MEXICO

Geographically located in North America - although a small area is in Central America -, Mexico is bounded by Guatemala and Belize, and is between the two largest oceans in the world: the Pacific and the Atlantic Ocean.

The territory covers 1,972,550 square km., 11,000 out of which are coastlines.

Mexican population numbers around 108 million people and includes several ethnic groups.

The capital is Mexico City: beyond being the most urbanized part, this is also the nerve-centre of the country.

Mexico City, Cancan, Merida, Guadalajara, Acapulco, Ciudad Juarez.

International Airport of Cancun - Cancun.

The history of Mexico dates back to ancient times and flows through the millenniums like a movie, among mysterious and distant civilizations, from the autochthonous Olmec up to the Aztecs. All these populations shared a common devotion to gods and human sacrifices, which endured until the Discovery of America and the following Spanish domination. The land was invaded by Spain in 1519, marking the real turning point of its history. Due to an ancient legend, the Spaniards were welcomed like gods by the natives, who covered them with gold and jewels. This led to a 300-year Spanish domination that destroyed the primordial culture and massacred the indigenous inhabitants. The Mexican population started to fight for its independence from Spain only in the XIX century: struggling for their freedom under the war-cry "Viva México", they ended nevertheless in four decades of dictatorship. Mexico turned into a modern state thanks to two major rebels, Pancho Villa and Emiliano Zapata, who fought for a free land. During the 1913-1914 Civil War Pancho Villa flanked Venustiano Carranza, the leader of the progressive movement: when the latter became President, Villa regarded him as too moderate and, with the help of Emiliano Zapata, he encouraged therefore the peasant uprising. After the rebellion, the country went through a period of development and reconstruction, which concerned mainly - without being limited to - all the agricultural areas, combined with a process of reforms and land redistribution.
1966 was another year featured by intense protests, when the Mexican people, students above all, decided to demonstrate against the Government led by Gustavo Díaz Ordaz, deemed to be too conservative. But 1988 represented a real decisive moment for the politics of this country: in a real controversial atmosphere, Carlos Salinas de Gortari won the national presidential elections and embarked on a program of neoliberal economic reforms, mainly aiming at attracting foreign capitals and focused on privatization, thus obtaining the people approval. In an assorted mood of discontent, protests and support, the new President finally led the country through a process of change, thus leading it to the current Presidential Federal Republic.

The 16th of September, the day in which the Mexicans celebrate their Independence from Spain obtained in 1821 after more than eleven years of Civil War.

Mexico is a Federal Republic formed by thirty one states: the official name is in fact United Mexican States

The official language is Spanish, spoken all over the country. The old Amerindian languages still survive especially in the Maya villages, while English is widespread in the most developed tourist areas. In Cancun you will find also many Italian-speaking people.

90% of the religious population is formed by Roman Catholics, but ceremonies often combine also Maya and Aztec-like rituals.

Due to its geographical position Mexico is featured by three time zones. During your trip you will therefore consider the area you are visiting in order to know what the exact time is.
The time zone is mainly seven hours behind Italy, but if you go towards California it can be eight to nine hours behind.

Italian citizens travelling for tourism purposes are required to hold a passport with at least 6-month remaining validity. No visas are required, but on your way to Mexico you will be given a "tourist card" to fill in and hand over at the airport border inspection posts.
Please keep carefully the copy of such a tourist residence permit since it must be returned before your departure from Mexico.

The country's monetary unit is the Mexican Peso. Considering the present currency exchange rate, Mexico is a rather economical destination for Italian travellers, obviously depending on the type of holidays you wish to arrange.

CHECK THE CURRENCY EXCHANGE RATE

The main international credit cards are accepted in hotels, shops and restaurants. Moreover, it is indispensable to hold a credit card if you want to rent a car by a local agency.

No special vaccinations are required to visit Mexico, unless your travel plan includes very wet regions and marshy districts, or any other risky areas: in such a case the antimalarial prophylaxis is recommended. Anyway apply to the nearest Local Health Unit or to your doctor for further advice. Before departure it is nevertheless advisable to underwrite an Accident and Health Insurance policy.

Mexican climate is rather mutable and varies according to regions. Altitude is a major climatic influence, especially between the north and the south. Four vertical climatic zones are recognized: the Hot Land, where climate is influenced by the sea; the Temperate Land, where temperatures are mild and influenced by the season change; the Cold Land, where temperature in summertime does not exceed 23°C; and the Frozen Land, corresponding to the highest volcanoes.

CHECK THE WEATHER FORECASTS IN REAL TIME

The voltage is 125 volts: plugs are of the American type, an adaptor is therefore necessary. First-class hotels are equipped also with 220 volt electric current.

To call Italy from Mexico dial the country code for Italy 0039, then the Italian area code - including zero for fixed net numbers - and the number you wish to call (for example: to call a fixed net telephone number in Rome from Mexico just dial 0039 06 75; to call a mobile phone number from Mexico just dial 0039 349 22).
To call Mexico from Italy, dial the country code for Mexico 0052, followed by the area code without 0 and then the number you wish to call.
The GSM network works perfectly, but it is better to have triband phone. As phone tariffs vary according to the service provider, it is advisable to get informed about costs before the departure, in order to avoid unpleasant surprises at home.
Several Internet Cafés can be found in the main cities and in the tourist places: checking or sending e-mails will not be a problem.

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use, but be careful not to do it during the traditional religious rituals, as it is strictly forbidden, and inside churches. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

There are no restrictions to take pictures or make amateur videos for private use, but be careful not to do it during the traditional religious rituals, as it is strictly forbidden, and inside churches. As in any other country, it is advisable to politely ask local people for their permission before taking pictures of them.

Mexican cuisine is mainly known for its spicy taste, but in the reality it is featured by intense and varied flavors. Ideal for strong palates, Mexican food offers a great variety of recipes based both on vegetables and on meat as main ingredient, even though the two elements are often combined. If you want to taste a really appetizing dish, try the tacos, a rolled maize tortilla filled with pork, thin cut vegetables and beans, or else the tamales, consisting of meat and corn - the typical Mexican ingredient. But also those who love fish will not remain disappointed: the several delicious recipes include octopus cocktails, oysters and prawns. As to beverages, the local beer (cerveza) is excellent, but to feel a real Mexican you can but drink at least a glass of tequila, served with lemon and salt, or of margarita

The Mexican music originated in the Prehispanic period, when melodies were characterized by local rhythms mainly linked to the worships of the time. The musical instruments in use range from percussions, such as drums and bells, to wind instruments, as terracotta flutes and shell trumpets. Later on the Spanish music contaminated the ancient rhythms, thus making them truly irresistible, and the resulting dances obtained a large success even in Europe. A real milestone for the musical culture of this country was the set up of the Orquesta Sinfónica de México in 1929 that numbered the famous Carlos Chavez, great composer and conductor.

Nightlife in tourist places is so lively that you just have to much to choose. The Yucatan peninsula, and especially cities like Cancun, Playa del Carmen or Tulum, is full of trendy discos, with their special atmospheres and psychedelic lights. Real night-birds will be pleasantly surprised by the dynamic Mexican movida. Those who prefer more Caribbean rhythms may choose among the several clubs where you can dance salsa and merengue.

Mexico is a country rich in cultural events and festivals, the most popular attractions being those concerning religious rites and cultural traditions. Cities and tourist centres offer also fashionable happenings or concerts by international music stars.

Please find here following just a brief overview:

- January/February - Candlemas Day celebration - Valladolid (Chichén Itzá) - Yucatan

- February - The Cozumel Carnival - Cozumel Island- Yucatan

- April - Festival commemorating the anniversary of the foundation of Cancún city. - Cancun - Yucatan

- July - 'Guelaguetza' festival - Oaxaca (about 400 km far from Mexico City)

- September - "El Grito" (the cry) celebrating the Mexican independence from Spain - Mexico City

- November - 'X´Matkuil' fair - Merida - Yucatan

- December - Festival of the Virgin of Guadalupe - Acapulco .

Mexican relationship with the death is rather peculiar and almost different from ours. In Janitzio, for instance, the night preceding the 2nd of November is the "Día de los muertos" (the Day of the Dead), that is a day to celebrate in honour of those who have departed: the whole population goes therefore to the different cemeteries bringing foods and drinks, and pass the whole night "talking" with the dead.

1) Mexico City - The city really offers a wide range of places to visit, from the museum of the modern arts to the old city, up to the ruins of the ancient capital of the Aztec empire.

2) Mexico City - Teotihuacan, the largest city in old Mexico, where you can visit the famous and imposing Pyramid of the Sun and of the Moon.

3) Yucatan - The Pyramid of Chichén Itzá is one of the most famous Maya site.

4) Yucatan - Cancun - its beaches are reckoned among the most evocative and celebrated in Mexico.

5) Yucatan - Tulum - the Maya site located on a cliff towards the Caribbean.

6) Yucatan - Merida - the suggestive capital of the state of Yucatan.

7) Yucatan - Isla de las Mujeres is the ideal place for those longing for a quiet holiday far from the city chaos.

8) Yucatan - Isla de Cozumel is a real paradise for those who love water sports.

9) Uxmal - Located at about a hundred km far from Merida, this extraordinary oval-based Pyramid of the Magician, also known as the Pyramid of the Soothsayer, stretches up to the temple and is more than 30-metre high.

10) Yucatan - The Natural Reserve of Celestún

1) Cozumel island - It is one of the most excellent places for diving, offering some of the best diving points: the Palancar and Cantil reefs.

2) Playa del Carmen - Different water sports may be played here, such as surfing, windsurfing and fishing.

3) Tulum - The ideal place for those who love surfing, diving and snorkelling

4) Isla Mujeres - Beyond playing standard sports, you have the possibility to go snorkelling and sport fishing, or else to choose excursions by boat and kayak.

5) Puerto Aventuras . It is highly recommended for those who love diving, especially in sea caves.

- Water - It is advisable to drink sealed bottled water or canned drinks, and to avoid eating raw vegetables, thus choosing only cooked foods. Do not forget to bring specific sprays against insects bites.

- Not to forget - A sweater may be useful. Do not forget a cap, your sunglasses and high-protection solar creams: these are the essential items to bring with you.

- Tips - Tips are not compulsory. Beyond being highly appreciated, tipping the waiter is anyway quite a common habit and will allow you to get a good service.

- Safety - Mexico is not a dangerous country and tourist centres are generally safe. It is anyway advisable to avoid risky areas and to be careful with valuables. In any case, just a few precautions will avoid any problem.

Via Barberini, 3 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 4872 182
Fax: 0039 06 4201 4293
E-mail: italy@visitmexico.com
www.visitmexico.com

Via Spallanzani, 16 - Rome - Italy
Phone: 0039 06 4411 51/4425 1990
Fax: 0039 06 4403 876
E-mail:ofna.prensa@emexitalia.it
www.target.it

Av. De las Palmas 1994 Lomas de Chapultepec, Mexico City - Mexico
Phone: 0052 5 5963 655
Fax: 0052 5 5967 710
E-mail: embitaly@adetel.net.mx 
www.embitalia.org.mx