Category: Blog

Mexicans use March 17th  to honor the San Patricios. These Irish immigrants to the U.S. were drafted into the army and sent to fight in the Mexican-American War (1846-48). Dismayed at fighting fellow Catholics and suffering from mistreatment by their Protestant commanders, hundreds of the Irish soldiers deserted to …

For over a century the most popular souvenirs from Mexico were a series of paintings depicting racially mixed families and how they were genetically formed among the Spaniards, indigenous and Africans.  This compelling and unique pictorial genre is known as caste (or casta) paintings created …

Dynamic blends of indigenous and Spanish heritage enrich the history of the Mexico; yet, for hundreds of years, Mexican women were restrained by the strong patriarchal traditions of this heritage.  A father’s authority was beyond question.  The strict moral code established by the Church and prevailing …

Mercedes, a senior in my English classes, introduced me to danzon, a style of dance (like tap, square dancing or salsa), forever changing how I experience Mexico.  Through danzon I performed at festivals around town and the country, taught classes hither and yon for years, …

The horse was essential to the Spanish Inquisition and occupation of Mexico.  The horse was transportation, communication, wealth and companionship all in one friendly foal. The horse sailed over from Spain with the conquistadors arriving in 1519 with Hernan Cortes’ 16 horses with names like Bob-Tail and Morzillo.  The …

My daughter was born was a fright wig worthy head of hair driving both of us to distraction.  She sported a bowl cut looking like a 1920s flapper until she able to comb her own hair without a reminder from me.  That took nearly 15 years! Imagine …

To the pre-Hispanic indigenous, man’s best friend was a hairless dog serving as an occasional food source and, most importantly, guide to the Underworld.  Viewers of the movie, Coco, will recognize the hairless dog that guides the boy through his after-life adventures is a Mexican Hairless dog. …

Third row in at our Guadalupe cemetery is a substantial, Federal-style mausoleum for Oratorio priests.  The Oratorio church in centro, run by said priests, is twofold unique. One is the founder’s preoccupation with the notion that joy, laughter and song bring one closer to God.  …

St. Joseph is mentioned only eight times in the New Testament. Prior to the late medieval period, Church doctrine rarely noticed him.  However, in 1555 this humble carpenter, Mary’s husband and foster father of Jesus, was made patron of the conquest and conversion of Mexico forever influencing favored Mexican …

As bad, but still, luck would have it, the week before the virus hit town a year ago my favorite dance student stumbled breaking her leg and hip.  Hips heal somewhat fast, but in your 80s major bone breaks take a bit of time and she’s been …