Papel picado is an intricate art form that involves chiseling pictures into thirty or more layers of tissue paper at one time. The details are amazing, considering the tools, and the result is a long banner of flags containing the pictures representative of the season or celebration.

You may think bright colors are simply the standard and any hue will do. However, there are certain colors chosen for specific celebrations. Light blue, pink and white are the colors of choice for holidays honoring the Virgin Mary. Patron saints are honored with hues of yellow and white. Dia de los Muertos bring out the boldest color choices like fuchsia, orange, and violet. Easter is a time of whites and deep purples. During patriotic celebrations the traditional mexican red, white and green are displayed.

The art form goes back to pre-Hispanic times when Mulberry bark was made into a paper which was used for banners and flags used for ceremonies. Today, the paper craft can be seen throughout the world and even classrooms across the United States create similar decorations by folding and cutting tissue paper.

The use of papel picado is an inexpensive and exotic way to create visually mesmerizing decorations for any celebrations. Even walking along the Haciendo area of Disneyland displays the Mexican papel picado. While the inticate details of some of the most stunning pieces come from deep in mexico, it is a fun craft that anyone can enjoy during any time of the year.

The canals of Xochimilco are remnants of the famed ancient Lake Xochimilco in mexico Valley. The endorheic lake was part of a series that included Lake Zumpango, Lake Xaltocan, Lake Texcoco and Lake Chalco.  Xochimilco is the only remnant of the lake system as the others were drained over time to protect against flooding.

Today Xochimilco is a magnet for tourists looking for a trip down the magical canal. The trajineras, special boats, are stunning with a brilliant rainbow of colors. Each is individualized with themes and names. The canals can become quite crowded, especially on the weekends and holidays.

Selling flowers (photo by sornii courtesy of Flickr)

The name, Xochimilco, is Nahuatl for flower field place and it’s not surprising with the brilliant display of floating gardens. Some locals continue the ancient gardening traditions and you may purchase flowers, like those above, or even plants from the floating florists.

A garden on the go (photo by becstarr courtesy of Flickr)

This area is home to the critically endangered axolotl, a type of mole salamander that also inhabited Lake Chalco until it was drained. Because of the destruction of its natural habitat, water pollution and introduction of foreign species of fish, the species is in grave danger. This amazing creature is able to regenerate almost all of its body parts and is often found as a pet throughout the United States. However, in the wild, it has a very grim future.

Colorful boats (photo by rightindex courtesy of Flickr)

Xochimilco is located in a borough of the mexican Federal District. While rooftop gardens are all the ecological rage today, 500 years ago residents of the area were working rooftop gardens with flowers lining the streets. Today the locals live on the income from boat tours which cost anywhere from 130 pesos to 200, depending on the size of boat. Since the modest 130 pesos is for a full boatload, families enjoy holding parties complete with food and entertainment on the boats.

There is somewhat of a saddness that comes from learning about the ancient lakes and then seeing all that is left. However, there is a bright light in the hope that many people are becoming more ecologically minded. UNESCO granted Xochimilco as a Culture Heritage Site honoring the rich history that has survived since long before the conquests of Cortez. With the help of future generations, it is hoped that the canals can survive and continue to enchant visitors with the mystical magic dating to Aztec rule.

The Canals of Xochimilico hold a mystical charm that seems almost unsettling. Over hundreds of years the area has been desecrated to only one canal. This sole tributary is all that is left of the ancient Lake Xochimilico.  Still, the strength of the Aztecs thrives in this remnant, this living alter of mexico’s history.

On an island near the canals, an old legend tells a story that seems to mirror the survival and strength of the mexican culture. The Island of Dolls, La Isla de las Munecas in Spanish, is known by many and respected by most.

Dolls on the island (photo by aguayo courtesy of Flickr)

On a small island on Teshuilo Lake, between Xochimilco and Mexico City,  three young girls were playing in the area when one drowned. Of course the area become known as a haunted spot and few trespassed on the land.

A loner by the name of Julian Santana chose the place to live and honored the spirit child, said to haunt the area,  with dolls. Often, Santana would find old discarded dolls to bring to the island as an offering. The dolls, tied to trees, in addition to a special alter he constructed for the child, became known by locals.

What was also learned was that Santana had a wonderful garden of fresh produce. Locals began bringing old dolls in trade for fresh vegetables. The trade increased the collection so much that the island now has an amazing collection of thousands of dolls in various stages of disintegration.

Two dolls from the island (photo by esparta courtesy of Flickr)

While creepy and even morbid may be the initial reaction, there is an amazing and uplifting sense that comes from this type of legend. The island became an alter that is still being visited and decorated today. Santana’s respect for the spirit child became a way for locals to honor her as well, even if it was for the fresh produce.

Island of dolls (photo by jennsu courtesy of Flickr)

Much like the famed Dia de los Muertos, the Isla de las Munecas makes us look at death and demise in a different light. Morbid and strange differs from culture to culture and the dolls of this Island offer a surreal look at aging and death. While it may be strange, and even absurd, at one time it was believed that the dolls mad a little girl very happy. Who knows, maybe even today she relishes an addition to her island resting place.

Raw honeycomb - cow stomach (photo by dipfan courtesy of Wikipedia)

The idea of eating a cow’s stomach may draw a raised brow in America, but all over the world this delicacy is enjoyed around holidays and simply as a treat for special occasions. Menudo was originally made as a great way to utilize the entire cow. The best parts were often sold off or used by ranch owners leaving the rest for farm hands. With flavoring and just the right cooking techniques, Mexicans have made tripe soup a favorite known to many as “the Breakfast of Champions”.

Cilantro (photo by Henrique Vicente courtesy of Wikipedia)

The ingredients for menudo are basic and the magic comes from the preparation and cooking. The honeycomb, cow’s stomach which resembles a bee’s honeycomb, is the main ingredient and hominy is the other. Depending on the local traditions, calf’s hooves or pork feet may also be added to the soup. The standard topping is cilantro, scallions, lime and even cabbage.  Seasonings vary from family to family, but garlic, onions, chilies and oregano are a safe bet no matter where in mexico you travel.

The soup is cooked for long periods of time to acquire a delightfully soft texture. It is also important to clean and neatly cut the pieces of stomach for the neatest and most aesthetically appealing presentation.

Red menudo (photo by mswine courtesy of Wikipedia)

Throughout Mexico you will find two basic differences in menudo. There is the basic white menudo and then there is red variety. Chili makes up the difference between the two. The red menudo has red chilies usually pureed and added to the broth. It is usually much spicier but much more brilliant in color. The white menudo also is made with chilis, although most chose to simmer the larger Anaheim chilis whole keeping a clearer broth. This still infuses the spicey flavor, but it is usually not as hot.

Menudo (photo by npmusikchild courtesy of Wikipedia)

In Mexico, as well as many mexican households across the U.S., menudo is a staple for New Year’s Day. The magical soup is believed to be a cure for hangovers. There may be some truth in this belief as there does seem to be just the right amount of sodium, healing herbs, vitamin C from the chili and cilantro. Regardless, the soup is a favorite and is usually cooked beginning New Year’s Eve to allow proper cooking for midnight dining to ring in the New Year.

Colima Volcano stands ready for action (photo courtesy of Wikipedia)

Colima Volcano is located in Colima, mexico and is one of twin volcanos in the area. Nevada de Colima and Volcan de Colima are two volcanoes in the western mexican volcanic belt. Colima is known as a strato volcano, much like the famed Mount St. Helens. It’s cone shape shows historic eruptions spewing mostly ash and lava which quickly cools forming the cone rather than flowing freely over more area.

Colima in the mists (photo by Presagio courtesty of Flickr)

Colima is a historically active volcano with lively periods of eruptions since 1585. As recently as 1913, explosive eruptions have caused the destruction of the summit and created its steep sides that have regrown over time.

Peaceful Colima Valley (photo by Presagio courtesy of Flickr)

As with most areas of volcanic activity, the valley around the Colima are incredibly fertile and thrive on the nutrient-rich soil. The area around Colima is an absolute paradise for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. The picturesque Carrizalillos Lake is the perfect place to snap shots of Colima while enjoying the stunning weather.

Carrizalillos Lake (photo by Presagio courtesy of Flickr)

Colima is an amazing sight for avid geologists, vulcanologist’s or merely curious onlookers. However, it is important to check with the local geological groups to determine the safety of trails and various areas. Thanks to modern technology, geologists are able to determine the possibility of eruptions and even when gas levels are too high for tourists to risk a visit.

Monarch Butterflies (photo by Scott Clark courtesy of Flickr)

Like many tourists, even one of Mother Nature’s most beautiful creatures chooses mexico as it’s yearly vacation refuge. The Monarch butterfly finds its way down south every year without fail.

Monarchs chose the highlands of Mexico as the place to spend winter and breed future generations. Each fall, 300 million of these beautiful orange and black butterflies travel from northeastern United States and Canada down to Michoacan, Mexico.

A tree full of Monarchs (photo by Jeff K courtesy of Flickr)

One of the best places to experience this amazing show is at the Santuario de la Mariposa Monarca. The perfect time to see Monarchs is at the end of October or Beginning of November. Fabulously, this offers the perfect opportunity to cash in on the Dia de los Muertos festivities before making the trek up to the sanctuary.

Monarchs in flight (photo by Scott Clark courtesy of Flickr)

In 2002, extreme cold killed off 80% of the Monarch population in Michoacan. Amazingly, the following year, 200 to 500 million butterflies returned to breed and rest for winter. It is the fourth or fifth generation of Monarchs that make the trip south. They are actually “late bloomers” that have delayed reproduction for up to nine months having not yet bred.

Monarch up close (photo by Jeff K courtesy of Flickr)

Monarch’s mexican connection does not end with a journey, the Nauahtl word for Monarch “papalotl” becomes the spanish word “papalote” which means kite. Monarchs are seen are brilliantly-colored kites traveling around the Mexican highlands. A trip to the sanctuary is the best way to enjoy Monarchs while taking the absolutly stunning highland scenery. An ecologically-minded vacation is a wonderful way to learn about nature and the environment.