Zócalo Blog
Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl: The Tragic Love Story
Learn about the Romeo and Juliet of Mexican Pre-Hispanic mythology with the legend of Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl, the mighty volcanoes and learn why the mighty Popocatépetl volcano continues to spew ashes... Read more...
Origin and Meaning of La Rosca de Reyes (Three Kings Bread)
The Christian holiday of Epiphany marks the day when the Three Wise men arrived in Bethlehem to meet the baby Jesus. In Mexico, the holiday is celebrated with Rosca de Reyes. Do you know the symbolism of each part? Read more...
Twelve Grapes on the New Year
On New Year's, families usually gather to enjoy a delicious dinner, toast, and eat 12 grapes making a wish. Although this tradition is very popular in Mexico and other places in Latin America, it is a tradition that... Read more...
Flor de Nochebuena: From Cuetlaxóchitl to Poinsettia
The striking poinsettia flower is a flower native to Mexico, where it is called Flor de Nochebuena (Christmas Eve flower). But did you know its original name in Nahuatl is Cuetlaxóchitl... Read More...
Choo Ba'ak: The Cleaning of the Bones in Pomuch, Campeche
Choo Ba'ak, “Limpieza de Huesos/Cleaning of Bones”, a tradition in Pomuch, Campeche where people clean the bones of their deceased, who rest all year long in half-open wooden boxes that rest in their niches in the cemetery... Read more...
La Catrina: Mexico's Iconic Day of the Dead Great Dame
Being such an iconic, striking, and characteristic representation of the Day of the Dead, the story behind La Catrina is just as interesting as what it represents today... Read More...