pork or turkey, piled high with chile and a delectable spice mix, and served on grilled banana leaves with pickled jalapenos.
5. Mexico City is the oldest city in North America
Many people claim that St. Augustine is the oldest city in North America, but Mexico City was founded a little more than 40 years before it in 1521. The Spaniards founded the city on the remains of the Aztec city of Tenochtitlan.
6. There are women-only cars in the subway
Segregated transit is a socially contentious concept that has gained popularity in several cities around the world. Mexico City is one of the cities that has subway cars where men are not permitted to enter, providing a space that is entirely safe for women. Mexico City, like every other big city, has a normal crime rate, which is intended to help fight public groping, robbery, and even kidnapping. To put it another way, Mexico City is just as secure as New York City. It is also regarded as one of the safest places to visit!
7. You can find crawling cuisine
A walk through any market in Mexico will lead you to spiders, grasshoppers, and even scorpions, all of which are available for purchase to place on your dinner table. Some people find this repulsive, but adventurous eaters will find some excellent grub in Mexican markets, among other scary locations.
8. Home of the world’s smallest volcano
Mexico has the world's smallest volcano! If you can, consider it a small canoe. The Cuexcomate Volcano, which stands 43 feet tall, is located just outside the city of Puebla. This volcano is barely a hill in contrast to Mauna Loa in Hawaii, which stands 13,678 feet tall! If that isn't a good enough height reference, consider this: Cuexcomate isn't even half as tall as the Statue of Liberty.
9. Mexico is gay-friendly
For Mexicans, same-sex marriage and same-sex adoption are both legal! Although the country's close links to the Roman Catholic Church caused it to lean conservative, there has been a social change, and Mexico has also positioned itself as a gay-friendly destination, with Mexico City as a frontrunner.
10. Mexico has near ancient education
What is the name of North America's oldest university? Many people think of Harvard, but it pales in comparison to the National Autonomous University of Mexico in Mexico City. This dinosaur first opened its doors in 1551 as the Royal and Pontifical University of New Spain, but it was forced to close in 1867 during the dictatorship. It reopened after the revolution, so it hasn't been open as long as Harvard, but it has been around longer!
Which facts about the culture and traditions of Mexico do you like most?
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