Discover the interesting history of Mexico, where ancient cultures, impressive landmarks, and unique traditions come together. From the Olmec “Mother Culture” to the birth of chocolate and mariachi music, this country offers surprises at every corner!
Let’s dive into some interesting and fun facts about Mexico you might not know.
Photo by Miguel Urieta on Unsplash
16 Fun Facts About Mexico
The Olmec Civilization Is The “Mother Culture” Of Mesoamerica
The ancient civilizations of Mexico included the Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacan, Toltec, and Aztec. It was the Olmecs who created the large stone heads, with their civilization existing around 1200 to 400 BCE. The Maya had a city-state system and gained much knowledge in the areas of astronomy and writing.
Teotihuacan was a large city with impressive buildings. Meanwhile, the Aztecs created a vast empire centered around Tenochtitlan and were very successful agriculturalists and traders.
Photo by Roberto Carlos Román Don
Mexico Has the Largest Pyramid in the World
The biggest pyramid in the world is the Great Pyramid of Cholula, found in Cholula, Mexico. It is called Tlachihualtepetl and stands about 217 feet tall, with a base of 1,476 feet on each side. It was built from 300 BC to 700 AD as a temple for the god Quetzalcoatl.
It was rediscovered in the 1930s when many tunnels and platforms were found beneath the vegetation.
Mexico’s Capital is Built on an Ancient Lake
Another fun fact about Mexico City is that it sits atop the site of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztecs. Around 1325, the Aztecs built canals and causeways to move both water and goods. When the Spanish arrived in 1521, they diverted much of the lake to prevent flooding. Changes to the natural system have created a situation in which present-day Mexico City has scarce water and is subsiding because of those changes.
Mexico Has 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Mexico harbors 35 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the most in the Americas. These include 27 cultural sites, 6 natural ones, and 2 mixed. The better-known ones include the Historic Centre of Mexico City, Chichen Itza, and Sian Ka’an.
However, some of these places are pretty hard to travel to. The first six sites were listed in 1987. This was complemented later with Tehuacán-Cuicatlán, which was added in 2018.
Photo by Marv Watson on Unsplash
Mexico Is The Birthplace of Chocolate
Did you know that a fun fact about Mexico is that chocolate, one of the world’s most beloved treats, has its origins there, where it was first created over 3,000 years ago?
Its origins date back to the Olmecs, who were the first to cultivate cacao and prepare beverages from it. Among the Maya and Aztecs, cacao was used in rituals, as a form of money, and for making a bitter drink called xocolatl. Today, chocolate is also included in Mexican cuisine, mainly in mole and drinks.
Photo by Tetiana Bykovets on Unsplash
The Aztecs Created the First Soccer Game
The Aztecs developed a soccer-like game called ullamaliztli (or tlachtli). In the game, players struck a rubber ball with their hips, attempting to pass it through stone rings on the court.
The game had religious and political meaning, often being used to resolve disputes. The ball was considered a representation of a sacrificed person. The losing team could face harsh judgment, including possible human sacrifice.
Modern communities in Mexico still play various forms of the game today.
Mexico Has 68 Official Languages
There are 68 official languages in Mexico, including Spanish and many indigenous languages. In 2003, a law was passed granting equal rights for these languages. More than 10 million people speak an indigenous language in Mexico, such as Nahuatl and Maya, which are the most commonly spoken.
Mexico’s National Anthem Is the Longest
Another fun fact about Mexico is that the Himno Nacional Mexicano is the longest national anthem in the world. It has ten verses and a chorus, although most of these are never sung today. Written in 1854, this anthem was composed by Francisco González Bocanegra with music by Jaime Nunó. It was adopted in 1854, and if one sings any of the verses not typically performed, they may face fines.
Mexico Is The World’s Largest Silver Producer
Mexico is the largest single producer of silver. In 2023, it produced 6,400 metric tons, more than China and Peru combined. The country alone contains over 100 sizable silver mines, with Peñasquito being the largest.
Silver mining has been a key part of Mexican history, even dating back to the time of Columbus. It also plays a major role in its economy and cultural heritage.
Mexico Is Home to the World’s Smallest Volcano
Cuexcomate in Puebla, Mexico, has been described as the world’s smallest volcano, standing at 43 feet tall. It is actually an inactive geyser connected to the larger Popocatépetl volcano. The name means “small bowl” in Nahuatl, because local people used it for food storage. Visitors can go inside, where they’ll find a stream and a small waterfall.
Mexico Has More Mice Species Than Any Other Country
Within Mexico, there are more than 70 species of mice, a number higher than that of any other country. This includes species such as the Mexican deer mouse and the spiny pocket mouse. These mice occur in a wide range of habitats, from forests to deserts. Such diverse varieties of mice reflect the varied ecological zones of Mexico and partly explain why the country maintains a very important place in global ecology.
The First Color Television Was Invented in Mexico
One of the most interesting facts about Mexico is that in 1940, a Mexican engineer named Guillermo González Camarena invented the first color TV system. He patented it in 1942 as the Trichromatic Sequential Field System. The system used three lenses to create colored images, allowing black-and-white TVs to transition into color. Mexico’s first color broadcast happened on January 21, 1963, on Channel 5. To this day, the station still carries his call sign, XHGC.
Mexico Is the Birthplace of Mariachi Music
Mariachi music originated in western Mexico, mainly in Jalisco, in the 19th century. It was a product of the mixture of Spanish, African, and Native musical traditions. Mariachi gained popularity through radio and film during the early 20th century, becoming one of the most representative aspects of Mexican culture today.
UNESCO recognizes Mariachi as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Mexico Has The Largest Desert In North America
Mexico has the Sonoran Desert, which is one of North America’s largest deserts, covering about 260,000 square kilometers. A large part of northwestern Mexico and the southwestern United States is home to this desert. Its areas contain many mountains, sands, and dunes. It is also home to many plants and animals, including the famous saguaro cactus, known for its tall, distinctive shape.
Photo by Andrés Sanz on Unsplash
The Deadliest Volcano in Mexico Is Active
One of the fun facts about Mexico is that Popocatépetl, an active volcano, is considered the deadliest in the country due to its explosive history. Located about 45 miles southeast of Mexico City, it has been active since 1994, with its eruptions causing evacuations and problems. The last big eruption happened in 800 A.D., but now it can erupt several times a day. Despite this, about 25 million people live within 60 miles, making it a constant worry for local leaders and residents.
Photo by Richard van Wijngaarden on Unsplash
The Chihuahua Dog Breed Originated In Mexico
The Chihuahua dog breed comes from Mexico and is named after the state of Chihuahua. Its ancestors, the Techichi, were small dogs kept by the Toltecs and later the Aztecs for company and spiritual meaning. In the late 19th century, the breed became popular in the United States. Its popularity reached such a point that the American Kennel Club recognized it in 1904.
Stay Connected In Mexico with Yoho Mobile
Planning to visit Mexico? How will you keep track of local events or stay in touch with family? With mobile data, you’re always connected and informed. Yoho Mobile eSIM offers you reliable internet access no matter where the trip takes you. It’s the easiest and fastest solution—perfect for travelers who want to stay online while enjoying the trip.
- Use the code YOHO12 at checkout for a 12% discount!
