Keegan - 3.10 Modern Mexico & Caribbean

Modern Mexico & the Caribbean

3.10

Start

Which hotspot has the highest population density? How do you know? What color did you look for?

Language

Religion

Roman Catholicism

Mexico

The Caribbean

Day of the Dead

Voodoo

Semana Santa

Family Life

Mexican Food

The Arts

Music

Art

Edio Music Samples

Mural by Diego Rivera

Literature

Author Octavio Paz

Sports & leisure

Health

Education

Leisure

Mexico & The Caribbean

Caribbean

Mexico

Sports

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In the Caribbean, family life is more matriarchal, meaning centered around the women. One reason for this trend is the influence of African culture.

bilingual, fiesta, matriarchal, mestizo, mural, primate city, private healthcare, public healthcare

*identify aspects of culture that define Mexico and the Caribbean *describe examples of how Mexican and Caribbean culture impacts the rest of the world

The art in Mexico and the Caribbean is special because it mixes the old native cultures with the Spanish people who came later. They make things out of metal, wood, clay, and cloth. You can see big wall paintings, clay pots, and pictures made from small pieces called mosaics. Diego Rivera and Frida Kahlo are famous artists from Mexico who loved to show Mexican culture in their paintings. Michel-Jean Cazabon was a painter from Trinidad who liked to paint the beautiful places in his country.

Mole is one of the most important foods for festivals and other special occasions. It is a sauce that has many complex ingredients and takes a long time to make. Ingredients include multiple types of chilis, chicken broth, onion, garlic, peanuts, raisins, and even dark chocolate.

One of the biggest problems for healthcare in the Caribbean is that it's hard for people to get medical help, especially if they live far away from cities or in the countryside. There aren't enough things like medicine and doctors, which makes it hard for people in these places to get the care they need.

In Mexico and the Caribbean, healthcare is vital for health and happiness. Both regions have public and private systems aiming for universal coverage. Public healthcare is government-funded, offering free or low-cost basic services. Private healthcare is paid by individuals or insurance, often providing more advanced care.

Tacos al pastor was introduced to Mexico in the early 1900s by Lebanese and Syrian immigrants. To create these tacos, thin strips of meat are sliced off of a spit, like the image on the right, that are served on a corn tortilla and served with toppings like onions and pineapple.

In Mexico, learning is important. The government provides free public school from kindergarten to high school. The system has three parts: primary, secondary, and higher education. While many attend primary and secondary school, only 44% graduate high school. Issues include limited resources and unequal access. The government aims to improve and expand education for all kids.

Throughout history, many people from Europe have moved to the Caribbean Islands to live. Enslaved Africans were brought to the Caribbean to work, and they stayed there after slavery ended. Today, most people in the Bahamas have African ancestors. Many people in the Caribbean have family roots from both Europe and Africa. The Caribbean Islands have a lot of people living in small areas, making them some of the most crowded places in the world.

The population of Mexico is over 126 million people in total, and the most crowded city is Mexico City. Mexico City is called a primate city, meaning it dominates the country’s economy, culture, and politics. The blending of Native American and European settlers in Mexico and the Caribbean created an ethnic group called mestizo. Mestizos are the largest part of Mexico’s population today.

Tamales were used by the Aztecs and Mayans as nourishing food before they entered battle. Corn husks or banana leaves are stuffed with a corn dough and other fillings like meats or cheeses. Then, they are cooked by steaming.

In Mexico, family is very important. Many people live with their big family, like grandparents, aunts, and uncles. Usually, men are in charge of the family. But now, women are getting more chances to do important things too.

Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, was originally an Aztec religious tradition to honor loved ones who have died. Today, it is still a commonly practiced religious holiday in Mexico. The holiday is celebrated on November 1 and 2. Day of the Dead is a joyful time that helps to celebrate the memory of family members who have passed away.

Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico and the Caribbean. In Mexico, bullfighting is also a big sport. People in Mexico like to play baseball and a game called jai alai, which is like handball. In the Caribbean, people enjoy playing baseball, basketball, and volleyball. Baseball came to Cuba because American sailors taught it to them. Then, as Cubans moved to other islands, they took baseball with them. Over time, many athletes from Mexico and the Caribbean have become professional players in Major League Baseball and the National Basketball League in the United States.

Caribbean food is a mix of many different cultures. These cultures include West African, European, Indian, Creole, and North American. This is because many people from different places moved to the islands. They brought their own foods and ways of cooking. Common foods used in Caribbean cooking are rice, plantains (a type of banana), beans, bell peppers, and sweet potatoes. This means that many dishes are special to one area or island, not the whole Caribbean.

Main religion in the region is Catholicism, with indigenous beliefs and other religions like Hinduism, Islam, Native American, and African religions also present. On Spanish and French Caribbean Islands, most practice Catholicism, while English-speaking islands have diverse faiths.

Celebrations are a fun activity in Mexico and the Caribbean. These can be family dinners, religious meals, or events that celebrate the country. All of these special times turn into parties. Some of these parties include Mexican Independence Day, Las Posadas, which starts the Christmas season, and the Guelaguetza festival. This festival is for the corn goddess of the native people in the Oaxaca area.

Mexican food has evolved, using native ingredients like corn, beans, and chili, with Spanish influences such as beef and rice. It's a key part of culture and traditions, spreading worldwide, especially in the US with Tex-Mex cuisine.

Voodoo or Vodou is one of the official religions of Haiti and was created by Africans who were brought to the island as enslaved people. It is also practiced in the Dominican Republic. Voodoo is the belief in spirits that are present everywhere and that they help communicate with God. People who practice Voodoo perform drumming, singing, and dancing to connect with the spirits, as seen in the image.

Pozole is a traditional soup that was created by the ancient Mexican civilizations. It is made from dried corn kernels and many different spices.