Michener’s Mexico
Mexico By James A. Michener, 672 pages, Fawcett, 1994
James A. Michener’s Mexico is 672 pages of historical fiction that takes the rich and varied history of Mexico, its people and places, throws them all together in a bag, shakes them up and dumps them out like puzzle pieces all across the country. If you know very little of Mexican history or have visited...
Frida’s Father
Despite the sufferings of ill health, Guillermo Kahlo made pictures that remain a legacy to Mexican art and culture. Like daughter, like father… Mexican artist Frida Kahlo shared many things with her father; she had his dark eyes and his powerful intellect, and the inspired restiveness of the one was common to the other. Both...
Dance of the Tlacololeros
Virgen de Guadalupe Day is celebrated in Mexico on December 12th. Children dress up as the Virgen and Juan Diego and processions are made to area churches. Celebrations are held at area churches and dancers perform. I saw the dance of the Tlacololeros at the celebration of the Virgen de Guadalupe at the church in the Plaza Kioto in Zihuatanejo on December...
Art in Zihuatanejo – Galeria Ixchel Maya
“For the past decade, Mr. Macias has been working on his ongoing sculpture series, Goddesses and Women of Mexico.” The name Zihuatanejo is derived from the Nahuatl Cihuatlan which means, Land of the Women. For many centuries Zihuatanejo was an important matriarchal center in Mexico. In keeping with this tradition, Galeria Ixchel Maya on Nicolas...
Our Lady of Guadalupe – Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe
The image is one of the Virgin surrounded by the light of heaven and the stars of the winter solstice sky.” December 12th is traditionally known in Mexico as the Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe (Día de Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe) celebrating the manifestation of the Virgin Mary appearing to the Aztec Native...
The Music of Mexico – Mariachi Bands
…born of the traditions of the states of Sinola and Jalisco, where the countryside is rough and the people rougher.” To understand and love Mexican culture you must know the music of Mexico. Contrary to popular belief, the music you hear from the strolling musicians is not mariachi music, Mariachi is a term used to describe...
Art in Zihuatanejo – Z-Town Gallery
The latest addition to Zihua’s ever growing art community opened December 1st, Z-Town Gallery, located on the corner of Juan A. Alvarez and Agustin Ramirez. The new Z-Town gallery is the long awaited home to local surf and landscape oil painter Peter Schworer and other local and international artists. Until now, Schworer’s work could only...
Beach Reading – Kinky Friedman Frequent Flyer
A one time country western singer now private investigator, Kinky lives a colorful life.” Frequent Flyer by Kinky Friedman I’m wondering how many books you have to read by the same author before you can call yourself a fan. I’m on my 3rd Kinky Friedman and its feeling like a relationship. I’m feeling all attached,...
Art in Zihuatanejo – Grand Opening of Zih Galería
“Zih Galería is a welcome addition to Zihuatanejo’s ever growing art community and well worth a visit.” ZIH Galeria Juan Alvarez, Central Zihuatanejo Mexico has long had a rich art tradition. Masters in almost every form have hailed from this country. From sculpture to wood carving, furniture designers, jewelry and metal working to a vast tradition...
Beach Reading – Cruising Paradise
“Mr. Shepard, tackles the recklessness of relationships and the minute memories we all have that seem to define our past.” Cruising Paradise: Tales by Sam Shepard Remember Dolly Parton’s husband in the movie Steel Magnolias? Well, that quiet grumbling cowboy was Sam Shepard. He has appeared in bit parts in movies such as The Right...
Beach Reading – The Rum Diary
“This is the Thompson who still read Hemingway, who was still enchanted with palm tree paradises and seedy gentlemen in linen suits sipping gin on shady porches.” The Rum Diary Hunter S. Thompson When the rum drinking starts before noon, you rarely make it through the night. Or so goes the tale of Hunter...
Day trips from Zihua – La Cholle: A Site to be Saved
“There are also four small pyramids and two caves with ancient petroglyphs located upon an area known as El Cerro de Los Brujos...” For those interested in the history and archeology of Mexico while vacationing here, there is a small magical village named La Cholle (La Soledad de Maciel) on the way to Petatlán from...
