Jackie Duarte
Spanish Project

March 27
Mr. seagreaves

Mexico has many different things that make it what it is. It has different things then here in the U.S. Mexico is known for its folk art traditions. Certain artistic characteristics were repeated throughout the region, namely a preference for angular, linear patterns, and three dimensional ceramics. Handcrafts include clay pottery from the valley of Oaxaca and the village of Tonala. Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. Mexico is also known for its pre­Columbian architecture, especially for public. The first artistic efforts were directed at the related task of building churches. The spanish initially co­oped many indigenous stonemasons and sculptors to build churches, monuments and other religious art, such as altars. The prevailing style during the era was Baroque. In the period after independence into the early 20th century,
Mexican fine art continued to be largely influenced by European traditions.
The literature of Mexico has its antecedents in the literatures of the indigenous settlements of Mesoamerica. The most well known prehispanic poet is Nezahualcoyotl.
Other outstanding colonial writers include Juan Ruiz de Alarcon and Sor Juana Ines de la Cruz. Modern Mexican literature was influenced by the concepts of the Spanish colonization of Mesoamerica.
The history of Mexican cinema dates to the beginning of the 20th century. The
Golden Age of Mexican cinema is the name given to the period between 1935 and 1959 where the quality and economic success of the cinema of Mexico reached its peak. An era when renowned actors such as Cantinflas and Dolores del Rio appeared on the silver screen.
Mexicans celebrate their Independence from Spain on September 16, and other holidays with festivals known as “Fiestas”. Many Mexican cities, towns and villages hold a yearly festival to commemorate their local patron saints. During the festivities, the people pray and burn candles to honor their saints in churches decorated with flowers and colorful utensils. They also hold large parades, fireworks, dance competitions, beauty pageant contests, party and buy refreshments in the market places and public squares. In the smaller towns and villages, soccer, and boxing are also celebrated during the festivities. In the last decade, all the celebrations happening from mid
December to the beginning of January have been linked together in what