FAQ
Where and how exactly did Mexican tortillas originate?
Since the Pre-Columbian era (before major European influence reach the Americas), the tortilla has been an integral part of Mexican food and Central American cuisine. Tortillas are basically un-risen bread made with either maize or wheat flour. A tortilla chip is a made by cutting corn tortillas into slices and flying them with salt and oil. Considered a staple of Mexican cuisine, the tortilla chip was actually invented in the late 1940 in L.A.
My wife and I are planning on taking a Mexican cruise vacation. How is the weather off the coast of Puerto Vallarta?
The typical Puerto Vallarta weather forecast during the peak tourist season (December through January) is hot and sunny. Avoid the inclement Puerto Vallarta weather during the rainy season (June through September). Current weather in Puerto Vallarta during the Spring and Fall is moderate.
I am a Mexican-American who is ashamed to admit he knows little about Hispanic holidays. What does Cinco de Mayo actually celebrate?
Cinco de Mayo is one of the dozens of Mexican holidays that unifies and legitimates the Hispanic tradition year after year. In the Cinco de Mayo tradition, Hispanics celebrate the Cinco de Mayo festival of the "Batalla de Puebla" or Battle of Puebla under the rule of General Ignacio Zaragoza on May 5, 1862. The town of Puebla was a small village that, despite all odds, overcame the French soldiers trying to occupy Mexico City in order to sway Mexican politics, culture and economy.
What makes Latin music unique?
Latin music is a prevalent art form that originally developed and evolved in various Latin American countries, mainly Cuba, and hailed for its singular rhythmic structures. While the initial vocal and instrumental music was initially derived from African religious rituals, Latin music is generally thought of as dance music. Using syncopated rhythm, Latin music idiosyncratically overlays several rhythms at once, entering the ear with interesting counterpoints and cross rhythms.
What is the Paso Doble dance--is there any cultural significance to this Latin dancing form?
Yes, the history of Paso Doble and its current manifestation are very interesting. The Paso Doble dance, a traditional folk dance meaning "two-step" in the Spanish language, is an enactment of a bullfight in which the male traditionally represents the Matador and the female partner plays the part of the cape. What makes the Paso Doble dance recognizable are its marching character and dramatic poses.
