Mexico
CULTURE
► The
Aztecs were the
original inhabitants of
Mexico. In 1520, a
Spanish Conquistador
named Hernando
Cortez took control of
Mexico. Mexico today
is a combination of
Aztec and Spanish
cultures.
LIFESTYLE
► Mexican
homes are
simple with handcrafted furniture and
dishes.
► Traditionally, Mexican
families are close-knit.
Children learn at an
early age to help out
around the house, with
siblings and possibly
income.
Holidays
► Most
Mexicans are Roman Catholic
► Many
of the holidays celebrated center around
religious celebrations.
► The
Feast of Epiphany on January 6th
 This day celebrates the coming of three kings to see the
infant Jesus.
► People
share a special supper, which includes a
ring-shaped cake with a tiny plastic baby baked
inside.
Galette de Rois or Kings Cake
► The
person who gets the baby is to host a
tamales party for all who are present.
Days of the Dead
►
Mexicans believe dead souls
return to visit the living
between October 31 and
November 2.
►
Called the Days of the Dead
►
Families set up altars in the
corners of their homes with
candles, photos and favorite
foods and drinks of the dead
loved ones.
Agriculture
►
Corn is major crop
►
Beans are second
►
Other important crops
include sugarcane, coffee,
tomatoes, green peppers,
peas, melons, citrus fruits,
strawberries and cacao
bean.
►
In the North cattle are
raised and wheat is grown
Mexican Cuisine
Aztec and the Spaniards made contributions to Mexican cuisine.
►The Aztecs:
chocolate, vanilla,
corn, peppers,
peanuts, tomatoes,
avocados, squash,
beans, sweet potatoes,
pineapple and
papayas.
► Aztecs boiled, broiled
or steamed their food.
►The Spanish:
oil, wine, cinnamon,
cloves, rice, wheat,
beef and chicken.
With the introduction
of oil many of the
foods could be fried.
► Frying is an important
part of Mexican
cooking.
Characteristic Foods of Mexico
► Corn,
beans, and
peppers are staple
ingredients in Mexican
cuisine
Tortilla
►A
flat unleavened bread made from
cornmeal and water.
► Enchilada
Burrito
Taco
Guacamole
►A
spread made from mashed avocado,
tomato, and onion. Served with tortillas.
Moles
► From
► Mole
an Aztec word meaning chili-flavored sauce
is a complex sauce made from chilies,
almonds, raisins, garlic, sesame seeds, onions,
tomatoes, cinnamon, cloves, coriander seeds,
anise seeds, chicken stock, and lastly
unsweetened chocolate.
Desserts
► Early
Spanish and Portuguese cooks
influenced Mexican desserts that use large
amounts of egg and sugar, such the flan.
Mexican Meal Patterns
► Desayuno-
a substantial breakfast with fruit,
tortillas, eggs or meat with coffee or (hot)
chocolate
► Comida-
Main meal of day, served between 1-3
Six courses are typically served
Normally followed by a siesta (rest period)
► Merienda-
a light snack, served around 5 or 6
o’clock includes sweet breads, fruit & coffee
► Cena-
(supper) is served between 8 & 10 o’clock
Similar to comida but lighter and smaller.