Mexico is a country with surprises, and its culture is no exception. From its delicious food to its vibrant music and festivals, Mexico is a country that never fails to amaze. From bizarre festivals and street names to unusual foods and drinks, Mexico has a hilarious side that will make you smile. In this article, I will explore some funny facts about Mexico that you may not have heard before. So grab a margarita, sit back, and get ready to laugh about the wacky and wonderful side of Mexico.
Hilarious History: Funny Facts About Mexico
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- The world’s shortest war occurred in Mexico in 1838, when the Mexican army attacked a group of French sailors on shore leave. The war lasted only 45 minutes and resulted in no casualties, making it a comically short conflict.
- Mexico is the birthplace of the world’s smallest volcano. Located in Puebla, the Cuexcomate volcano is only 43 feet tall and has been dormant for over 1,000 years. Despite its small size, it’s still a tourist attraction and a popular visitor spot.
- In the 1800s, a group of Mexican nuns invented a delicious dessert called “cajeta,” similar to caramel sauce. The nuns accidentally discovered the recipe when they left a pot of milk cooking for too long, resulting in a sweet and creamy sauce that became a Mexican delicacy.
- Mexico’s flag features an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its mouth, symbolizing the Aztec legend of the founding of Tenochtitlan, the ancient capital of Mexico. According to the legend, the Aztec god Huitzilopochtli instructed the Aztecs to build their city, where they saw an eagle perched on a cactus devouring a snake.
- The term “gringo” initially uses by Mexicans to refer to American soldiers during the Mexican-American War in the mid-1800s. The world believes to have originated from the song “Green Grow the Lilacs,” popular among American soldiers at the time. The Mexicans heard the soldiers singing the song and began to refer to them as “green-goes” or “gringos.”
Mexico’s “Unsinkable” Island: Oddities and Laughter
Mexico has a small island off the coast of Cancun called Isla Mujeres, which translates to “Island of Women.” One of the island’s famous landmarks is a sculpture of a man sinking into the sand. However, what’s even more interesting is that the island regards its “unsinkable” quality. The locals say the island’s soil is so porous that no matter how much rain falls or water pours on the ground, it never floods.
Funny Facts About Mexico Food Culture
Mexican cuisine is famous worldwide, with many delicious dishes to try. Instead of using a fork and knife, Mexicans use their hands to hold the taco and eat it. The practice is so popular that there’s even a word for it – “taquear,” which means to eat tacos.
Weird Festivals In Mexico
Mexico is a country that loves to celebrate, and there are plenty of festivals to enjoy. However, some of these festivals are downright bizarre. However, a festival in the town of Tultepec celebrates the town’s history of making fireworks. During the festival, participants dress in devil costumes and run around town, lighting fireworks. It’s a spectacle that’s both dangerous and entertaining.
Mexico’s Unique Music Scene
- Norteno is a unique music genre that originated in northern Mexico and features accordion and bajo sexto.
- The world’s largest mariachi festival takes place in Guadalajara every September.
- The Day of the Dead festival features a type of music called “Mariachi de Muertos,” played by musicians in skeleton costumes.
- The famous Mexican pop group “Los Tigres del Norte,” addresses social issues in their music.
The Great Tamale Debate In Mexico
Tamales are a staple of Mexican cuisine, but Mexicans debate about how they should be made. Some argue that tamales should be made with lard, while others say they should be made with vegetable shortening. This debate has been ongoing for years, and it’s a topic that can spark heated discussions among Mexicans.
Casa De Las Conchas: House Covered In Seashells
In the city of Salamanca, there’s a house that covers seashells. The Casa de las Conchas, or House of Shells, is a unique building covered in over 20,000 seashells. The reason for the seashell decoration is unclear, but it’s a sight.
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Funny Street Names In Mexico
- There’s a street in Mexico City called “Callejón del Beso,” or “Alley of the Kiss,” where legend has it that two lovers from different social classes used to meet secretly to share a kiss over their balcony.
- Another street in Mexico City is called “Callejón del Aguacate,” or “Avocado Alley,” because it was once lined with avocado trees.
- In the town of San Luis Potosí, there’s a street called “Callejón de los Suspiros,” or “Alley of Sighs,” which is said to be haunted by the ghosts of lost loves.
- Mexico City has a street named “Callejon de los Muertos,” or “Dead Man’s Alley,” which is said to be the site of many supernatural occurrences.
- Guanajuato has a street called “Callejón del Beso de los Enamorados,” or “Alley of the Lovers’ Kiss,” which is so narrow that it’s said that two people standing on opposite sides of the street can lean out and kiss each other.
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The Tequila Train: A Hilarious Journey
Tequila is Mexico’s national drink, and a train takes visitors on a tour of the Tequila region. The Tequila Train is a hilarious journey with a mariachi band, tequila tastings, and many laughs. It’s a great way to experience Mexican culture and have some fun at the same time.
Dia De Los Muertos: Colorful Afterlife Celebration
Dia de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is a colorful celebration of the afterlife in Mexico. During the festival, Mexicans remember their loved ones who passed by, creating altars and offering them food, drinks, and other items. It’s a beautiful and unique way to honor the dead.
Funny Facts About Mexico Animals
Mexico is home to some strange and fascinating animals. However, a salamander called the axolotl has the unique ability to regenerate its limbs. There’s also a breed of hairless dog named the Xoloitzcuintli, considered a sacred animal in Mexico.