XO+MEXICO

Alicia Davies, Jonny Bache & Brittany Rayburn XO MEXICO! **Capital/Population/Size of Country:** -Located below the United States, surrounded by the Gulf Of Mexico and the Pacific Ocean. -The capital of Mexico is Mexico City. -Mexico is approximately two million square kilometers. -There is an estimated population of about one hundred and twelve million people. -Some of Mexico's special celebrations include Cinco De Mayo, which is the fifth of May. -It celebrates the country's independence from Spain. El Grito De Independencia (Independence day) is every 16th of September, and it is celebrating Mexico's independence from the Spanish Rule. -This date marks the start of the independence war which lasted for 10 years. -Los Dias de los Muertos (The day of the dead) is a Mexican celebration of both life and death. -This is held on November 1st and November 2nd. -The Quincinera is equivalant to a girl turning 16 and having a Sweet Sixteen. -This when a 15 year old girl becomes a woman.
 * Celebrations/Feasts/Food:**

-Northern Mexico is known for their beef, goat, and ostrich and meat dishes. -It is known for its carne asada (grilled meat). -It’s an item that consists of thin grilled streak sometimes marinated. -South eastern Mexico is known for its spicy vegetable and meat based dishes and seafood is prepared on the border the Pacific Ocean and the Gulf of Mexico. -Southeastern Mexico has a Caribbean influence due to its oceanic location. -In towns and villages there are exotic dishes cooked in Aztec or Mayan style with ingredients native to the land such as: iguana, rattle snake, and deer. -Mexico has adopted cuisines from around the world such as sushi. -Sushi in Mexico is made with local ingredients such as mango, tamarind, and served with a variety of soy sauces. -The diet of the Mexicans in the 1500s consisted of mainly corn, beans, peppers, and sweet potatoes. -Chocolate was a symbol for royalty. -When the Spanish explorers landed in Mexico, they introduced sheep, goats, chicken. -Because Spain ruled Mexico for over 400 years, they had left their mark on Mexico’s culture and cuisine.
 * History/Culture:**