Mexican history and culture is chock-full of fun facts, but did you know about these four?
It’s time for a festive pop quiz! Here are 4 facts about Mexico that remind us how much we love Mexican cuisine and tradition.
Imported avocadoes from Mexico into the United States were at first resisted
Can you believe it? After the North American Free Trade Agreement was passed in 1994, the U.S. government was quick to turn down Mexico’s attempts at exporting their avocadoes to the states. This was due to the government’s beliefs that fruit flies would destroy crops. Well, the U.S. never found fruit flies and today Mexican avocadoes can be found in all 50 U.S. states. We don’t know about you, but we couldn’t imagine life without avocados, or guacamole.
Day of the Dead lasts for two days
Día de los Muertos is a two-day long holiday that celebrates the eternal souls of deceased loved ones. The cheerful festivities begin on November 1st – a day to honor children and infants who have passed – and continues on November 2nd, when adults and elders are honored. Learn more about celebrating Mexican holidays.
Mexicans do not exchange presents on Christmas Day
This may not sound celebration-worthy, but rest assured, Mexican children do receive presents just like those in the United States, but on a different day. Instead of December 25, Mexicans celebrate the arrival of the Three Wise Men which happens to be January 6.
Chocolate is sacred in Mexico
Thank you. We think so, too. Discovered in Mexico, chocolate was first used to sweeten beverages. The Maya even had a goddess of chocolate – Ixcacao. Hot chocolate was believed by the Aztecs to be sacred, and it was even coined as the drink of the gods.
Want another lesson in Mexican culture? Learn about the history of the Mexican flag.
View our blog archive for more facts, ideas and recipes worth celebrating. Visit Casa Blanca Mexican Restaurant in North Billerica, MA – we celebrate every day (with food, of course… and drinks).