Aztec Calendar Stone
Spanish conquered Aztecs in 1521. The city of Tenochtitlan fell to Hernan Cortez and his allies. Cortez had arrived on the shores several months before. Montezuma, leader of the Aztecs, felt Cortez might be one of their gods, Quetzalcoatl. Montezuma made the Spanish feel welcome, but ultimately the conquistadors turned on the Aztecs. Children can read some great background information at: Aztecs.
Flag of Mexico
Mexico celebrates Independence Day. It declared its freedom from Spain in 1810. Mexico, a bit smaller than three times the size of Texas, is home to 116.2 million people. Bordering the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea, the country experiences earthquakes and hurricanes. Mexico City is the capital. Children could learn more at: Mexico.
Padre Island National Seashore
Padre Island National Seashore was established in 1962. Located along the Gulf of Mexico, the national seashore is the longest unprotected barrier island in the world. Five species of sea turtles (Kemp’s ridleys, loggerheads, leatherbacks, hawksbills, and greens) nest on the island. More than 380 species of birds live on the island or migrate through the area. Children can learn more at: Padre Island.
Day of the Dead Sculptures for the Ofrendas
Day of the Dead (Dia de Muertos) is celebrated today and tomorrow in Mexico and other parts of the world. The day celebrates all those who have died. Families and friends bring flowers to grave sites. They prepare festive meals and remember their loved ones by creating ofrendas, alters of offerings to their departed. Children can learn more at a fascinating site: Day of the Dead.
All-Female referee crew officiated for the first time in a men’s FIFA World Cup 2022 Game. Stéphanie Frappert of France was the center referee. Her assistants were Neuza Back of Brazil and Karen Diaz of Mexico. Germany beat Costa Rica in the second round game in Qatar.
Las Posadas is celebrated in Mexico. This event begins December 16th and ends December 24th. Each evening families walk from house to house, seeking shelter for Mary and Joseph. At the last house, everyone enters. People feast and dance, and a special seven-pointed, star-shaped piñata made of clay is broken open. Diane Hoyt-Goldsmith’s Las Posadas: an Hispanic Christmas Celebration gives great insights into this tradition.
Aztec Calendar Stone
Aztec stone calendar was discovered in Mexico City in 1790. The huge stone, weighing almost 25 tons and measuring over eleven feet in diameter, was probably carved around 1479. It was buried soon after the Spanish arrived. The stone demonstrated how the Aztec 52-year calendar cycle worked. Children could also see how to make a simple calendar stone at:
Aztec Calendar Stone.
Map of Gadsden Purchase
Gadsden Purchase Treaty was signed in 1853. The United States purchased from Mexico a strip of land south of the Gila River. James Gadsden, United States minister to Mexico, negotiated the deal with Antonio Lopez de Santa Anna, Mexico’s leader. The United States paid ten million dollars for the area. The country gained almost 30,000 square miles of territory. Children can learn more at: Gadsden Purchase.
Map of Land Affected by the Treaty
Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo was signed in 1848, ending the war between Mexico and the United States. In return for fifteen million dollars from the United States, Mexico gave up the land that became California, Nevada, Utah, and parts of Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico. Texas also became part of the United States.
Alamo
Battle of the Alamo started in 1836 and ended March 6, 1836. The causes of the battle were quite complex: Americans fighting in a mission in an area that was Mexico but is now Texas. Children can read more at: Alamo.