Karla and Fernando discuss some differences between two types of traditional Mexican music: mariachi and bolero, pondering the occasions for which each might be better suited.

With the Spaniards' arrival to Tenochtitlán, Mexican culture as we know it began to emerge with their racial, cultural and spiritual merging with the diverse pre-Hispanic inhabitants of those lands. The Concheros dances about which native Mexican, Alfredo Martinez, speaks to us, are just one representation of this fusion.

Although one language unites the people from all Spanish-speaking countries, it is useful- and fun- to become familiar with the different vocabulary and expressions utilized by Spanish speakers from various nations.

Political campaigns are tough (and they can get even tougher after the voting). In this video documenting Andrés Manuel López Obrador’s presidential race, we learn some of the tricks of the trade in Mexico.

In this installment of the dispute documentary we hear Mexican revolutionary Emiliano Zapata quoted over a protester’s loudspeaker. As Zapata said: “¡Victoria o muerte!” (“Victory or death!”). To protest the taking of their farmland, the people of Atenco are using stronger and stronger language. Listen in.

Can the forced displacement of families ever be justified? This is a question that knows no borders as governments seek out locations for new highways, hospitals, universities, and, especially, airports. The people of Atenco, Mexico, argue against plans to put one on their farmlands.

If you find it unusual that a farmer is comparing compensation for his land with the cost of presidential bath linens, you are clearly not aware of the toallagate scandal that rocked Vicente Fox’s administration and led to resignations at Los Pinos. We’re not sure what kind of towel US $400 buys, but it best be pretty darned afelpado is all we can say!

Something that induces lagrimas (tears) is said to be lacrimógeno. So if you were organizing a Festival de cine lacrimógeno, only tear-jerkers would fit the bill. If, on the other hand, you were organizing a protest of the forced seizure of your family’s farm, you might find yourself crying because of the gas lacrimógeno wafting through the air.

In this final part of this video about the Day of the Dead celebration in Berlin, Adriana explains how Mexicans prefer to celebrate death with humor, fun performances, and revelry.

Manuel Guarneros was the famous Mexican singer Chavela Vargas' main guitar player. In this video, he'll share with us his perception about various Mexican accents and slang as well as performing for us a piece of the popular polka song "El barrilito" [literally "The Little Barrel"], which is known in English as Beer Barrel Polka.

In part two of this video about the Day of the Dead celebration in Berlin, Adriana explains the elements that an offering to the dead contains, from sugar skulls to copal to music.

With roots in the world of theater in her home country of Mexico, Adriana Barrera moved to Berlin, Germany for love. The annual Day of the Dead celebration, which she will explain to us in detail, is one way in which Adriana and an association of fellow Mexicans in Berlin are able to maintain and raise awareness about aspects of the Mexican culture.

Guillermo the shaman, an expert in Mayan cosmology, explains the origin of and symbolism behind the Mayan word "chamamán" as well as some other interesting aspects of their belief system.

Xochitl from Monterrey, Mexico tells us about how the recent surge in violent crime in Mexico and in her area in particular affects the way that Mexican citizens live their lives.

Should government pump money into the economy and generate jobs by financing giant public works projects? In the extremely close Mexican presidential election of 2006 (which he lost), Andrés Manuel López Obrador made it clear that that his answer is a decisive ¡Sí!