ISTHMUS OF TEHUANTEPEC - Mexico's narrowest part, 125 miles across. Gulf states Veracruz and Tabasco raise crops and cattle easily in rich alluvial soil and constant moisture. Along with abundant seafood the cuisine has deep Caribbean and African roots along with that of others stopping at Veracruz' seaport. The isthmus is the cradle of Mexican and Central American civilization and the site of Spain's first settlement. Feb 1519 Cortez leaving Cuba first landed on the Yucatan Peninsula, later in Tabasco. With horses and superior weapons he easily defeated locals. Native women cooking for Spain were first to combine Old and New world foods.Spain's arrival abruptly ended Indian achievement as churches and bullfights replaced most of their civilizations. Born in Sevilla in 1729, Joaquin Roderiguez Costillares invented the basic cape pass, the Veronica, and basic modern corrida form. There's a season each for Matadors (Oct - March) and novilleros. Former Juarez general Porfirio Diaz ruled Mexico as a dictatorship. Opposition precipitated the 1910 Revolution. Factions led by Pancho Villa, Emilio Zapata and others split Mexico. A new Constitution adopted in 1917 established a democratic government composed of legistlature, executive and judicial. Political storms continued after Zapata and President Venustiano Carranza were assassinated. With 1934's election of General Lazaro Cardenas reconstruction began.
Jan 6 Epiphany Feb 2 1848 Treaty of Guadalupe 5 1917 Constitution Day 24 Flag Day 1825 uprising against Spanish rule March 21 Benito Juarez Day May 5 Cinco de Mayo June 1 Corpus Christi Day Aug 13 Cortez conquers Tenochtitlan, 1521 Sept 15 Citizen Day 16 Independence Day, Spain Nov 20 Civil War anniversary Dec 12 Virgin of Guadalupe Day
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