Hola and hello! I hope everyone is staying warm out there in TexMexlandia!! This little announcement might warm your heart anyway: I was recently asked to grant an interview with the fine folks at Artisanjoy.com. Artisan Joy is a website that celebrates exactly what you would expect: The joy of being an artisan!
Being the attention-depraved soul that I am, I leaped at the chance for some spotlight! They were kind enough to make me come across as way more professional than I actually am…which is very much appreciated!
Anyhoo, instead of reading the interview here, I will send you over to their website where they highlight different artist/entrepreneurs like me who make a living out of art! Maybe even subscribe 😜 because I know you will love their articles!
Click Here for the direct link to my interview…and as always, Gracias and Thanks!
Eighteen amazing México Instagram feeds you should follow have given me an escape from my ‘shelter-in-place’ lifestyle that feels like it’s never going to end. Even though I’m sheltering in place in Puerto Vallarta (I may be a little spoiled) I have been living vicariously through these accounts which beautifully showcase the country that I’ve fallen in love with and now call my home.
Did you have to cancel your travel plans to México this summer?
Are you dreaming of your last trip to a Mexican beach in the Caribbean?
Are you thinking about selling everything you own and moving to México like I did? (Do it!)
I wanted to share with you my top picks of absolutely amazing México Instagram feeds that feature the beauty, charm and culture of this incredible country.
The Mexico desconocido Insta feed (run by a news and blogging website) is one of my go-to spots when I’m researching a new part of México to visit. If you want to learn about spending the night in a tree house in a Kali-Tree in Puebla or visiting a hobbit town in the mountains of San Luis Potosi, this is your website. They have great articles on their site about normal spots throughout México as well, but who doesn’t want to visit a hobbit town in the mountains of México? Come on…am I right? BTW, “desconocido” means “unknown” en Español!
Thumbing through the México Travel Channel is like walking through a museum of must see locations throughout the country. You can cool off in the sparkling clear water of the cenotes in the Yucatan, get blasted on the blue agave nectar in Tequila and feel the sand between your toes on the beaches of Oaxaca.
Pueblo Mágicos, Volcanos and National Parks are all covered in this feed. Put on your imaginary hiking boots because all of these photos feature the outdoors of México.
I couldn’t describe this feed any better than how these guys describe their own page so here you go…
A page dedicated to show how beautiful México is. Landscapes, culture, traditions and more!
Well said mis amigos! And this is exactly why I stalk your page! I never knew that México has vast deserts and dunes in Chihuahua or has massive mountain peaks in Nuevo Leon. México Sorprendente ventures off the beaten path and delivers stunning views of the sites off of the normal road trip routes. BTW, “sorprendente” means “surprising” in Español!
I really wish I would have thought of this Instagram handle, but I guess I’ll have to stick with TexMex Fun Stuff. México Amazing is well, the name says it all. I look at each photo and think to myself, is that place real and how fast can I get there?
The diversity is crazy from one pic to the next. They go from snowy hills to humid swamps to erupting volcanos to crashing waterfalls. This feed truly is amazing.
Rafael Gonzales Jr. is an artist from San Antonio, TX who is combining the classic Mexican La Lotería and the Covid19 pandemic into works of art. La Lotería is México’s equivalent to bingo and is steeped in tradition here. I even wrote a blog post about it title, La Lotería Ain’t Your Grandma’s Mexican Bingo.
Rafa is combining entrepreneurship and artistry by launching Pandemic Lotería, an entire game featuring his newly inspired creations! Taking pre-orders again…
Geraldine is a México-based YouTuber and photographer who has a perfectly curated and diverse Instagram feed. I’m wicked jealous. I like how she focuses on outdoor scenes of México and blends the colors of facades along the streets with the oranges and blues in the sky.
When I’m walking through the streets of México, I’m typically sweating my nuts off with a drink in each hand and stains on my t-shirt, but not Geraldine! She always looks amazing. You go girl! #sisterlove
The Plan B Viajero (Plan B Traveler) feed is managed by Camilo and Gaby, Eco-Travel bloggers from México and Argentina that are based in Oaxaca. They are clearly living their “Plan B” and have built a blog that is dedicated to practicing and promoting responsible and sustainable tourism. I’m totally crunchy granola too, so there’s that. Check out their blog here and one of my favorite amazing Mexico Instagram feeds below.
The Pueblos de México’s Insta account was created by San Luis Potosi-based photographer Didier Palomo who captures the ‘Magic Towns of México’ brilliantly. The ‘Magical Villages Program‘ is an initiative led by México’s Secretary of Tourism to promote a series of towns around the country that offer visitors a “magical” experience – by reason of their natural beauty, cultural richness, traditions, folklore, historical relevance, cuisine, art crafts and great hospitality.
The most unique characteristic of earning the designation of being a Pueblo Mágico is that the village has to be a unique, bustling town (state capital towns/cities are not qualified).
A “Magical Village” is a place with symbolism, legends, history, important events, festivals, traditions, great food, and fun interactive shopping, day-to-day life – in other words, “magic” in its social and cultural manifestations, with great opportunities for tourism.
Guanajuato-based photographer Chema Sanchez has the feel of this Disney movie level magical town nailed. When we lived there I fell in love with the singing minstrels who danced me up and down the winding alleys in this one-of-a-kind city. I miss it everyday, but Chema’s amazing México Instagram feeds takes me back to this college town/state capital that includes the mummy museum, El Pípila on the mountain top and the minstrel music that constantly echos off of the surrounding mountains. This is literally the town that the afterlife kingdom in Pixar’s ‘Coco’ was fashioned after.
Mexico DF is managed by the 3 person team of Manuel Portillo González, Alex Revilla and Chac B who are photographers, bloggers and street artists. The ‘DF’ in the name is a throwback to when México City was referred to as ‘Distrito Federal’. The city went through a rebranding campaign in January, 2016 and completely changed the abbreviated name to CDMX, otherwise known as Ciudad de México. Rebranding a whole freaking city…amazing!
“CDMX” is now seen everywhere in México City from the city street signs to the sides of buses. It really is amazing how quickly they got rid of the “DF” moniker and rebranded in less than a year. This feed feels like you are wandering down the streets of México City.
Edward Nygma is a Oaxaca-based photographer who takes me back to when I spent 5 amazing weeks in the capital city of…you guessed it…Oaxaca, Oaxaca. When Mr. TexMex Fun Stuff and I first drove into Oaxaca, we followed a local’s advice and went straight to the Benito Juárez Market.
We could not get enough of the market’s smoke alley, lined with taco vendors grilling up fresh meat served with fresh tortillas, avocados and bright red salsa. Oh, and several cold cervezas brought to us by a nice teenage kid. The food, colors and native Zapotec culture are clearly the focus and passion of Edward’s feed.
Gustavo Moguel travels from the deserts of Sonora to the haciendas of the Yucatan to the museums of México City to craft his Insta feed into a total México journey. From underwater shots swimming with tropical fish to views from his kick ass drone, Gustavo has an eye for showcasing the beauty of México’s land, sea and air. Check it, yo…
Rodrigo GB loves architecture and reflections. It really comes through in his vivid photos which primarily focus on México City. He is based out of CDMX and tends to shuffle in some of the top ballet dancers from the city. I love the evolution and diversity of his feed and how he is displaying his art. #fabulosa #reflectonthis
Gastronautadf is a food blogger based out of México City. You know you’ve made it as a food blogger on Instagram when Rick Bayless follows you! Foodie greatness.
My mouth waters over this account. This. dude does a great job of combining food and booze, my two favorite things. #nohashtagneeded #yum
The Mexican Coolture® feed and brand has been created by the soul and talent of Mexican artists who make handmade masterpieces. inn the form of beaded hat bands, purse straps and handbags. “Mexico in your hands” = Hecho a mano for sure. These guys are promoting goods curated from artisans in México and they have never looked better.
I experienced my first Lucha Libre event a few years ago and literally laughed, cried and screamed the entire time. I even wrote a blog post about it, My Lucha Libre Experience – Laughing, Crying & Screaming which details the sheer exhilaration and hilarity of The Big Show.
I have not found anything else in my travels throughout this country that had me saying to myself over and over, “holy fuck, only in México.” The amazing México Instagram feed that captures the essence of Lucha Libre is definitely the World Wrestling Council. Feast your eyes on ‘the most Spectacular of Sports and the most Sporty of Shows’.
I couldn’t live with myself if I made a list of my favorite amazing México Instagram feeds you should follow and not list my boys from “Breaking Bad”. Yep, mis hombres, Brian Cranston and Aaron Paul teamed up again! But this time it they aren’t cooking meth!
They have invested in one of my favorite delicacies of ALL OF México…and one that I only recently acquired a love for while in Oaxaca…mezcal! Yeah baby!! The Blue Meth Boyz feed mixes their friendship and their passion for mezcal and México. Una mas mezcal por favor! Plus, they are both pretty hot when not tweaked out and wearing tighty whiteys!
I couldn’t live with myself if I didn’t include my own Instagram feed in this list of amazing México Instagram feeds you should follow! I have wistfully created a random-ass feed while traveling through México in search of handmade goods for you.
I’m still learning the ropes on what a ‘professional feed’ should look like, but as you know by now, I’m not a very professional broad.
I hope you enjoy the pictures, video and stories that chronicle my road tripping travels through México as I build TexMex Fun Stuff and search for handmade treasures (tesoros en Español!). Viva México! ?????✈️
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
Ernesto De La Cruz stole my heart the first time I saw his big, sexy, latino, animated self in Pixar and Disney’s movie, Coco. I was preparing to move back to México from Texas when I saw the trailer for this cinematic masterpiece about my adopted homeland.
The bright-eyed boy Miguel, his dog Dante with his tongue hanging out and the sounds of mariachi music made me look VERY forward to seeing the show with my nephew (great excuse to watch a kid’s film)!
Sweet baby Jesus!! That music and scenery gave me chills! To the point of nearly dropping everything and moving to México that very second. If the trailer was that good, I couldn’t wait to see the fucking movie. “The music is in me!”
Disney and Pixar present…Miguel and Dante!
Coco was released in the US on November 22nd, 2017…four months before I was moving back to México. I’m continually looking for inspiration to build the TexMex Fun Stuff brand and to help me refine my product offerings in the US. As luck would have it, the timing of this movie was equally as magical.
For those of you reading this who have yet to see Coco, from the bottom of my corazón…please stop reading this post and go stream it right now! THEN let me know your thoughts via comments here or on our FaceBook page!
Miguel in the Land of the Dead with his barrel-chested, assumed Great-Great-Grandfather, Ernesto De La Cruz! | Photo: ComingSoon.net
“When life gets me down, I play my guitar. The rest of the world may follow the rules, but I have to follow my heart” – Ernesto De La Cruz
Quick breakdown: The story follows a very young aspiring musician, Miguel, who is accidentally transported to the Land of the Dead and where he must find his deceased, musical genius great-great-grandfather to help him return to his family among the Living WHILE reversing his family’s ban on music AND within a limited time to escape before he disappears! Heavy drama! Massive action! Dead people!
After living in México for 5 years previously, I felt that the movie encapsulated everything colorful, cultural and mystic about México…the customs, food, sounds, family traditions, street dogs, papel picado flags, piñatas, music and the Day of the Dead (blog post on that in October)!
Attention to the finest details throughout the movie makes me want to watch it over and over to catch gems that I missed. I mean seriously, check this cute photo of Miguel teaching himself to play the guitar by watching Ernesto De La Cruz movies! The skull head of that guitar is straight outta Day of the Dead. Chinga!
Look at those big sweet eyes! Miguel Rivera learning to play the guitar | Photo: Vix
So who is Miguel’s great-great-grandfather who must save the day? None other than the dearly departed, world-renowned, muy famoso, Ernesto De La Cruz…or is it? EDLC (as I will call him) was from Miguel’s hometown and had been a very famous singer, musician and actor who starred in many “Charro” films. Sadly, EDLC was crushed to death by a giant bell at a very early age. Yes, a giant fucking bell. Miguel admires his music and emulates him in secret (ancestral ban on music-long story).
I’m still a bit behind when it comes to Mexican musicians, dead or alive, but I’m trying to get my shit together. I was wondering throughout the movie, “Is Ernesto De La Cruz based on a real Mexican icon or just a made up character from the genius minds of the Pixar people?” EDLC was larger than life (even in death) like Elvis and Frank Sinatra. Plus, he rocks the feathery smooth voice like a mariachi boss so I figured he had to be real. Right?
“For even if I’m far away, I hold you in my heart / I sing a secret song to you, each night we are apart.” – “Remember Me” -Best Original Song from Coco
Doing a Google Search for ‘Is Ernesto De La Cruz…’ comes up with the auto suggestions of: ‘Is Ernesto De La Cruz real’, ‘Is Ernesto De La Cruz based on Elvis’, ‘Is Ernesto De La Cruz a father’ and ‘Is Ernesto De La Cruz based on Vicente Fernandez.’
I thought, “Screw Google. I’m gonna research the real-life person who played the animated character, Benjamin Bratt to see who his muse was for this character!” I have always felt is super hot, so why the hell not?!
Benjamin Bratt, in all of his hotness, nailed the role of Ernesto De La Cruz
Bratt relied on his roots as a Peruvian-American to embody this macho Mexican singing icon. His mother, Eldy, was a nurse and activist (badass) from Lima, Peru and was a member of the indigenous Quechua tribe. His father, Peter Bratt Sr., was an American sheet metal worker whose father, George Cleveland Bratt, was a Broadway actor. So there’s the connection – Like grandfather, like grandson!
To prepare for the role of La Cruz, Bratt studied the “Charro” films from the ‘Golden Era of Mexican Cinema’. From these he drew from 3 different and incredibly talented Ranchera singers/actors that were handsome, suave and charismatic. Together these men gave him the template to portray Ernesto De La Cruz. Without any prior singing experience, Bratt voiced the character and sang the Oscar winning title song of the movie, “Remember Me”. #impressive #hotandtalented
Benjamin Bratt singing “Remember Me” | Credit: DisneyMusicVEVO
I’m still trying to figure out the subtle differences between Ranchera Music and Mariachi Music, but in any case, they both involve big sombreros, booming voices and costumes that are works of art. 100% Bad Ass-ery! To prove it, see my post on Mariachis here. So when I looked up the difference between Ranchera and Mariachi music styles/genres/what have you…WikiDiff.com had this to say…
As nouns the difference between Mariachi and Ranchera is that Mariachi is a traditional form of Mexican music, either sung or purely instrumental while ranchera is a traditional Mexican song performed solo with a guitar.
Other sources say that Ranchera is one form of Mariachi. It’s a little confusing, but both were represented PLENTY during the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema from the 1930s to the 1950s. This genre of movies… “Charro“…were extremely popular. These films featured movie stars such as Tito Guízar, Jorge Negrete, José Alfredo Jiménez and Pedro Infante, who would often sing Mariachi songs to their leading ladies.
Drum roll please…so who were those 3 actors/singers that Mr. Bratt embodied? CHECK IT!!!
1. Pedro Infante, hailed as one of the greatest actors of the Golden Age of Mexican Cinema.
Pedro Infante is considered to be one of the best Ranchera Singers and idols throughout México and Latin America. His full name was Pedro Infante CRUZ. #NotSoSubtle
What I like about him is that he was always surrounded by mariachis in his movies and was constantly singing, drunk and on the verge of breaking down and crying. Like me on any given day of the week. I make a fraction less noise, but I certainly draw the same size crowds. #AttentionSeekingBehavior
Ole Pedro recorded over 350 songs and starred in over 60 films, 30 of which with his brother, Ángel Infante. His most critically acclaimed movie, “Tizoc” won a Golden Globe for Best Foreign Film in 1958. The Golden Globe can be seen at the Pedro Infante museum on a tiny island called Isla Arena in Campeche, México. #BeenThere
#Proof …Actually I come to find out there is another museum in México City AND in Mazatlan! | Photo: Melody McNiece
Pedro also had a fascination with aviation and had converted a Bomber war plane into a cargo plane in San Diego. He was learning to be a pilot and was co-piloting this plane when the engine failed shortly after takeoff in my adopted hometown of Mérida, Yucatan. The plane was headed to México City, but crashed 5 minutes after taking off and he died at the age of 39 – April 15th, 1957. Sad day in México.
BUT some people think his death was faked since his body was “burned beyond all recognition” in the crash. Authorities were never able to positively identify his remains and adding to this mystery, a man was spotted in Veracruz in the 1980’s that went by the name Antonio Pedro who closely resembled Infante. Fans wanted to believe conspiracy theories that Infante was still alive, however a bracelet of Pedro’s was found near the crash sight which more or less settled that. #Asgoodasdead
2. Jorge Negrete, Opera Singer, Actor and Military Veteran
Jorge Negrete was born in one of my favorite cities in México and which many scenes in Coco strongly resemble…Guanajuato City, Guanajuato. The papel picado draped above the winding streets and colorful callejones in the make believe cities of Santa Cecilia and Land of the Dead is a beautiful intersection of animated nostalgia and this real-life city full of Mexican pageantry. #Guanajuato
Negrete was a brilliant, but rebellious teenager which caused his father to enroll him in El Colegio Militar, a military academy, where (of all freaking things) he fell in love with music. Negrete graduated from the academy with a developed gallant presence that served him well as a leading man in films and a booming star on stage.
As fabulous as he was militarily speaking, he LOVED singing and had an astounding voice. So when he met José Pierson, a prestigious singing professor, he started seriously studying music. Pierson became fascinated with Negrete’s voice and got him on the radio. He also helped Negrete develop his talent for Opera which led him to become well known in the United States. He went on to star in over 40 films from 1937 to 1953 and helped found the Mexican Actors Association.
Infante and Negrete in the first and last film they did together titled, “Dos Tipos de Cuidado” 1953 | Photo: El Universal
Randomly, Negrete died at CEDARS-SINAÍ Hospital in 1953 at the age of 42 while on a business trip in LA, CA from complications of cirrhosis. There was a faux public rivalry between Negrete and Infante since their careers paralleled, but privately they were close friends right up to Negrete’s death. Some historians say that Negrete’s death actually helped Infante’s career since he was no longer in Negrete’s shadow. Both men died very young and in their prime…kinda like EDLC!
“Hey Negrete, Infante! Want to see my great-great grandson?” | Photo: Words of the Whirl Wind
MOVIE SPOILER ALERT***Both Infante and Negrete make brief dead cameos in Coco when Ernesto De La Cruz comes up to talk with them at his party in the Land of the Dead.***
Vicente Fernández, nicknamed “El Rey de la Música Ranchera” (The King of Ranchera Music) is a retired actor, singer and movie producer. He grew up in Guadalajara, Jalisco and was inspired to be a singer while watching Pedro Infante movies as a young boy. #parallels
“When I was 6 or 7, I would go see Pedro Infante’s movies, and I would tell my mother, ‘When I grow up, I’ll be like him.'” – Vicente Fernández
He went on to record over 50 albums and would always perform wearing a traditional Mexican charro suit, which of course included a massive felt sombrero. He also contributed to over 30 films between 1965 and 2016. He retired from performing live in 2016, but definitely went out in style. #Notdeadjustretired
To a sold out crowd at Mexico City’s Azteca Stadium in April, 2016 he stopped his concert to address the then-US presidential candidate…
“There’s a U.S. presidential candidate that’s saying a lot of ugly things about Mexicans. The day I come across him, I’m going to spit in his face! I’m going to tell him to go fuck himself. I’m going to tell him everything no one has ever told him in his damn life.” – Vicente Fernández
BOOM. Not sure if they have had a face-off yet, but there’s time.
Vicente’s 51 year career has earned him 3 Grammy Awards, 8 Latin Grammy Awards, a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and he has sold over 50 million records worldwide. That makes him one of the top-selling Mexican artists of all time. Google is backing us up here…
Felicidaes y gracias to Benjamin Bratt for channeling the heart and soul of Mexican music into Ernesto De La Cruz! It is clear in his performance that he used the musical and personality stylings of these 3 icons and in the process created another real Mexican icon…EDLC! VIVA MÉXICO!!!
Coco to date has grossed over $807 million making it the 15th highest grossing animated film ever made and was the first feature film with an all Latino cast. It was originally titled Day of the Dead, but was changed to Coco, which is the name of Miguel’s grandmother in the movie. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and one for…you guessed it…Best Original Song, “Remember Me”.
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
The first mermaid I ever saw in ‘real life’ was Daryl Hannah in the movie “Splash”. Yes, I realize that she wasn’t an actual mermaid, but my 12 year old brain was absolutely certain that she was ‘the real deal’ and I was enchanted!
‘Madison’, as Daryl was called, was a beautiful woman with flowing blond hair that always managed to cover her boobies and as soon as she hit the water she turned into a beautiful mermaid. One thing that never made sense to me even as a kid (cuz it was straight up bullshit) is the fact that she was only allowed out of her ‘Under the Sea World’ for 7 days with Tom Hanks. Total bullshit. Anyway, she’s my mermaid muse…for now 😉
Daryl Hannah NAILING IT as the 20th Century smokin’ hot mermaid, IMHO | Photo: Splash 1984 Image Gallery
As it turns out I wasn’t the only one entranced by mermaids, or ‘sirenas’, as they are known as in Spanish. The first tales of mermaids were told in ancient Assyria over 3,000 years ago when (allegedly) a goddess named Atargatis transformed herself into a mermaid out of shame. She accidentally killed her human lover and was so upset that she flung herself into the sea – possibly attempting suicide. But since she was a goddess and suicide isn’t really their thing, this was the punishment that she forced upon herself. Tough broad.
La Sirena corner intersection sign in Merida, Yucatan – Hair not covering boobies | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
In early Greek mythology, mermaids were associated with tragic events like floods, shipwrecks and drownings. Sirens (sirenas) would lure in unsuspecting sailors with their sexy music and sensual voices that floated with the winds across the waters. When the sailors redirected their ships to investigate further, they found themselves slamming into rocky islands, sinking their ships and generally experiencing a shit ton of peril. These sirens were talented, clever and a little crazy, like me.
The first historical reference to sirens/sirenas/mermaids was in 1493 when Christopher Columbus was exploring the Caribbean islands. He noted that he saw three ‘female forms’ rise high out of the sea. Now of course, The History Channel wants to make this whole event seem a lot less sexy by throwing “facts” into the mix. Here’s what they say in 3 short and shitty paragraphs…
That dastardly CC! Also, we sell piñatas 🙂 I Photo: Shoeboxblog.com
“Italian explorer Christopher Columbus, sailing near the Dominican Republic, sees three ‘mermaids’ – in reality manatees – and describes them as “not half as beautiful as they are painted.” Six months earlier, Columbus (1451-1506) set off from Spain across the Atlantic Ocean with the Nina, Pinta and Santa Maria, hoping to find a western trade route to Asia. Instead, his voyage, the first of four he would make, led him to the Americas, or ‘New World.’
Mermaids, mythical half-female, half-fish creatures, have existed in seafaring cultures at least since the time of the ancient Greeks. Typically depicted as having a woman’s head and torso, a fishtail instead of legs and holding a mirror and comb, mermaids live in the ocean and, according to some legends, can take on a human shape and marry mortal men. Mermaids are closely linked to sirens, another folkloric figure, part-woman, part-bird, who live on islands and sing seductive songs to lure sailors to their deaths.
Mermaid sightings by sailors, when they weren’t made up, were most likely manatees, dugongs or Steller’s sea cows.”
MANATEES and SEA COWS? SEA COWS?!?! How dare The History Channel!! Back to historical fantasy now…
The infamous 18th Century pirate, Blackbeard (whose real name was Edward Teach – lame right?) wrote in his journal that he instructed his crew to avoid certain charted waters known to be ‘enchanted’ with mermaids looking to bewitch ships and steal their bounty of riches…something Blackbeard was not going to tolerate. Not even from hot chicks.
It took writers and historians another 100+ years before mermaids were considered enchanting and waaaaay less dangerous than pirates thought. In 1836, Hans Christian Andersen penned the now well-known fairy tale, “The Little Mermaid”. The book depicted mermaids as sweet and loving non-thieves who just want to become human. This tale has since been depicted in operas, paintings, books, comics and of course, films. Yes, THAT Little Mermaid is THAT old.
La Sirenita = The Little Mermaid en Español! I Photo: Walt Disney Pictures
In 1989, Walt Disney Pictures released their full-length animated film based on Andersen’s tale. The appropriately titled “The Little Mermaid” movie was “Splash”-level cool for 3 reasons:
Ariel wore a kick ass purple seashell bikini top. I have tried this and failed since 1984.
All religious references from the original tale were removed from the film, including the mermaid’s quest for an immortal soul, because that would interfere with the comedy, cuteness and romance with the Prince.
The lead character was a gorgeous, independent and rebellious young woman. Typical red head.
3 Gorgeous, Independent and Rebellious Women / Possibly Mermaids in Guadalajara, México | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
I know there was a 90’s Mermaid movie with Cher and another teen queen one with Emma Roberts or some shit, but those don’t count. If we’re talking about the most epic portrayal of mermaid-ness in a movie since “Splash” that would, of course, be “Zoolander”.
Ben Stiller strikes his ‘Blue Steel!’ underwater pose as a MerMAN to deliver cinematic greatness! “Moisture is the essence of wetness and wetness is the essence of beauty.” Truer words were never spoken. Check it…
Classic. “I got the black lung, Pop. (Cough)” OK, no more digression. I hear there was a 17th installment of “The Pirates of the Caribbean” that involved some mermaid on merman shit, but who’s got the time? Not Johnny Depp.
The last point about mermaids/sirenas that I want to address is the iconic La Sirena image that belongs to the classic Mexican ‘bingo-like’ game called La Loteria. You have seen this image many times, but probably never assumed the image (or the game for that matter) had much significance. Well, it’s significant as shit and here’s why…
The REAL Loteria card, the new Millenial Loteria ® version and our new La Sirena Papel Picado!
Direct from Wikipedia, yo…”Lotería is the Spanish word for lottery. The game originated in Italy in the 15th century and was brought to New Spain (México) in 1769. In the beginning, la lotería was a hobby of the upper classes, but eventually it became a tradition at Mexican fairs. Now it is played by many Mexicans at home or in cantinas.
It is a traditional game of chance, similar to Bingo, but using images on a deck of cards instead of plain numbers on ping pong balls. The deck of cards is composed of a set of 54 different images, each one in a card. To start the game, the caller (cantor, or singer) randomly selects a card from the deck and announces it to the players by its name, sometimes using a riddle instead of reading the card name.”
#6 would be La Sirena. Here is the calling of the card…
Numero Seis! La sirena! (the mermaid) “Con los cantos de sirena, no te vayas a marear.” = Don’t be swayed by the songs of the siren (In Spanish, sirens and mermaids and their songs are synonymous). So don’t be swayed.
My new MerMAN muse, Channing Tatum will soon hit the big screen shouting, “MerMAN, Pop!! ” I Photo: Digital Spy
Finally, my boyfriend, Channing Tatum has committed to an Imagine Entertainment produced “Splash” remake where the leading roles are reversed and he is a MerMAN leaving his Under the Sea world to go find his childhood non-swimming lover girl in NYC. This proves the importance of Mer-People if he is investing his time, energy and beautiful face for this mission. God bless him. And Ron Howard. Coming to screens 2020-ish.
And I’m sure my sweet Channing will sing the immortal words of the Jamaican crab, Sebastian ….
“Under the sea! Under the sea! Darling it’s better Down where it’s wetter Take it from me!”
MerMAN and Mermaid on the boardwalk in Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico I Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
So with all of the Splashy Mermaid obsession going on, we decided to collaborate with our papel picado artists in Puebla to create both paper and plastic The Little Mermaid / La Sirenita papel picado! Get your choice of material and color schemes for your next Fish Fry, Cinco de Mayo event or kid’s birthday party!
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
Before living in México, this is what I knew about Lucha Libre: Big dudes wore masks and capes, flung themselves through the air and fake wrestled. I didn’t have a clue as to why México was so crazy about Lucha Libre, but I was going to figure it the fuck out.
I was wandering through the streets of Guanajuato, México looking for a filthy cantina when I noticed a poster stuck on the window of a pulqueria (more info on that in another post) that read Pagano vs. Psycho Clown vs Rey Escorpion.
Three days later I’m rolling up to my first Lucha Libre fight and praying to God there’s enough cold beer to handle the probable cray cray. This event was in Guanajuato and Guanajuato doesn’t have an auditorium for Lucha fights. It has a Centro de Espectaculos which is a “Center of Shows”. They call it ‘El Establo’ or “The Stable” – and that should have been my first clue as to what I was in for.
This Center of Shows is actually an old rodeo ring. It’s dusty as fuck with crappy old stands, chicken wire everywhere and situated directly behind a lovely wedding event hall where there was a beautiful wedding going on this fine Saturday night.
Back to the scene – my amigos and I were waiting patiently in line in the gravel parking lot to get into said rodeo ring at 8:15 pm. In classic Mexican tradition, any event that starts at 8pm will likely not get going until at least 9pm. It’s part of the charm.
Anyway, at 8:20 three big trucks carrying a shit ton of foldable chairs and beer knock everyone in line out of the way because you know, they needed to set up the ring side seating and ice the beer. Needless to say, the beer was warm as shit, but things finally got under way around 9pm as we should have expected.
Me and mi esposo getting jazzed about what the night had in store! | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
As the opening bell rang, I knew that shit was gonna get real…real fuckin’ nuts. The music was blaring, the lights were dance club flashing, kids were running around like yahoos in their masks and capes with freaking noise makers and the rest of us were going absolutely batshit crazy.
Every time a fighter entered the ring, the old ladies and kids would either shout out words of encouragement or ‘PUTA!’. For those of you unfamiliar, in Spanish, ‘puta’ means p***y. Yep.
The wrestlers were acrobats, comedians, villains, heroes, male, female, fit, fat, giants, midgets, masked and unmasked, but the one thing that they had in common was that they were all ENTERTAINERS. Everyone in and out of the ring including the MC’s, referees, beer vendors, the crowd and this little gringa from Texas were all a part of the big show. I was hooked and now demanded my husband to buy me a lucha libre t-shirt, sweatshirt and stickers from the vendors outside the gate!! And more lukewarm beer.
As I write this post, I have attended 5 Lucha Libre events in 4 different cities in México and I have found myself in a rabbit hole of research as to why Mexicans are so enraptured by Lucha Libre. It has even inspired to me collaborate with my Papel Picado artist in Puebla to create our signature lucha libre inspired papel picado.
Scenes from “The Big Show” in Arena México in México City | Photo: Castell Photography
There is a lot to know about this sport-tainment. To break it down simply, here are five fascinating things that I’ve learned about Lucha Libre and why it is such a huge part of México’s history and culture:
1. The direct translation of Lucha Libre is “Free Fight”.
The beginning of “México versus the Rest of the World” | Photo: Castell Photography
The word ‘lucha’ in Spanish is “fight”, stemming from the verb ‘luchar’ which is “to fight”.
The word ‘libre’ means “free”, but not like money (that would be ‘gratis’). ‘Libre’ in Spanish refers to a person having liberty and freedom.
The figurative translation is actually ‘Freestyle Wrestling’. And since Lucha Libre started as amateur style wrestling with NO restrictions, anything goes! “Lucha Libre” fighters are free to fight anyway they want. And Boy Howdy, do they!
2. In 1910, Post-Revolution, Lucha Libre became an escape for Mexicans to vent their political and socioeconomic frustrations.
“Libre” flying in Arena Coliséo in Guadalajara, Jalisco | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
The history of Mexican wrestling dates back to 1863, during the French Intervention in Mexico. Yes, that was the time the FRENCH invaded – Cinco de Mayo style. Then there was the revolution…
Once the Mexican Revolution ended in 1910, Lucha Libre really caught on. The good people of México were sick of wars, poverty and the unfairness of living in a new situation where the separation between the have’s and have not’s (created by the European infiltration of the indigenous tribal cultures) was widening. The Mexicans would come to Lucha Libre to escape life for a few hours while ironically watching a theatrical version of real life play out in front of them – more on that in the next section.
It was liberating to come into an arena and yell like hell. Yell for their luchadores, yell at the luchadores and yell at the referees. FYI…If you don’t like yelling, don’t go to a lucha libre event.
3. Every match is an ongoing battle between Rudos (Tough Guys) and Técnicos (Good Guys).
Looks like these guys broke the rules on that dude on the floor! | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
The Tough Guys are rule breakers…basically the villains. They fight like every event is a bar brawl. They represent any given evil in society and are the kind of luchadors you love to hate. The rudos may represent politicians, another country, the tax man or a company/political party. You know, The Man.
The Good Guys are rule followers and certainly combat in a more martial arts-y style. They play by the rules of the traditional Greco-Roman wrestling. Until they get really pissed off. They are the kind of luchadors you love to love! They represent The People. Unfortunately, they don’t always win.
The ongoing battle between the two is reflective of how Mexicans (The People) felt after La Revolucíon and a general coming to terms that good guys don’t always win. Unfair fights are a way of life. That is some deep shit.
4. There are also female luchadors and one was actually a serial killer!
No, not me. I swear I’m not the serial killer! | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
I love me some girl power and the women that I’ve seen fight in the Lucha ring could beat the crap out of 90% of the men I know, including the male luchadors. Las luchadoras are strong, fearless and dare I say sexy in the ring.
Sure, there is some hair pulling and name calling and it is pretty clear that they have been instructed to “cat fight” since this sport-tainment is based on men’s perception of masculinity, femininity and justice. But it is still fun!
THIS is the serial killer! | Photo: All That’s Interesting.com
One famous luchadora, Juana Barraza Samperio, who wrestled under the moniker ‘The Lady of Silence’ was arrested in 2006 for killing somewhere between 42-48 elderly women in México City. She ended up being more famous as “The Old Lady Killer” than The Lady of Silence, but she is pretty quiet now and still serving her 759 years of incarceration at the age of 61. Evidently she had mommy issues. Big time.
5. The wrestling mask dates back to 1936.
Outside of Arena México where vendors sell their Lucha wares | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
The wrestling mask was introduced in 1936 and worn by Jesus Velásquez. To be fair, masks were a big thing with the Aztecs and that inspired the tradition. However, masks being synonymous with Lucha Libre is famously attributed to El Santo in the 1940’s.
In fact, El Santo wore his mask ALL THE TIME and worked hard all of his career to conceal his true identity. He did not reveal his real face to the public until damn near his death. There was a time when his soon to be ex-wife, during divorce proceedings, released pictures to the press of El Santo’s face. Freaking divorce. His reps denied it was him. At least he was buried in his silver mask…silver lining 😉
Losing a match can mean losing a mask. Playing dirty can mean losing a mask. Pulling off another luchador’s mask WILL mean losing a mask AND being disqualified. Because masks are good.
A mask-less luchador means that in their fighting history they have caused shame to themselves or their fighting partners. This is a no-no. OR that they are just sick of playing a particular character and are ready to put it to rest and take on a new persona with a new mask. This is a yes-yes. Either way, masks are good.
So evidently it’s OK for little kids to storm the ring, but not an un-flexible 46 year old broad. Bunch of bullshit. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
Other Lessons Learned:
After seeing 5 Lucha Libre matches so far, I’m proud to say that my Spanish has improved. The last event I attended was a ‘family’ event and I learned that kids also have a lot of pent up frustrations and knowledge of Spanish cuss words that they let fly right there in front of their parents and spectators.
Here is a list of words and phrases screamed out by the kids behind me…Allow me to translate to English:
“Bitch! Fat bitches! You live in a playhouse! My mother fights better than you! Roll him like a rug! Stop crying! Asshole! Nice boots, cowboy! Fuck your mother!” And most importantly, “Don’t hit the beer guy!”
I 100% approve of all of these. And to be fair, old ladies were screaming the same thing. With all of these insults being thrown at the luchadores, it’s no wonder that the luchas start screaming back at the kids and old ladies – everyone gets all worked up! It’s awesome!
5 seconds before a referee told me I was too old to be there. Puta. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
The screaming kids, flying luchadores, hapless referees and the beer guys had me laughing til I was crying and yes, screaming right along with them. Everyone is in on it and everything about Lucha Libre is loud, rude and full of debauchery. Fuck yes, I’m hooked!
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
So you’ve seen the movie “Coco” from Pixar, right? Aren’t the scenes of Miguel’s village and then the Xanadu afterlife city the most visually stunning destinations you have ever seen? Me too!
You may or may not have noticed that a majority of the color you see in every scene is due to the placement of those colorful banners that wave all over both magical places.
Miguel and Hector in Xanadu and then Miguel with the clan in Santa Cecilia, Mexico | Photo: Pixar
Welp, actually México is just like that. Color pouring from the sky everywhere.
Coco-themed banners adorning our favorite restaurant in Puebla! | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
My hunt for these magical, colorful Papel Picado flags has taken me from enormous Mexican mercados to tiny little villages and what I’ve found is not only excellent products to export to the US and Europe, but also a tradition steeped in history and artistry, one precise hammer stroke at a time.
Here is the play by play of my quest for the birthplace of Papel Picado and the man with original birthrights to make it, otherwise known as the ‘Robin Hood’ of his town…
One year ago, I was in search of a pueblo called San Salvador Huixcolotla, which is known as the “Cradle of Punched Paper” and is the birthplace of Papel Picado flags. These colorful banners have been a part of every Mexican celebration for decades and are a symbol of México’s handmade craftsmanship at its finest.
Any birthday party, wedding or holiday gathering in México doesn’t get started until the Papel Picado is carefully strung from the rafters and roofs to welcome the party goers and to warn the neighbors that shit is about to get cray cray.
Traditional flags hanging from the ceiling of a cantina | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
My Story:
I found myself driving on a razor thin 2-lane road somewhere in the State of Puebla in Central México when I see in the distance a man standing in the middle of the broken pavement frantically waving a red bandana above his head. To my left was the majestic ice capped Orizaba Volcano, to my right were 3 dogs running beside my car and in front of me I had no idea, so I slowed.
The man strategically positioned in the middle of the road was actually directing traffic over a shitty one-lane bridge that I was about to cross. Evidently, when the state government of Puebla made this road they didn’t think it was important enough to spend the money on a two lane bridge. Why would they?
This bandana-waving fella’s job was to stop cars on one side of the bridge to allow cars coming from the other side to pass. I tipped him a few pesos for helping me avoid a head-on collision and was over the bridge and on my way to the worldwide mecca of Papel Picado. Yay!!
I had found the heartbeat of Papel Picado, now I was off to find Robin Hood.
Typical flag placement in a restaurant celebrating Constitution Day in México | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
That sounded dramatic, right?! OK, truth be told, I already knew who he was. We had met several times at conventions in Guadalajara and now WhatsApp pretty frequently regarding my orders and re-orders, but I had no idea at this moment in time that my mind was about to get blown.
Stories sound better when there is more mysticism and general awe-factor, don’t you think? Anyhoo, we’ll just call our Robin Hood friend, “Max”.
Max insisted on meeting me at the outskirts of his village at a point immediately after the scary-ass mini-bridge so that I could follow him in his unnecessarily large truck to his “taller” (workshop). The whole point of following him versus just giving me directions or dropping a location pin (nope, Google Maps and Waze haven’t figured this area out yet) is because there are no street signs. At all. In the entire village.
We were too busy looking up to see street signs anyway! | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
Once I entered San Salvador Huixcolotla, it was clear that this was indeed the epicenter of these magical banners. Everywhere I turned, I was shaded by fluttering clouds of color.
Every street was magically draped with these intricate banners depicting all aspects of Mexican life ranging from Dia de Los Muertos to the Virgin of Guadalupe. Basically, like the Xanadu afterlife city in “Coco”.
Max’s brother showing off a papel picado placemat that someone had special ordered. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
I followed Max in my Nissan Murano, which thank God has kick ass shocks, all the way to Max’s taller. His workshop is in the middle of town in a compound which includes his home (which he shares with his wife and son) and other buildings, bodegas and houses in which his brothers, cousins, nephews, nieces/employees also live and work. Chickens, dogs, kids and a cat run around this compound constantly.
I don’t know how any work gets done, but delicious chicken mole and beautiful Papel Picado are made here. If you ever get the chance to taste Max’s wife’s homemade mole – you should really go for it. I digress.
So anyway, Max is showing me around and introducing me to his family/employees and he casually mentions that his great-grandfather is the originator of Mexican Papel Picado. Max speaks no English and my Spanish is barely passable, but I got the jist…His great grandfather was Aztec and Spanish, but he learned this craft from a Chinese friend. Chinese invented super fine paper. They are especially known for creating “Chinese Paper” or as we call it in North America, tissue paper.
Max’s cousin and Me with a chisel…always a BAD idea. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
Welp, Papel Picado is basically perforated tissue paper. The designs are commonly cut into colored tissue paper using a stencil or template and small mallets or chisels. Depending on the fold of the paper and the skill level of the chiseler, as many as fifty banners can be created at a time. Check out this video to see what I mean…
Evidently local hacienda owners would import this paper from China and sell it at their hacienda stores – this Chinese friend bought some and showed Max’s great granddad how the Chinese make cutouts and use the designed paper as flags to decorate homes or towns for parties and festivals.
Well great-grandad thought, “Mexicans love parties and festivals…this could work!”
As many traditions continue through generations of families, Max’s grandfather and father learned the trade and eventually Max was trained and inherited the family company. He employs all of his extended family and most of the town.
The bigger an order he receives, the more neighbors he contracts to get the job done. He says that in the 4th quarter of every year, the entire town is working for him in some capacity, hence the Robin Hood legacy. He is San Salvador Huixcolota’s biggest employer.
Max’s other brother demonstrating how he chooses which chisel to use for which shape he is cutting. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
Every day, he and his brother drive the completed work of the day before into the city of Puebla to ship off the goods. One hour in each direction and 2 tips for the bandana bridge guy. Every day.
Max tells me that tissue paper banners are the best sellers of his banner catalog, but plastic is growing in popularity as outdoor fiestas are quite popular too.
Shiny Mylar Day of the Dead Vertical Flags | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
A few years ago he also started using mylar for a foil-like effect for customers who wanted banners with shine. Obviously plastic and mylar are more durable than the delicate tissue paper counterparts, but Max’s fam prefers to work with the traditional paper. Old dogs, new tricks.
So after 3 hours of demonstrating, picture taking and mole eating it was time to get out of San Sal. I placed a huge order, paid Max in cash for the goods I was taking back to Puebla with me and hit the road. Following Max in his unnecessarily large truck of course, because when there are no street signs AND its dark, navigation gets tricky. Luckily, the bandana guy was still on the tiny bridge and he waved me back to town. That was worth the $3 USD tip!
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
So I have been buying and selling fun stuff in/from México for years. I have seen a lot of this country looking for treasures that I think others will enjoy owning.
Along the way I have been entertained by sights and sounds from almost daily parades to almost nightly celebrations and my husband, Todd said that I should really be documenting this for my friends, fans and customers.
Basically, he forced me to start a blog. This is said blog. I hope it doesn’t suck. The plan is to show you all the funny shit I see and maybe educate a little in the quest to entertain a lot. Let’s start slow with a few pix of shit that have made me laugh pretty hard. We’ll get all educationally later.
Seriously, only in this freakin’ country can you get glimpses of this kind of greatness….
Merida, Yucatan A Bride Climbing a Bar to get the Good Rum! | Photo: Del Angel PhotographyTequila, Jalisco. There are 6 dudes up there “May poling”. This deserves its own blog post. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffMéxico City, State of México Some awesomeness doesn’t even require a caption. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffSan Miguel de Allende, Guanajuato Awesome taco joint …#Goes without saying. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffMexico City Grease is the Word. Or Vaselina, either way. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffCabo San Lucas, Baja California Beach vendor selling Lucha Libre masks. Because that’s what sun bathers want more than anything at the beach.
Merida, Yucatan “It’s all ball bearings these days!” Fixing a bus engine sucks, especially in sandals and traffic. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffOaxaca, Oaxaca Oooh damn! That’s a lotta Jesus! Everything your nativity scene needed then, NOW ON SALE post-Christmas in El Mercado. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffOaxaca, Oaxaca “Dock that Oaxacan a day’s pay for nappin’ on the job!” | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffTeeny tiny town outside of Oaxaca, Oaxaca A bull and cow parade. Because it’s Tuesday, that’s why! | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffHacienda Santa Rosa, Yucatan Yep, those are real. Most folks can only afford to bury their loved ones in a grave for 1 year, then they give up the space for someone else’s body. The bones of the recently removed get put into boxes for a more “economical” afterlife. | Photo: TexMex Fun StuffMerida, Yucatan They’ll let any gringo bozo into a bar. | Photo: TexMex Fun Stuff
Well that’s all for now. There will probably be a sequel of funny shit I see in Mexico, in fact it’s inevitable. But for now, it’s time to work!
Are you looking for more inspiration from México? Check out the TexMex Fun Stuff Blog for more sights, sounds and badass-ness uncovered while exploring México searching for handmade fun stuff for you!
