Leon Metz Southwest Chronicle Edu©Dual Language Leon Metz Bilingüe Without Borders | Page 19

c o After hundreds of years of Spanish domination, the population of Mexico began to dream about having a country of their own. At those times, Mexican society was formed by a minority of pure native descendants, by “Mestizos” (people with mixed Native-Spanish blood), by Spanish immigrants who came to Mexico to accumulate wealth, and by a majority of “Criollos” (people with pure Spanish descent who were born in Mexico). Tired of the taxes imposed by the Spanish Crown, the Criollos initiated an insurrection that resulted in the proclamation of the Mexican Independence in 1821. With the Spanish out of the land, the Criollos became the ruling class in Mexico. Many of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico City are concentrated in the Historic District. Mexico City is a fascinating capital that beguiles its visitors with endless options. One of the largest metropolitan areas in the world, with 16 boroughs and more than 300 neighborhoods, it might seem a bit overwhelming to of the most visited tourist attractions in Mexico City are concentrated in the historic center, including the Plaza de la Constitucion or Zocalo, the National Palace, Metropolitan Cathedral, Templo Mayor, Palace of Fine Arts and Alameda Park. A few blocks north of the Palace of Fine Arts, Plaza Garibaldi is one of the best places in Mexico City to hear live mariachi music. Located west of the historic center, the Plaza de la Republica is home to the newly refurbished Revolution Monument and National Museum. Chapultepec Park, the largest in Mexico City, is divided into three sections Mexico City’s National Autonomous University UNAM. La Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México UNAM. Mexico 6