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Korea Herald
5 days ago
- General
- Korea Herald
Mexico City marks 700 years since its founding by Indigenous people
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City is marking the 700th anniversary of its founding with a series of public events on Saturday, including artistic performances honoring the city's Indigenous origins. Artists in Indigenous clothing reenacted the founding of the Aztec capital in front of the country's top officials in Mexico City's main square. Later, hundreds of dancers dressed in traditional clothing, feather headdresses, drums, and ankle rattles made of seeds performed sacred dances meant to connect with nature. The anniversary commemorates the establishment of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica, a group also known as the Aztecs, who settled in the Valley of Mexico in 1325. As recorded by early Spanish chroniclers, Mexica elders told of a divine sign from their patron god Huitzilopochtli: an eagle on a cactus, signaling where to settle. That place became Tenochtitlan, the center of Aztec civilization and the site of today's Mexico City. That symbol was later recorded in the Codex Mendoza, which contained historical accounts of the Aztec empire. It became central to Mexican identity and appears today on the national flag. "Mexico was not born with the arrival of the Spanish; Mexico was born much earlier with the great civilizations," said President Claudia Sheinbaum in a speech in which she urged the eradication of the racism that still persists in the country. Tenochtitlan began as a village on an island in a lake ringed by volcanic peaks. But historians say many other details that have come down in history are based heavily on legend, and that the exact founding date is unknown. By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they were awed by a city filled with palaces, bridges, canals and bustling trade, according to Spanish chronicler and conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Historian Miguel Pastrana of the National Autonomous University of Mexico's Historic Investigations Institute, an expert on Tenochtitlan, said the weekend's festivities are "political and civic" and do not reflect the latest historical research. The historical record describes the Mexica as a people who migrated from a place called Aztlan, supposedly an island whose exact location remains unknown. They knew how to fish, gather aquatic plants and hunt birds, as well as build dams, and they tried to settle in several places before arriving in the Valley of Mexico. The main island in the lake was already populated by the Tepaneca people, but they allowed the Mexica to settle there in exchange for tribute payments and other services, Pastrana said. Little by little, the Mexica's power grew. They were strong warriors and commercially prosperous, and they were effective at making alliances with other peoples.
Winnipeg Free Press
5 days ago
- General
- Winnipeg Free Press
Mexico City marks 700 years since its founding by Indigenous people
MEXICO CITY (AP) — Mexico City is marking the 700th anniversary of its founding with a series of public events on Saturday, including artistic performances honoring the city's Indigenous origins. Artists in Indigenous clothing reenacted the founding of the Aztec capital in front of the country's top officials in Mexico City's main square. Later, hundreds of dancers dressed in traditional clothing, feather headdresses, drums, and ankle rattles made of seeds performed sacred dances meant to connect with nature. The anniversary commemorates the establishment of Tenochtitlan, the capital of the Mexica, a group also known as the Aztecs, who settled in the Valley of Mexico in 1325. As recorded by early Spanish chroniclers, Mexica elders told of a divine sign from their patron god Huitzilopochtli: an eagle on a cactus, signaling where to settle. That place became Tenochtitlan, the center of Aztec civilization and the site of today's Mexico City. That symbol was later recorded in the Codex Mendoza, which contained historical accounts of the Aztec empire. It became central to Mexican identity and appears today on the national flag. 'Mexico was not born with the arrival of the Spanish; Mexico was born much earlier with the great civilizations,' said President Claudia Sheinbaum in a speech in which she urged the eradication of the racism that still persists in the country. Tenochtitlan began as a village on an island in a lake ringed by volcanic peaks. But historians say many other details that have come down in history are based heavily on legend, and that the exact founding date is unknown. By the time the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, they were awed by a city filled with palaces, bridges, canals and bustling trade, according to Spanish chronicler and conquistador Bernal Díaz del Castillo. Historian Miguel Pastrana of the National Autonomous University of Mexico's Historic Investigations Institute, an expert on Tenochtitlan, said the weekend's festivities are 'political and civic' and do not reflect the latest historical research. The historical record describes the Mexica as a people who migrated from a place called Aztlan, supposedly an island whose exact location remains unknown. They knew how to fish, gather aquatic plants and hunt birds, as well as build dams, and they tried to settle in several places before arriving in the Valley of Mexico. The main island in the lake was already populated by the Tepaneca people, but they allowed the Mexica to settle there in exchange for tribute payments and other services, Pastrana said. Little by little, the Mexica's power grew. They were strong warriors and commercially prosperous, and they were effective at making alliances with other peoples. Tenochtitlan became a great city at the center of an empire until the Spanish conquered it in 1521.
The Hindu
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- The Hindu
‘Our Times' movie review: All hail women in this time-hopping romance
Our Times is a Mexican romance-drama with a hint of sci-fi. The movie revolves around Nora, played by singer and regular Latin Grammy Awards host Lucero, who is shown to be the brains behind building a time machine along with her husband Hector, played by Benny Ibarra. Hector sees her as a loving partner, whereas the staff at the National Autonomous University of Mexico sees her more as Hector's assistant. They try for extra funds for their project, and invite the University's dean for a meal. The dean likes the dinner prepared by Nora, but doesn't pay heed to her scientific opinions. After Nora realises how to make the time machine work, the physicist duo travel in time from 1966 to 2025, and face the wonders of the 21st century. The catch is to keep their scientific breakthrough hidden from the world. Nora and Hector learn about new technologies in 2025, try on the latest fashion and even experience wokeism while trying to figure out a way back to the present. Hector finds it hard to adapt to a world full of women with equal rights whereas Nora enjoys the experiences and continues to project her brilliance. By travelling in time, one could imagine that the main character had a complete shift to a multicultural social development. The movie was shot in Mexico City and one can appreciate the production design depicting the city in the 1960s. In 2025, Hector feels as though others see him as Nora's assistant and tries to prove his worth. At a conclave where Nora is the guest of honour on International Women's Day, he cuts into her speech with his 'mansplaining' inputs. His speech doesn't get an applause, but the audience are appalled by his opinions which come out as offensive to women. When the plot is focused on feminism, it reflects the power of women in today's world, in stark contrast to the 60s. Nora finds her voice and is able to accept the progressive mindsets that validate women. She gets to know what patriarchy means and reexamines the old ways. She realises that gender roles have undergone a change and women are able to express themselves and be free. What happens to their character arc, was the most expected. The husband leaves Nora in the future and goes back in time to set her free. He writes a letter saying she is creating her own success and is destined for greater things. The movie ends on a different note though, after she lives a life full of achievements. Their wrinkled faces reminded me of the 90-year-old character in the film Kapoor & Sons, where Rishi Kapoor underwent extensive make-up and looked like someone whose face got swelled up due from a food allergy. To call Our Times a sci-fi film wouldn't do justice to other sci-fi films, as the plot doesn't quite convince the audience. What the film lacks in screenplay, editing, scene continuity, chemistry as well as music, it makes up with its messaging. Our Times is currently streaming on Netflix
Daily Mirror
10-06-2025
- Science
- Daily Mirror
UFO sphere scientists uncover incredible features in ball 'that fell from space'
The Buga Sphere was spotted zig-zagging in the sky over the Colombian town in a way no conventional aircraft is capable of before being recovered shortly after it landed in a field A metallic sphere covered in bizarre symbols which was recovered after it 'landed' in a field in Colombia has been subjected to new analysis with researchers citing shocking evidence it is a genuine UFO. Dubbed the Buga Sphere, it was spotted March 2 over the town of Buga, zig-zagging around the sky in a way no conventional aircraft is capable of. The object was recovered shortly after it landed in a field and has been since analysed by scientists. Researchers claimed they found three layers of metal-like material and 18 microspheres surrounding a central nucleus they are calling 'a chip.' Now new analysis has given rise to evidence which points to a strong, decaying ionized field coming from the Buga sphere, said Rodolfo Garrido, a Mexican engineer working with a team from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). In a recent appearance on Maussan Televisión, Garrido revealed what scientists have found out so far about the sphere and its purpose, following months of research. He revealed to stunned viewers that the sphere had increased in weight since it landed and was now five times heavier, despite never changing in volume. Garrido said the sphere was capable of generating its own electromagnetic field, speaking to UFO researcher Jaime Maussan on the TV program Interstellar. He added this field was used to levitate above the ground. However not everyone is convinced by the findings. Dr Julia Mossbridge of the University of San Diego's Department of Physics and Biophysics cast doubt on the outlandish reports, instead saying the sphere was a 'man-made art project'. Jaime Maussan has previously been involved with several debunked UFO claims in the past. He has claimed to have discovered evidence of real UFO sightings, only for it to be debunked as a comet or star in the night sky. Maussan has also claimed to have discovered physical evidence of mummified alien corpses on three separate occasions, but none of the incidents have been proven true. In this case, however, scientists at UNAM said this levitation system somehow allowed the sphere to maintain a low weight of just over four pounds. The sphere's flight, which was caught on several TikTok videos, was allegedly interrupted after it struck a power cable, causing its electromagnetic field to destabilise and eventually land. The UNAM team just published their newest report on the Buga sphere. The new paper details how a microscope was set to 2,000 times normal view in order to see the hidden wiring, invisible to the human eye. The complex wire system is said to run in different directions and connects to the copper pins and points on the sphere's surface, including something resembling a microchip. During the broadcast on June 7, Maussan said: "This is just the beginning. Strategies and plans are already being developed. Various laboratories have been hired to attempt reverse engineering to understand how this sphere works." Initial X-rays of the sphere in March could not find any seams that would provide evidence of how the object was built. But, despite that, Dr Mossbridge is doubtful that the mysterious probe was an actual UFO. The cognitive neuroscientist also noted that no direct connection has been made between videos of the Buga sphere and the actual metal object found in the Colombian woods.
Kuwait Times
02-06-2025
- Health
- Kuwait Times
Scientists in Mexico develop tortilla for people with no fridge
Peering through a microscope, food scientist Raquel Gomez studies microorganisms that add nutrients and preserve tortillas for several weeks without refrigerators -- a luxury in impoverished Mexican communities. The humble tortilla is a Mexican staple, consumed in tacos and other dishes by millions every day, from the Latin American nation's arid northern deserts to its tropical southern jungle. Most Mexicans buy fresh corn tortillas from small neighborhood shops. The wheat flour version developed by Gomez and her team contains probiotics -- live microorganisms found in yogurt and other fermented foods. As well as the nutritional benefits, the fermented ingredients mean the tortilla can be kept for up to a month without refrigeration, much longer than a homemade one, according to its creators. It was developed 'with the most vulnerable people in mind,' Gomez, a professor at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM), told AFP in her laboratory. Nearly 14 percent of children under five suffer from chronic malnutrition in Mexico, according to official figures. In Indigenous communities, the figure is around 27 percent. Microorganisms of a probiotic are seen under a microscope. Dr. Raquel Gomez Pliego analyzes the microorganisms of a probiotic under a microscope. Dr. Raquel Gomez Pliego prepares "super tortillas". Dr. Raquel Gomez Pliego removes a tortilla from a press. A tortilla is heated on a stove in Mexico City. Fridges unaffordable The tortilla developed by Gomez is not yet commercially available, but it could benefit people like Teresa Sanchez. The 46-year-old housewife smokes meat using a wood-burning stove in her house with wooden walls and a metal roof. Like most of her neighbors in the town of Oxchuc, in the southern state of Chiapas, Sanchez has no refrigerator, so she uses the methods handed down by her Indigenous Tzeltal ancestors. 'My mother taught me and grandparents always do it this way,' she told AFP. 'Where are you going to get a refrigerator if there's no money?' Less than two-thirds of people in Chiapas, a poverty-plagued region with a large Indigenous population, have a refrigerator -- the lowest among Mexico's 32 states. The average maximum temperature in Chiapas rose from 30.1 to 32 degrees Celsius between 2014 and 2024, according to official estimates. Half of its territory is considered vulnerable to climate change. While Oxchuc is located in a mountainous, temperate area, the lack of refrigerators forces its inhabitants to rely on traditional food preservation methods. 'We think about what we're going to eat and how many of us there are. We boil it, and if there's some left over, we boil it again,' Sanchez said. Sometimes meat is salted and left to dry under the sun. Tortillas are stored in containers made from tree bark. For that reason, Sanchez only shops for the bare necessities, although her budget is limited anyway. 'I don't have that much money to buy things,' she said. A worker handles a tortilla at a street food stall in the Roma neighborhood. A woman eats a taco at a street food stall in the Roma neighborhood. Smoked beef is prepared for preservation due to a lack of refrigerators in the municipality of Oxchuc, Chiapas State, Mexico. Dr. Raquel Gomez Pliego prepares "super tortillas". No preservatives Gomez and her team use prebiotics -- which are mainly found in high-fiber foods -- to feed probiotic cultures and produce compounds beneficial to health, she said. Thanks to the fermented ingredients, no artificial preservatives are needed in the laboratory developed tortilla, Gomez said. That is another benefit because such additives have potentially toxic effects, said Guillermo Arteaga, a researcher at the University of Sonora. One of the most commonly used additives in processed wheat flour tortillas is calcium propionate, which is considered harmful to the colon's microbiota, Arteaga said. Although her tortilla is made from wheat flour -- a type eaten mainly in northern Mexico -- Gomez does not rule out using the same method for corn tortillas, which are preferred by many Mexicans but can go bad quickly in high temperatures. The researchers patented their tortilla in 2023. UNAM signed a contract with a company to market the food, but the agreement fell through. Gomez, who won an award in December from the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, still hopes to find partners to distribute her tortillas. She is confident that even though they were developed in a laboratory, consumers will still want to eat them. - AFP
