1. Información básica: dinero – el peso la población – 800.00+ el clima – 66 degrees F Mexico is located in North America. Mexico City is located in the southern portion of the country. Mexico City is the capital of Mexico. In Spanish you say, la Ciudad de México.

2. Tale of the Mexican Flag According to the Aztec legend, their great god Huitzilpochitl told his people to travel across the land until they came to a lake with a small island it. On the island, they were to see a cactus, and sitting on the cactus would be an eagle, holding a serpent in its talons. This would be the place that they should settle in. As you see here, the cactus, eagle, and serpent are all pictured in the center of the Mexican flag.

3. Teotihuacán is an ancient sacred site located 30 miles northeast of Mexico city. It is a very popular side trip from Mexico City because these ruins are among the most remarkable ruins in the world! Teotihuacán means “place where gods were born,” because the Aztecs believed that gods created the universe here. It was built in 300 A.D. Its most monumental structures are the Temple of Quetzalcoatl, the Pyramid of the Sun, and the Pyramid of the Moon.

4. Tenochtitlan was located on an island in Lake Texcoco, in the Valley of Mexico. Founded in 1325, it became the capital of Aztec Empire in the 15th century until captured by the Spanish in 1521. Today the ruins of Tenochtitlan are located in the central part of Mexico City.

5. The first inhabitants of Mexico were the Aztecs. They lived in the City of Tenochtítlan until Hernán Cortés and his followers conquered the city which was re- named Mexico City. The Aztecs hosting Hernan Cortés La Piedra del Sol (The Aztec Calendar)

6. This is the site of the ruins of the Aztec marketplace of Tlatelolco. There is also a Church built by the Spaniards. Lastly, there are contemporary buildings which represent present-day Mexico. Aztec culture Culture of Colonial Spain Contempora ry culture

7. Very close to the Palacio Nacional are the famous Aztec ruins of the Templo Mayor. This is really all that remains of Tenochtitlán. They were discovered while excavating for the Metro.

8. The National Museum of Anthropology has many interesting artifacts including la Piedra del Sol. It is located in Chapultepec Park.

9. The Zócalo or Plaza of Constitution is the historical center of Mexico city. It is in the site of the central square of the Aztec City of Tenochtitlán. It is a gathering place for ceremonies, celebrations, parades, and religious events. The National Palace is on one side, and The National Cathedral, and the Muncipal Palace are on the other side of the the Zocalo.

10. The National Cathedral – This church was built on top of the ruins of Aztec temples. This is the major cathedral of the city.

11. The National Palace is located in the Zocalo. This government building is used for Presidential ceremonies. It also has galleries that house the murals of the famous Mexican artist Diego Rivera.

12. This avenue runs through the city. It is 8 lanes wide and 12 km long and is dotted with statues that honor Mexico’s history. Statues of the Angel and Columbus are on it. Estatua a Colón El ángel

13. This tall, golden statue is the monument of Independence. It is on el Paseo de la Reforma in la Plaza de independencia. This is an important symbol of the city.

14. This statue honoring Columbus is located on the Paseo de la Reforma.

15. Diego Rivera is a famous Mexican painter and muralist.

16. The Palacio de las Bellas artes is an importante theater where you can see the national ballet (el ballet folklórico), a concert, or the opera. El Ballet Folklórico

17. Chapultepec park is largest park in Mexico City. It has a zoo, a castle, lakes, gardens, an amusement park, and museums. Families come here. to relax, have a picnic, or rent paddle boats on “el lago de Chapultepec.”

18. Chapultepec Castle was the residence of Emperor Maximillian in the early 1860’s. This Aztec Palace was one of the only buildings not destroyed by Cortés. It is now a museum. Emperador Maximiliano

19. Alameda Park is another famous park in Mexico City. It is similar to Central Park.

20. This shopping district has 21 blocks of shops,restaurants, boutiques, and cafés. It’s located between the Zócalo and Chapultepec Park. LA ZONA ROSA

21. Mariachi bands are popular in Mexico. The word refers to the music or the people. This music is a symbol of Mexican culture. Instruments include: the violin,the bass, the trumpet, and a small 4 string guitar.

22. Some of the staples of Mexican cuisine are: tortillas (corn and flour) avocados (good for making guacamole!) chiles tomatoes corn chocolate Another yummy Mexican treat is “churros y chocolate”