Holiday in Mexico

Annie Dubois asked:


Ever culture has a different way of celebrating the Christmas season, and Mexico is no different. With the wonderful traditions, you will find an authentic Mexican Christmas is a thing of joy and wonder involving the whole family and lasting considerably longer than one or two days.

December 16th is the start of Posada. Posada celebrates and follows the journey of Joseph and Mary on their travels from Nazareth to Bethlehem. Two children after dark each night carry two small, pine cones that have been decorated to represent Joseph and Mary on the burro. There is a procession each night with the children knocking on a random door asking for lodgings for the family.

At this point, the residents threaten harm to the family if they do not move on, and obviously, this leaves the family pleading for a safe refuge. The house members will again threaten the traveling couple, but then the head of the house will realize who the couple is, and throwing open the doors, will greet and welcome the couple with open arms.

Everyone will kneel around the Nacimiento or the manager scene, and will sing glorious songs, Ave Marias, and of course, offer a prayer. Upon Christmas Eve, adding a new verse to the Ave Marias indicates that the birth is under way, and at midnight, fireworks announce the birth of Christ. There is a lot of wondrous celebration, and the whole family eats, drinks, and prays welcoming the Christ Child to the world.

Of course, if you are celebrating an authentic Mexican Christmas, you will want to have the best in costumes and foods. Delectable cuisine is a must at a celebration, and this is cuisine you will find absolutely delicious and wonderful. Filled with menudo, atole, rice, tamales, and other fine dishes, this is a holiday like no other.

Here are is a favorite from my own kitchen. What would you like to add?

Sweet Rice or Arroz Dulce

3/4 cup of rice

1/2 cup of sugar

1 teaspoon of Mexican vanilla or real vanilla

4 cups of whole milk

1 cup of cream

1/4 teaspoon of salt

Briefly scald the whole milk. Place the rice into one of those deep baking dishes, pour the scalded milk over the rice making sure to cover thoroughly, and bake in a 275 degree oven for roughly 3 hours. You can adjust as needed for time and temperature. The rice at this point should be soft. You will want to stir about every 10 minutes for the first house to help in preventing sticking. Also, you can add more scalded milk if needed.

Take out of the oven about 30 minutes before it is completed. Add the sugar, vanilla, cream, and stir thoroughly. Continue baking to completion.

Celebrating a Mexican Christmas or Posada would not be complete without adding this delicious sweet rice to the table. Children as well as adults love this rice dish with a sweet kick. Celebrating the holiday season has never been so easy or so absolutely scrumptious. In fact, this recipe also makes a wonderful dessert for special occasions all year long. Feliz Navidad!



Claire

Alfie James asked:


The corner of the world where Mexico is, can really said to be blessed with beauty. Sun kissed beaches, archaeological sites, shopping bustles etc, makes the Mexico holidays filled with fun. These holidays are rejuvenating and full of activities. Moreover, a travel enthusiast and a food connoisseur cannot afford to miss these holidays. The Mexican cuisine is world widely known for its sumptuous taste with a blend of choicest herbs, pepper and spices. It is not just the cuisine that attracts the visitor but also the exotic beaches and sites are captivating.

The people who have a soft corner for adventure and water sports can engross themselves on the beaches. Acapulco is the best place for avid divers. Vacationers can enjoy the sun and sand. Along with it, activities like water ski, parasailing, beach volleyball etc, also intensifies the visitor’s interest. The Mexico holidays are full of site-seeing excursions like Chichen Itza, Mexico city Zoo, the Papalote, Basilica de Guadalupe, Chapultepec castle, Metropolitan cathedral, museums etc. It is one of the hottest destinations of North America.

Other destinations worth visiting are monuments like the Diana Cazadora, Angel of independence etc. The people who love to shop at this exclusive destination for shopping can arrive at the Zona Rosa and Almeda Park. When it comes to special adventure, the travelers can visit the pyramid of the sun and moon. The cave structures and ancient structures are so captivating in this part of western peninsula. The Mexico holidays are a one stop solution for rejuvenation.

The Mexico Holidays are bound to give the travel enthusiast a worth for his money. The most interesting thing about these vacations is that they are not at all fixed to a single activity. Moreover, the people must visit the Mazatlan, it is amongst the tallest light houses and an observatory too. Lastly, to pull maximum fun out of such a vacation, never forget to book them with a travel service provider and organize the tour.



Evan

Justin Burch asked:


Much like the fun-filled traditions associated with Halloween in the United States, Mexico embraces the somber autumn holiday with a variety of celebrations and activities. Known throughout Latin America as El Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), Cancun offers visitors a truly unique version on this popular holiday, with many events incorporating both Mayan customs and modern Mexican traditions. Beginning on October 31 with celebrations for the returned souls of the departed, the party continues each year until November 2.

As Cancun is in the center of the historic region known as the Mayan Riviera, many of the city’s events incorporate Hanal Pixan - the Mayan ritual of the dead. Both in Cancun and at most of the Mayan sites outside the city, candlelight prayer services are held on October 31 to commemorate the deceased. After this period of reflection, Hanal Pixan quickly transforms into a friendly meal shared by hundreds. Tamales are often baked in an underground pit and served to both the living and the dead, as it is believed that the deceased absorb the essence of the food placed at their graves. Handmade wines and candies are also passed around for all to enjoy, but Hanal Pixan marks only the beginning of this amazing holiday.

October 31 is also marks the beginning of a three day culinary feast in Cancun, taking place both in the streets and all the best restaurants. At the city’s gastronomy festival, visitors can sample local delicacies and gourmet international cuisine prepared by Mexico’s best chefs. Held outdoors along the Caribbean waterfront, this festival is anything but a sober Day of the Dead ritual, as guests are invited to eat and drink as much as they like. If you dine in any of Cancun’s restaurants throughout the three day holiday, you will be treated special local recipes reserved for Day of the Dead. At night, many visitors move from the restaurants to the bars and dance clubs where special events such as costume parties have become the norm.

One of the most fascinating traditions associated with the Day of the Dead is the creation of colorful altars - known in Mexico as ofrendas - to honor deceased loved ones. Anywhere you travel in the city, you will pass numerous altars containing all kinds of offerings. Set on tables with white cloth, the altars of Cancun display everything from fresh flowers and chocolate skulls to wooden crosses, personal mementos and photographs. Though the tradition of honoring the deceased might seem solemn, the positive atmosphere of the holiday extends to these personalized displays, as awards are handed out for the most elaborate and beautifully decorated altars.

The newest Day of the Dead activity for Cancun’s visitors takes place south of the city in the Xcaret Nature and Cultural Park. Last year, the park unveiled The Bridge to Paradise - one of the world’s most unique cemeteries. Composed of 365 lavish gravesites created by local artists, The Bridge to Paradise serves as a creative representation of Mexican history and culture. For instance, a colorful sculpture of a bed complete with linens references the country’s dreamlike mythology, while a miniature replica of a cathedral reminds visitors of Mexico’s religious culture. During the celebrations surrounding the Day of the Dead, visitors are served candies and other refreshments from altars set up throughout the cemetery. Much like the celebrations in Cancun, the events at Xcaret and its cemetery rejoice in life and the cultural traditions of Mexico on this seemingly dark day.

Much like the American tradition of Halloween, children are encouraged to don costumes and trick-or-treat during the celebrations of Day of the Dead. However, Mexican myth and tradition contribute some interesting items to the children’s experience. As most trick-or-treating takes place of November 2 - the day when, as myth has it, spirits must leave the homes of their loved ones and return to the other side - all children wear bracelets of red string to ward off the more nefarious spirits traveling to the underworld. As with all the other events surrounding Day of the Dead, visitors are encouraged to participate in the local traditions.

Furthermore, as the holiday takes place just weeks before the beginning of the peak travel season, Day of the Dead may be one of the best times to visit Cancun. Many airlines and resorts will feature special rates during this week, making travel to this luxurious destination affordable for any family.

Though Day of the Dead is celebrated throughout Latin America, few destinations observe the holiday as colorfully as Cancun. If you want to experience one of the region’s most treasured holidays, visit the city where modern luxury and Mayan tradition meet to create an unforgettable vacation.



Abigail

Alfie James asked:


It is not for nothing that Mexico was awarded seventh rank among the best holiday destinations of the world by World Tourism Organisation. The country boasts of a number of attractions that can satiate the senses of any visitor. In fact, tourism is the third largest revenue-generating sector in the country and over 20 million tourists turn up there every year. This alone says what Mexico holidays can be!

With a history of more than four thousand years and all the makings of a hot holiday destination, the country is sure to be liked by all those who travel for fun and information. The historical ruins are an all-time hit and worthy of being included among the seven new wonders of the world. Chichen Itza, built during the famous Maya civilization is certainly the best attraction. A visit to this historical site serves as source of gathering education through entertainment.

The Meso-American ruins are probably the second important attraction besides Chichen Itza. But more tan anything else, this country work as an ideal destination for adventure sports. Most of the Mexico is highlands or mountains that make enough room for adventure games like trekking and mountaineering. Together with this, there is enough scope for sunbathing, surfing and scuba diving. But to top these all, Mexico holidays provides scope for feasting around and taking fun from its festivity.

Mexican beach resorts are popular among the college students of the United States who throng in the beaches during the peak time of vacationing. Week before the Easter and beginning of the spring are the times when students gather there in large number. However, Mexico Holidays can be fun round the year. Yet, July, August and December are the busiest months so far visitors from outside are concerned. Easily affordable tour package can be bought from various agencies to take a trip to this intriguing country.



Isabelle

Alfie James asked:


The Yucatan peninsula represents the Caribbean Mexico, which has some of modern resorts that offer an unforgettable Mexico beach holidays. The vacationers wish to lie down in the sun, feel the sun kissed beaches, diving into fresh water, roaming through the ruins of lost civilizations. These holidays can bring the people back to life after a hectic schedule. The resort areas have that unique magic and myths of Mexico, the experience is truly luxury and modern, all blessed with calming waters and the winds of Caribbean.

Cancun, the L-shaped Island is linked to the mainland by a causeway, which is fourteen miles long. The beaches are lined with hotels that appear as extreme luxury. The Cancun offers restaurants serving exotic dishes, dose of entertainment from reggae, jazz clubs, discos and folklore cabarets, world-class shopping experience and sports like golf, water sports, tennis and Mexican bullfights. These ideal Mexico beach holidays make an all-round vacation. With amazing nightlife and sunny beach days, they are the perfect hideout for travel enthusiasts.

Now, nine miles from the mainland is Conzumel and it is reached by ferry. This 181 square mile limestone island is blessed with splendid beaches, palm grove forests, relics of Mayan empire that dates back to 1,000 AD. The nature parks and reserves are also among the main visitor attractions there. The coast opposite to it is the Riviera Maya, which is a long stretch of minute fishing villages. There are small and hidden resorts that are well sought by nature loving tourists. It is also housed to modern resort areas that are perfect spot to explore this wonderful ancient land.

With Mexico beach holidays the holiday goers can think of making an escapade to the beach and soak up in the sun. Other major places to pay a visit are the Island of Women, Isla Contoy, Chichen Itza, Tulum and Xcaret. The quiet atmosphere, spotless Caribbean beaches, coral reefs, superb diving pleasure, coastal waters with semi-tropical fish, turtle farm, marine biological station, sanctuary for bird species, eco-archaeological park and Mayan caves. Even this much is not enough to define the beauty of the place.



Conchita

Liam G asked:


When asked to describe California, chances are you would find yourself reeling off images of sunny beaches filled with everything from free thinking surfers to fitness fanatics or maybe beautiful suburbs home to the worlds rich and famous.

Many of the hallmarks that come to mind will be down to growing up with music and cinema that have made California what it is today.

California’s current state capital is the sophisticated city of Sacramento. With its numerous museums, historical centres and vast colourful parks it is probably the states most culturally rich city, with countless vestiges of the gold rush which brought many riches and diversity to the state.

The newly built Golden State Museum uses state-of-the-art technology to showcase traditional exhibits and is a must-see.

Sprawling the coast of southern California is the states largest city, and the second largest city in America – Los Angeles. Technically L.A. is a booming metropolis, comprised of 88 different cities, each one varying considerably. The city houses some of the world’s finest cultural institutions such as the shimmering Walt Disney Concert Hall, the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Getty Museum.

Over the years people from 160 countries have flocked to America through L.A., which has resulted in a true mosaic of diversity throughout the city.

Heading south, just one hour from the Mexican border is the city of San Diego. Often considered “the birthplace of California”, San Diego is the states second largest city. Considering its ever increasing population, San Diego has a refreshing small-town town ambiance about it.

Many visit the city for the sunshine which graces the superb coastline nearly everyday of the year, the city is also home to America’s largest urban park.

North of L.A. is the city of San Francisco, often dubbed the most attractive and best city throughout the whole of the US.

What was once a sleep Spanish fishing town with a population of 400 is now America’s western financial capital, world-renowned for its tolerance of the alternative and free-thinkers of the world.

Venturing further north of San Fran and you will find countless miles of rocky coastline and inland, some of the oldest and tallest tree’s on earth – the redwoods. The dramatic lush forests of the north form a stark contrast with the arid but equally as beautiful “desert regions” of the south.

Holidays and tourism throughout California is very popular, with each region offering something different. Cheap holidays are best sourced online with a multitude of websites able to tailor a holiday to suit your requirements.



Anthony

Alfie James asked:


When a country is listed seventh among the most popular tourist destinations worldwide and draws over 20 million tourists a year, it should easily understood that the country has something solid to offer to its visitors. The World Tourism Organization has awarded Mexico with this honour. Hence, it would not be surprising at all to know that tourism is the third largest sector in the country’s industrial GDP.

No wonder Mexico holidays will be educative and entertaining. The main attraction in Mexico is definitely Chichen Itza, a large pre-Colombian archeological site, built at the time of Maya civilization. It was the center of activity in the northern Maya lowlands from the Late Classic through the Terminal Classic and into the beginning time of the Early Post-classic period.

This historical site includes a multitude of architectural styles, ranging from what is called “Mexicanized” and reminiscent of styles seen in central Mexico to the Puuc style found among the Puuc Maya of the northern lowlands. Mexico holidays become all the more exciting and entertaining mainly because of the existence of this historical site.

Besides the Chichen Itza, there are lot more things to be seen, done, eaten and enjoyed in Mexico. In fact, it is the only country in Latin America to be within the top 25 most popular holiday destinations of the world. So, Mexico holidays are the favourite pastime of a large number of Latin Americans. Visitors from other countries and continents are also not few in numbers.

Though the most notable tourist draws are the ancient Meso-American ruins, the beach resorts do not lag far behind. A unique culture made out of the fusion of the European (particularly Spanish) and the Meso-American together with the coastal climate make Mexico Holidays highly fun-filled. December, July and August remains the best time of vacationing in Mexico.



Landon

Rohit Chopra asked:


Christmas season can be an exhausting time for all the Christmas decorations, shopping, meal preparations and other activities associated with the busy, but joyous season. If you want to relax, leave the preparations for other families and take a break, a Christmas vacation cruise is a perfect getaway for you and your family.

More and more cruise lines are providing new ways for families to spend their holidays with them. A good thing about Christmas vacation cruises is that your whole clan can join the trip and share different activities on-board and at port stops, but each family will still have their own, private cabin.

Christmas Vacation Cruises also provide entertainment for children on-board. So if you are worried that your kids wont be given their yearly wish to Santa Claus, most cruise lines provide an on-board Santa for children. Your teens could also enjoy Christmas and New Years Eve parties, various holiday contests and craft making.

If you are giving a Christmas cruise vacation as a gift for your loved ones, you can choose from different destinations that you think they could enjoy. From a 10-day Caribbean trip to a cruise in Mexico, Hawaii, Austria or other interesting places, your family is guaranteed to enjoy the scenery, activities and one-of-a-kind experience provided by cruise vacations.

Choose the Perfect Cruise Line for Your Christmas Vacation

If you decided on spending your holidays with a Christmas vacation cruise package, it is now the time to determine the destinations you wish to see. Although there are only few packages available for most winter cruises, your cold-weather retreat can still be one of the amazing experiences in your familys life.

The Norwegian Cruise Line provides its clients with winter cruises destined to the Mexican Riviera, Hawaii, Caribbean and the South Americas. These amazing destinations provide different boarding ports including New York, Charleston, Houston, Miami and New Orleans. Your children can enjoy Santas gift giving and various crafts making while your whole family can keep the spirit of Christmas with caroling from the cruise crew.

A more festive cruise line is the Princess, which specially decorates their ships for the holiday season. Available Christmas vacation cruises are destined to New Zealand, Australia, Caribbean and the Southern Pacific. The crew prepares for festivities and New Years Eve celebrations. For a more exotic trip, you can choose to board with Holland America and visit Antarctica, Australia, Mexico and the Caribbean over the holiday season.

Regardless of cruise lines, your budget can be matched in accordance with your chosen destinations. So if you are looking for a relaxed holiday time with your family book your Christmas vacation cruise now and have a time of your life.



Haley

George Crystal asked:


Have you thought about a vacation to Madrid? You can plan a cheap holiday in Madrid and enjoys days of sightseeing and relaxing. The nightlife is something to experience. La Venencia is a fun club to visit as well as La Fidula and Café Central. Oh yes, these are some great places to enjoy the culture of Spain. If you need something a little more hip and fast, the Club Joy Estava will settle your need for a fast night. The city of Madrid really comes to life after the sun goes down. It is a fantastic time and you meet some great people.

Although Madrid has many bars and clubs, it also has historical sites, flea markets, theaters, the Safari de Madrid Wildlife Park and Snow Park, which is a beautiful place to ski. If you are looking for a theme park, Faunia will fit the bill. It is a beautiful water park with rides and plenty of wildlife attractions. You could spend an entire day in this theme park and still want to go back for more. The history museum Museo de San Isidro is a great place to spend the day. You can see the historical exhibits and learn about the history of Madrid.

Your cheap holiday in Madrid does not stop there, you can visit the many specialty shops, famous neighborhoods and art galleries. The Royal Botanical gardens are a place to find peace and serenity. This area of Spain is a tourist town with more to do then anywhere else you could visit. They have a winery, palaces and beautiful parks to walk around and see the beautiful landscape. Your vacation will not end with that, the hotels have many activities and amenities and the restaurants are superb.

The restaurants you will find are serving French cuisine, vegetarian foods, German, Mexican, Asian, Mediterranean and African. You will fine many different styles of restaurants from casual to fine dining. You will even find a McDonald’s. Many of the hotels you will find in a cheap holiday in Madrid package have onsite restaurants or one just next door.

The Madrid Zoo is a day worth spending. You will see frogs, an insect leaf specimen, amazing and colorful fish as well as the dolphin. The zoo is truly unique from any other zoo for its unusual habitants. If you need more excitement, try a visit to the country. You will find that you have so much to do, it is always wise to spend a full week if not two weeks to see as much as you can. The best time to go is when the weather is just cooling off. During the hot summer months, many of the residents go somewhere cooler and come back when the weather cools.

If you want to a lot of exploring, go when the temperatures drop a bit. It will make your trip memorable and you can get out more instead of needing to be in an air-conditioned room or another type of building.



Lily

Alfie James asked:


Mexico is one of the most admired places around the world. Globetrotters who are travel enthusiasts have a soft corner for Mexican cuisine and vacations. Mexico holidays comprise of attractions, which are enough to attract beach lovers and food connoisseurs across the world. There are Caribbean beaches, which are spread around Cancun. Then you can visit Chichen Itza, which is a wonderful archaeological site consisting of Mayan ruins. If you have a deep interest in diving, then Acapulco is another place to indulge in. People having an inclination towards handicrafts must visit Oaxaca.

The Mexico holidays have a range of attractions, which are enough to leave the traveller spell bound. The cuisine of Mexico is also widely loved by food aficionados across the world. It does not need an introduction. The tortillas, seafood and desserts are loved by the locals and foreign travellers. The use of avocado, chillies, kidney beans and chocolate gives this cuisine a tasteful blend. The beaches around Mexico sees a lot of tourist rush those who like to engross into water sports. Hardcore sea enthusiasts can holiday around Yucatan peninsula and frequent beaches.

The vacations are very important in everyone’s life. They are a method to rejuvenate and get back to energised self through pleasure activities. The Mexico holidays will make you come across several marvellous architectures, both from the new and the old world. The exploration of Zocalo, largest public square is something that fills tourists with exhilaration. There you will find Aztec ruins and presidential palace. The eco-reserves and theme parks are among other major attractions. Those who love the rugged terrains, Mexico’s Sierra Tarahumara are one of the deepest canyons, ready to give a thrill.

The Mexico Holidays are splendid, which are full of adventure and thrill. The temple of Quetzalcoatl, along with sun and moon pyramid is worth seeing. These are the vacations that will rejuvenate you after a hectic life you live every day.



Alfonse