Not content with a successful international career, a Mexican musician has chosen to work at providing artistic opportunities to Mexican children.
Stories by Leigh Thelmadatter
The huipil, a ‘canvas’ for culture and identity, is truly indigenous
Some truly indigenous garments survived the European influence brought by the Conquest. One of the most important is the huipil.
Rebellious artist Manuel Felguérez dies at the age of 91
A rebellious abstract artist who broke with the work of the muralists to open up a world of possibilities for Mexican artists died at his home in Zacatecas.
The true story of Mexico’s ‘Happy Chicken’ restaurant chain
A family-owned stand selling grilled chicken in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, is now an international business with over 1,000 outlets.
Historical printing techniques are preserved on an old hacienda in Veracruz
Tucked away in the rainforest of northern Veracruz is La Ceiba Gráfica, a restoration project dedicated to preserving pre-20th century printing.
Most pilgrimages and sanctuaries are now Catholic but roots are pre-Hispanic
The Spanish imposed Catholicism on their newly conquered lands, but pilgrimage was part of indigenous life for many centuries prior.
From floating islands to abandoned lots: urban gardening in Mexico
The modern concept of reclaiming urban space for agriculture has become popular due to concerns about the environment, food quality and food availability.
In a country with no tigers, the tiger dance survives, particularly in Guerrero
Mexico has “tiger” rituals in the form of dance and they have two things in common: the image of a fierce wildcat and a purely pre-Hispanic origin.
Mexico’s artisans struggle to survive in a Covid-19 world
Artisans face an unprecedented situation, perhaps even catastrophe. “Non-essential businesses” are shut, tourism is dead and street traffic is nil.
Mexico’s favorite taco has immigrant roots
Mexico’s most popular taco originated in the Middle East but why they should be called “shepherd’s tacos” is anybody’s guess.
Which are the real alebrijes? Papier-mache from CDMX or carvings from Oaxaca?
There are essentially two craft figures that claim the title – wood carvings from the state of Oaxaca, and papier-mache figures from Mexico City.
Alec Dempster, a Canadian ambassador of traditional Mexican music
It might have been the gods that ordained the musician and artist to become an ambassador of Mexican culture to the outside world.
The María doll: from street vendor to international icon
Now a symbol of Mexico found in tourist promotions all over the world, she has a surprising but unknown backstory.
Native corn gets legal protection, prevents ‘intellectual plundering’
A controversial law to protect native corn was approved by the Senate, ending the possibility of the “intellectual plundering” of indigenous communities.
Expat life in the time of coronavirus: hunkering down to wait out the storm
Many citizens of the US, Canada and other countries hurried home with the outbreak of Covid-19, though more than a few stayed put. They have their reasons.
In quarantine? Here are 6 museums you can visit without leaving home
Although Mexico’s museums are shut due to Covid-19 restrictions, some offer online tours, enabling those in quarantine to browse their collections.
Pilar Luna, pioneer of underwater archaeology, dies at 76
After a decades-long career researching and protecting Mexico’s underwater cultural heritage, Pilar Luna died on March 15.
The quest to preserve Mexico’s richest legacy: its cuisine
Recognizing the richness of Mexican culinary traditions, several groups of devotees are working to preserve the legacy of generations in the kitchen.
Mexican crafts and craftspeople to be celebrated on March 19
March 19 marks the ‘Day of the Artisan’ in Mexico and a number of cultural venues will host events where craftspeople display and sell their work.
The sound of bagpipes: Mexico’s little-known Irish connection
Mexico’s original bagpipe ensemble will play for Saint Patrick’s festivities in the capital, recalling the country’s historical connection to Ireland.
The world of indigenous women observed in Mexico City gallery
Indigenous Mexican women are the focus of a new exhibition at the Salon of Mexican Fine Art in Mexico City, in honor of International Women’s Day.
Mexican soprano wins Metropolitan Opera competition
Mexican soprano Denis Vélez is one of five candidates selected in a competition for the chance to audition for the Metropolitan Opera.
Voicing the concerns of Mexico’s indigenous people, in their own language
A poet in a Zapotec dialect, Irma Pineda is Mexico’s representative to the United Nations Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues.
Researchers want to save traditional pre-Hispanic ballgame
The National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) has decided to play ball, establishing research and sports teams dedicated to the FULL STORY
Irapuato is jammin’ in March with 2 strawberry fests
In March the city in Guanajuato hosts two multi-day events dedicated to strawberries, to coincide with the coveted crop’s abundant harvest.
