Archive for June, 2010
Prepare For Holy Week In Mexico
Planning for Holy Week starts with months of anticipation and festivities including passion plays fervent processions and altar displays taking place all over the country.
Since the mass conversion of the indigenous peoples to Catholicism in the 16th century Semana Santa Holy Week a reverent observance of the last days of Jesus and Pascua a celebration of the resurrection have become the most important religious holidays in Mexico next to Christmas. As with most Mexican celebrations Semana Santa combines the countrys strong Spanish heritage with elements of its prehispanic past. For generations pilgrims and tourists alike have journeyed to Mexico to witness the festive yet reverent Semana Santa.
The solemn festivities usually begin on Palm Sunday commemorating the day that Jesus arrived to Jerusalem prior to his crucifixion. As the biblical passage goes palm branches and clothing were spread in his path and today reenactments often include these elements. Holy Thursday commemorates the day of the Last Supper marked by nationwide visits to seven temples designated churches in each town or city. Good Friday marks the day that Jesus was crucified on the cross with most Christians fasting on this day and reenactments of the crucifixion taking place all over the country. Easter Sunday is a day for celebration commemorating the day of Jesus resurrection featuring music dance and cultural activities.
In addition to special mass ceremonies an important and ubiquitous element of Semana Santa is the Passion Play a dramatic reenactment of the crucifixion of Jesus. The Passion Play was brought over to Mexico by Christian missionaries from Europe at a time when it and other religious plays were a widespread vital element of European culture. The play not only survived in Mexico but was incorporated into the local dramatic rituals already an innate part of the local culture. In Mexico brilliant Aztec colors are noticeable throughout and ancient dances are often performed alongside Christian rituals.
Most of the celebrations involve solemn processions plays or reenactments of biblical scenes; others incorporate unusual elements into their festivities such as prehispanic dances and exploding Judases. Thousands travel to popular destinations to enjoy the outdoors and take part in the festivities.
Creel Chihuahua: The mountainous indigenous community of Creel in northern Mexico is a popular destination for a Holy Week. Aside from enjoying the myriad of ecotourism activities in the Sierra Madre Occidental Mountains the Tarahumara Indians one of the few remaining indigenous groups in the country paint themselves white for Holy Week and host a special series of celebrations including dance and music dating back centuries fusing prehispanic tradition with Catholicism.
San Miguel de Allende Guanajuato: The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende in central Mexico comes alive during Holy Week. By Palm Sunday the city overflows with visitors as well as indigenous women selling flowers palm crosses and religious articles outside the Parroquia with the Gothic cathedral bearing tall spires as the focal point of the city.
The citys unending pageantry of plays and processions on Good Friday are unparalleled. Children dressed in biblical costumes and men dressed as Roman centurions ride on horseback through the winding cobblestone streets while lifesize statues of the Virgin Mary the Apostles Mary Magdalene and John the Baptist are carried through the city.
Taxco Guerrero: The picturesque silver mining town of Taxco is also a popular Holy Week destination given its proximity to Mexico City. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of many processions which begin in nearby villages. In commemoration of Jesus triumphant entrance into Jerusalem an image of Jesus is mounted on the back of a donkey. As the donkey journeys to Taxco palm fronds and flowers are laid on the ground.
On the night of Holy Thursday candlebearing penitents walk in procession to the baroque Church of Santa Prisca. A reenactment of the Last Supper is performed. The Resurrection play staged around nine oclock on Saturday morning is an aweinspiring site to behold. A final and joyful procession takes place on Easter Sunday.
San Luis Potosi San Luis Potosi: The colonial city of San Luis Potosi located 257 miles north of Mexico City will celebrate its fiftysecond Procession of Silence this year one of the most important Catholic manifestations in the country. With the participation of more than 2000 Potosinos the solemn procession will begin at the Templo de Santo Domingo at eight oclock in the evening on Good Friday and will make its way through the downtown historic area.
Similar to the ceremony in Sevilla Spain penitents don hoods as they walk silently through the streets carrying torches and holy images. During Holy Week San Luis Potosi features more than 90 events including concerts a national food festival and a tennis tournament now on its fiftieth year.
Ixtapalapa Mexico City: Few would guess that a small district just south of downtown Mexico City would be in the international spotlight during Semana Santa. More than a million people gather in Ixtapalapa every year to witness an entire town convert into a great stage to present a passion play that has been reenacted annually for 150 years. Months prior to Semana Santa the town comes alive with preparations for the most important event of the year incorporating each member of the community. While there is a part for everyone actors are carefully chosen with the most important parts such as Jesus and the Virgin Mary being the greatest honor. The actor who plays Jesus in particular must meet certain requirements such as height weight and physical condition. The part is as physically demanding as it is emotionally challenging since the reenactment requires the actor to carry a 200pound cross through the town after receiving an actual whipping.
Michoacan State: Starting with Palm Sunday performances representing biblical passages take place throughout the state. In San Lorenzo a small town in the Purepecha area about 200 miles west of Mexico City the celebration takes a special twist with young people carrying sixfoot tall palm leaves to church.
Holy Wednesday in the town of Tlalpujahua involves a procession in which huge images of Jesus Christ from the XVI and XVIII century grab the eyes of the spectators. Good Friday in Patzcuaro and Morelia include silent processions for the arrest trial crucifixion death and burial of Jesus Christ. Easter Sunday the day of Jesus resurrection is the last day of celebration. In Tarimbaro el carnaval chiquito the small carnival takes place during which people dance in the streets while Judas figurines explode like fireworks.
About the Mexico Tourism Board
The Mexico Tourism Board MTB brings together the resources of federal and state governments municipalities and private companies to promote Mexico’s tourism attractions and destinations internationally. Created in 1999 the MTB is Mexicos tourism promotion agency and its participants include members of both the private and public sectors. The MTB has offices throughout North America Europe Asia and Latin America.
Erick Laseca
Mexico Tourism Board
3122280517 ext14
erick.lasecabm.com
www.visitmexicopress.com
About the writer: Erick Laseca works for BursonMarsteller as public relations liaison for the Mexico Tourism Board in Chicago.
Predominant Beaches Of Kerala
Kerala is one of the most captivating and charming states of India. It is widely known for its exquisite beaches blessed with extraordinary nature beauty. Scenic backwaters palm coconut dotted shore golden silver beaches gentle surf blue azure waters lush busy plants on the shores etc are team up together and make Keralas beaches globally famous destination for beach tourism. No one think of complete Kerala tours without exploring exquisite beaches that are known for great scenic beauty and serenity. Touring breathtaking beaches of the state is a delightful experience. The state has some of fines beaches in the world. Some of predominant beaches of Kerala are listed below.
Kovalam Beach: It is perhaps the most fascinating beaches of the state. It was a previously a small village along the shoreline. Now it has been developed into a world class beach resort. It provides wonderful opportunity to beach tourism and great beach holiday experience. You should not forget to visit Kovalam beach during your Kerala beach tours. Kumarakom Beach: It is one of the most picturesque beaches of the state. Apart from beaches it is also known for breathtaking beautiful backwaters blessed with exceptional nature beauty and Kumarakom Bird Sanctuary. One can enjoy houseboat cruise over the breathtaking backwaters of Kumarakom and enjoy bird watching of Kumarakom bird sanctuary. A must visit beach and backwaters destination of Kerala!
Marai Beach: It was a local fishing village and now it is popular beach destination of the state. It is dotted with endless miles of superb sandy beaches dotted with swaying palm coconut trees. You will have wonderful opportunity to enjoy delicious sea foods and local charm of traditional Kerala.
Alleppey Beach: Alleppey is one of the most popular beach and backwater destinations of the state. It is very popular for houseboat cruise over the tranquil and scenic backwaters. A houseboat trip over Alleppey backwaters is also very popular among honeymoon couples. Surly it will be a delightful and romantic experience of Kerala honeymoon tour. Alleppey is dotted with several ayurvedic treatment resorts and massage centers providing natural way to get refreshed and rejuvenated.
Beypore Beach: It was one of prominent ports and fishing harbors of ancient Kerala. It is well known for its ancient ship building industry. It is locally famous as a perfect picnic sport.
Fort Kochi Beach: It is a must visit attraction of every Kerala package tours. Visit the Fort Kochi Beach and Backwater and treasure several memorable experience. Have a leisurely walk through the lanes of Kochi. Visit to the Fort Kochi or visit world famous Chinese Fishing Nets really a charming and captivating experience of tour package in Kerala India.
Apart form above mentioned beaches there are also several exquisite beaches in Kerala that are known for their great serenity and scenic beauty. They are Varkala Beach Kappad Beach Tanur Beach Ezhimala Beach Thirumullavaram Beach Thangassery Beach etc.
Beaches of the state are also very popular among honeymoon couples. Honeymoon couples willing to honeymoon in Kerala often prefer its exquisite beaches and backwaters. Beaches and backwaters of the state provide honeymooners wonderful opportunity to celebrate their honeymoon holidays in scenic and peaceful ambiance. Wonderful sunset lush green landscape and amazing tourism create romantic ambiance for honeymoon holidays. Well select one of Kerala tour packages that cover predominant beaches of the state and get ready to experience real charm of Kerala tours.
About the writer: Michael Braganza is an eminent analyst and writer in Travel Tourism related topics. He has authored many books on tour guide for kerala tour packages and kerala tours. Now he is rendering his services to http://www.greenparadize.com/
Port Charlotte Florida Land Is Hot Now
It is a common practice in all business forms to invest your earnings and savings for further returns. However the types of investment keep on changing over the years.
The last few years have seen a major change in the real estate sector. Investors now regard land as one of the most lucrative form of investment ensuring good results.
What are the contributing factors?
There are several contributory factors due to which the prices of certain land areas escalate.
The most important factor is the location of the land in question. In case the land is meant for homebuilding and has a number of utility and recreational facilities around the prices are sure to rise.
There are other areas with value prices lots like Ocala. The only problem with an area like this is typically the appreciate will be limited due to the factor of the distance between it and the beaches. People retiring always prefer to be closer to the beaches.
On the other hand if the land is meant commercial purposes it is important that it be situated near all the important infrastructural requirements.
The Port Charlotte Land Lots
The Port Charlotte Land Lots are one of the most fast appreciating land areas in Florida and the rest of the region as well. In fact media reports have also acclaimed that prices in certain areas here have gone up a whopping 100 in the previous months.
The most important reason for the land to appreciate is the location of these lots. Situated quite close to the ocean this proximity to the ocean has a major role to play in the rise of prices. Besides the place also has a number of facilities surrounding its vacant lots. The main amongst these include golfing fishing shopping and the like.
What to consider?
When deciding on whether to invest in a particular lot or not you need to keep a few specific reasons in mind.
The most critical factor to analyze is the location of the land concerned. The place should be centrally located and should have all the required faculties nearby. You also need to confirm whether the land of your choice is free of any legal or other implications.
How to choose?
After you have the decided the area you want to live or work in you can then look for some good real estate agent who will guide you for an appropriate location. However you must analyze the scope of appreciation of the land before making your decision.
Another option is to do some simple research on the internet. Interestingly many of the websites today list all the major vacant lots along with the facilities surrounding the lot in question.
About the writer:nbsp;nbsp;About the Author:
Phil Chavanne lived in Paris for 30 years and wants travelers to benefit from his knowledge of the city. Find his writings in the free tourism guide ParisEiffelTowerNews. Discover the notsowellknown Parisian spots and have the best time in Paris.