Thanksgiving Day
and La Guelaguetza: Different Events, Close in Essence
Two celebrations might vary greatly in
their origin and time, yet still be extremely similar in what they
signify. This is the case with the occasion Americans celebrate as
Thanksgiving and the festival Mexicans celebrate as La Guelaguetza. Both
transcend time and embody the cultural memory of their nations. The two
traditions bring people together, strengthen communities, and are
national symbols of gratitude.
Festivities and traditions are a vital part of a country.
To really get to know a destination or embrace a culture you must
experience its past through the living expressions of its present. As an
American, if you cherish a holiday such as Thanksgiving and value its
role in American culture, you’ll definitely enjoy the celebrations
in Mexico
that play an important role in Mexican culture. At the same time, Mexican
celebrations help you to gain a better understanding of this multifaceted
country through its festivities.
San
Miguel de Allende and the Monarch Butterflies join Mexico’s
World Heritage Sites!
The town of San
Miguel El Grande and the Sanctuary of Jesús de Nazareno de
Atotonilco(San Miguel Allende,
Guanajuato) and the Monarch Butterfly Biosphere
Reserve (State of Mexico and Michoacán) were named Mexico’s 28th and
29th World Heritage Sites by UNESCO during the 32nd annual World Heritage
Committee in Canada. The committee also added 13 other new sites to their
World Heritage List. This year’s session, taking place between
July 2nd through the 10th in Quebec,
Canada,
also honored both sites for their historical, cultural (current and future)
and natural place in the world.
From an Amulet
against Devil Spirits to JurassicPark: The Amber of Chiapas
Surrounded by mystery and charm, amber
has been around for millions of years, testimony to prehistoric times and
lost ages. Known as the “Window to the Past”, this
crystal transparent gem is an organic plastic with the unique and singular
ability to encompass and preserve the materials it encounters.
Some years ago, amber was popularized by the book and movie
JurassicPark.
Although a fictional story, it’s not far from reality as
today’s technology makes it possible to extract DNA from animals and
insects trapped inside this remakrable substance. Amber was used in ancient
times as a lucky charm against evil and dark forces.
If you want to discover one of the regions where
fascinating amber has been fossilized over the ages, follow the path to Chiapas.
Be a Witness to
History and Enjoy Good Films in Guanajuato
Would
you like to visit two colonial cities with great cultural heritage while
enjoying some of the best films in the world? If so, this is your
opportunity to visit the state of Guanajuato, not only to learn about its
great history, but also to attend the largest international film festival
in Mexico.
The World Heritage Sites of Guanajuato and the MagicTown
of San Miguel de Allende will be the host cities for Expresión en Corto,
the film festival. This is a state-sponsored, non-profit, cultural
event, presented free of admission to its viewing audience. The support
received from the government and various cultural institutions makes it
possible for the festival to offer a variety of screenings, workshops,
conferences and activities at no cost to the public.
Every year, Expresión en Corto invites the
participation of a guest country of honor, presenting a showcase of the
best of that country's film - past and present. During this year’s
festival, India
will be hosted as the most honored guest.
From July 18 through the 27, more than 400 films will be
screened in different locations throughout the two cities, allowing
visitors to admire the colonial architecture and enjoy the mild climate
while watching the work of talented filmmakers. This year the festival
tackles the theme of “Identity” regarding the representation of
a country or culture through its historic film heritage. So, don’t
miss the chance to stop by for special entertainment in the state that
shines at the heart of Mexico.
Mexico’s
Secretary of Tourism Joins NYC & CO. CEO George Fertitta for Tourism
Promotion in New York
Mexico’s Secretary of Tourism, Rodolfo
Elizondo Torres, joined CEO of New York City & Company, George
Fertitta, on June 25th in New York
City. During this meeting an agreement was made to
promote Mexican destinations in New York City,
in exchange for promotion of New
York in the Mexican markets. Mexico’s Secretary of tourism is also
promoting new direct flights from New York
to Mexico, Mexican
destinations into the Big Apple, as well as joint campaigns between both Mexico and the US
in Asia and Europe.
Elizondo-Torres, together with the CEO of the Mexico Tourism Board (MTB),
Oscar Fitch Gomez, and of Mexico's
National Trust Fund for Tourism Development (FONATUR), Miguel Gomez Mont, the head of Sectur
also joined George Fertitta, with whom he shared experiences of promoting
large cities.
Meanwhile, New York City & Company presented their recent campaign
“Just ask the locals,” where tourism promotion within the city
is used through television and movie stars residing in NYC.
With this alliance, Mexico
will have the opportunity to increase its promotion in these markets, for
which direct flights are offered to Mexico
combined with destinations in the US
such as New York.
http://nycvisit.com/jatl/ http://www.sectur.gob.mx/index.jsp
An Inspiring
Encounter of Nations That Share a Common, Universal Language
The
most renowned music festival in Latin America, the Festival de Música de
Cámara de San Miguel de Allende, brings together ten internationally
acclaimed chamber music artists to its 30th Anniversary, taking place from
July 31 through August 17.
Inspired by some of the world’s most famous chamber
music festivals such as the Spoleto festival in California; the, Edinburgh
festival in Scotland and the Marlboro in Vermont, the Festival de Música de
Cámara de San Miguel de Allende was founded in 1979. Celebrating almost 30
years, the festival has already positioned itself among the world’s
greatest music festivals..
Mexico’s
Tourism Secretariat and Magic Town of San Miguel de Allende have played a
vital role in the success of this festival. The colorful manifestations of
art and heritage found in every corner of this centuries-old town create an
ideal foundation for a world-class festival.
At this year’s festival, residents and visitors alike
will be able to indulge themselves with performances by ten renowned
chamber music ensembles, including the Ahn Trio, the Arveiros Vocal
Quartet, Carlos Chavez’ Sting Quartet, Gustavo Rivero Weber, La
Catrina Quartet, Miami String Quartet, the Poulenc Trio, the Alientos de
Bellas Artes Quintet, Synergy Brass Quintet and the Ying Quartet.
Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy yet another
magical experience that can only be found in Mexico. To learn more about San
Miguel de Allende and this festival, visit their official websites at www. www.turismosanmiguel.com.mx
or www.festivalsanmiguel.com.
The Mystical
Splendor of Tulum’s Archeological Site is Greater at Night
Combining the mystery of the
ancient civilization that inhabited the area of Tulum with the beauty of
the Caribbean Sea, the city of Tulum
today is the only known archaeological site located by the sea. And since
last May, its uniqueness is more remarkable thanks to the sound and light
show available for visitors after dark.
Once the tour begins, visitors walk through a gate on the
western side of the fortifications. This is the entrance to Tulum and it
remains just as it was in ancient times. When you walk its paths, the sound
and illumination effects transport you to the days of Mayan civilization.
As you walk, you hear descriptions of the buildings you’re watching,
recorded by archaeologists, who elaborate on every detail.
Over sixty well-preserved structures can be observed within
three massive walls that surround the site. The source of the lights and
the infrastructure that allows such illumination were placed carefully to
avoid any damage to the buildings. The manner in which they are located
makes the site look so impressive that you feel the same amazement that the
Spaniards did when they saw Tulum for the first time, five centuries ago.
El Castillo, The Temple of the Frescoes
and The Temple of the Descending God, are just some of the
structures visited by over 8,000 people each year. With new visiting hours,
you’ll get a better understanding of one of the most powerful and
moving manifestations of the Mayan culture.
In
order to enhance the experience of traveling to Mexico and make the country a
destination of choice for international tourists, sales tax rebates are
paid to foreign visitors who present proof that they bought their
merchandise in stores that are affiliated with a program of tax
reimbursement. Tourists much also submit a request form along with a bank
account number and an immigration form.
Although the annual Instrument Summer
event consistently changes themes depending on the participating
musicians’ future ambitions, constant attention is paid to music
education.
Last summer’s event shifted its orchestral theme
into one incorporating chamber music, allowing students the opportunity
to participate in quartets and small ensembles. This year the event
shifts its focus towards an aesthetical theme around the song “The
Colors of the CelestialCity,” in
honor of the 100 year anniversary of French composer, Olivier
Messiaen’s birth.
The summer celebration comprises of a two-week academic
and artistic component including; individual tutors, essays, workshops,
concerts, and much more. In addition to the Messiaen theme, it also
consists of a “Scrambled Stories” project listing which
includes concerts and workshops on the Baroque, Classical, and Strauss
styles.
Interested
in writing about Mexico?Learn more about our upcoming Fam trips and see how
you can experience Mexico
first-hand.
The following FAM
trips are available for the first semester:
Cancun
Guerrero
Riviera Nayarit
(Golf)
Durango
Sinaloa
México City
Want to write
about Mexico?
Need ideas or assistance with a story? Contact the Mexico Travel News Bureau directly at
1-800-929-4555, by e-mail at northamericanpress@visitmexico.com,
or visit our press site at www.visitmexicopress.com.
Two celebrations might vary greatly in
their origin and time, yet still be extremely similar in what they
signify. This is the case with the occasion Americans celebrate as
Thanksgiving and the festival Mexicans celebrate as La Guelaguetza. Both
transcend time and embody the cultural memory of their nations. The two
traditions bring people together, strengthen communities, and are
national symbols of gratitude. 
Surrounded by mystery and charm, amber
has been around for millions of years, testimony to prehistoric times and
lost ages. Known as the “Window to the Past”, this
crystal transparent gem is an organic plastic with the unique and singular
ability to encompass and preserve the materials it encounters. 
Would
you like to visit two colonial cities with great cultural heritage while
enjoying some of the best films in the world? If so, this is your
opportunity to visit the state of Guanajuato, not only to learn about its
great history, but also to attend the largest international film festival
in 
The
most renowned music festival in Latin America, the Festival de Música de
Cámara de San Miguel de Allende, brings together ten internationally
acclaimed chamber music artists to its 30th Anniversary, taking place from
July 31 through August 17.
Combining the mystery of the
ancient civilization that inhabited the area of Tulum with the beauty of
the Caribbean Sea, the city of 
In
order to enhance the experience of traveling to 
Although the annual Instrument Summer
event consistently changes themes depending on the participating
musicians’ future ambitions, constant attention is paid to music
education. 
