For 2008, our presentation for Carnival, is entitled, "Que viva Mexico", highlighting the various attractions that make Mexico one of the more diverse cultural regions of the World.

There are many Mexicos, as it has often been said. The flag of Mexico, represents a mixture of Native American and European peoples who have seemingly been at war with their government forever. The colours Green represent hope and the territory, White for unity, purity and honesty and the people, while Red represents parenthood and the blood of national heroes, and the struggles for remaining the national independence and freedom.

Indeed, Mexico has given the World, four outstanding contributions. Mexico City, is the oldest capital in the Americas, but is sinking at the rate of 6-8 feet a year because it was built on top of a water reservoir. Mexico introduced chocolate to the world..... thanks Mexico. The poinsettia was first introduced by Dr. Joel Roberts Poinsett, the first US ambassador to Mexico, and in Mexico, the Turkey was considered a sacrificial bird.

It has often been said that the culture of a people is dependent on its historical development and growth throughout the decades and centuries. The Maya and Aztecs are the best known cultures, even though there were many other ancient peoples in Mexico before the arrival of the Spanish, such as the Toltecs, Olmecs, etc.

The culture clashed, when Hernan Cortes met the Aztec God-King Moctezuma, and this clash, has produced this unique diversity about Mexico's society which can still be felt in Mexico today, nearly 500 years
later.

Even on a social level, Colonial society, under Spanish Rule, was structured, according to an elaborate caste system, based on race and rigidly controlled by the Spanish Crown. In its century of independence, Mexico was juggled between emperors, presidents and dictators and was invaded by the United States, France, Spain and Britain. The Revolution and its aftermath also helped to shape modern day Mexico. Emiliano Zapata was a peasant leader from the state of Morelos who demanded immediate land reform. In 1910 Zapata had taken up arms against the Diaz government with the cry of "Tierra y Libertad". Whereas Zapata fought in the south of Mexico, Pancho Villa and his men fought in the north. One out of every ten Mexicans lost his life during the decade that followed the reign of Don Porfiro Diaz.

But today, Mexico's diverse culture reflects the variety of its people, many of whom still lead Pre-Hispanic lifestyles, the vast majority of the population is of mixed race, many indigenous groups still maintain their traditional lifestyles in modern Mexico.

Mexican people are especially known for their exuberant fiestas and love of music and dance. Our sections in "Que viva Mexico" reflect this cultural diversity:-"Danza de Las Flores" "Danza de las Plumas"and "The Stag Dance of the Yaqui Amerindians of Sonora" represent this unique expression of a culture, that highlights the beautiful flora and fauna, as well as the animal kingdom of Mexico.
The variety of traditional music and dance performed at fiestas is enormous. The Birdmen" or the "Voladores" who fly around a 32 meter pole in a hynotice re-enactment of a Totonac ritual, will mesmerize you while "La Fiesta" and "Festival of the Corn" again showcase the various traditional celebrations that occur in the 31 states of Mexico.

The State of Jalisco is the home of Tequila, the hat dance and mariachi music.
The name "Mariachi" comes from either marriage, the French for wedding, or mariagero, the Galician for a musician who performs at a wedding. Mariachi music, which originated in the 18th century, is still played all over the country, but is most popular in Jalisco and central Mexico. At first the players used only stringed instruments, but trumpets were added later for pizzazz.

Tequila has achieved a reputation far out of proportion to its size. Under Mexican law, at least 51% of any Tequila must be from the tequila weber agave, which grows only in this region. The best kind of Tequila use pure juice while cheaper brand liquors are supplemented with cane juice. Sales of Tequila have doubled over the past decade thanks to the popularity of margaritas, and more recently, shots of the liquor.

Not long after the conquest, the Virgen of Guadeloupe made her miraculous appearance to a newly converted Amerindian named Juan Diego. Early one morning in 1531, Juan Diego, a simple man of the soil, was walking on the hill of Tepeyac when he heard a sweet voice calling him. It was the Virgin Mary. This appearance was to change the religious persuasion of the peoples of this state into what has become the dominant religion of Mexico. In fact, Our lady of Guadeloupe is the patron saint of Mexico. This band is taking the bold step of bringing a section called, "The followers of Guadeloupe".

The presentation touches on a bit of Eco-Tourism, highlighting Rio Lagartos, which is famous for the thousands of pink flamingos that gather in the lagoons, while "Lugar de Floras" will highlight a famous areas in the states of Mexico, famous for their thriving horticulture. In the field of Geography, One of the most famous Volcanoes, is a the majestic Popocatepelt (5,452metres) and Iztaccihuati (5,286 metres) affectionately known as Popo and Izta. They are enormous snow-capped volcanoes which provide a backdrop to the Mexican capital. These two volcanoes alone provide a traditional story which will be highlighted in the band.
The Band will portray Mexico's Gilded Cowboys: "Los Charros" who will come to life, performing what many believe to be Mexico's only truly national sport, despite the fact, that Mexico is considered one of the top football nations in the CONCACAF area and the World.

The Band also focuses on national festivals. "El dia de Los Muertos" is Mexico's answer to All Souls' Day, the ultimate combination of pre-hispanic and Christian ritual, and is one of the biggest festivals celebrated all over Mexico. Finally, the Harvard Boys will culminate the legacy of Mexico in a section, only known to us as "Viva Mexico" which is still the best kept secret so far, and ending finally with "Cancan" one of the many tourist destinations in Mexico.

Our 2008 presentation will touch on music, dance, religion, historical culture, eco-tourism, geographical landmarks and national observances and Festivals. Every aspect of Mexico will be highlighted. Like Rome, The Arabian Nights, Conquest of the Indies and The French Revolution, Trini Revellers will bring "Mexico" alive with its many cultures, showcasing what Mexico has to offer the World. On Carnival Tuesday, try to envisage the clash of cultures with the hundreds of Mayas and Aztecs with their colourful indigeneous wear with that of Sombreros and ponchos of the historical and modern Mexican. Its history has produced a culture that has no parallel with the rest of the Latin American Republics. Although the vast majority of the population is of mixed race, many indigenous groups do maintain their traditional lifestyles in modern Mexico, that are unknown to the population of Trinidad & Tobago.

Once again, you have our word that the Revellers Committee will be producing "Mas" with education, with nice music and nice people. There will be only 20 sections in the Band, with 2 Kings and 2 Queens. For the firs time, the two Kings will see a Father versus his Son to determine who will be King of Carnival 2008. It will be battle between Geraldo Vieira Jr versus Geraldo Vieira Sr. A battle between Age and Years of Experience versus Youth and Exuberance and Determination. Can the son usurp the father's determination to beat him at his own game. In addition, A new Queen will join us.

Trini Revellers will not disappoint you in 2008. Have we ever disappointed the media, and of course, the spectators and the people of Trinidad & Tobago. WE will continue our Mas with Class, and from Latin to French to Spanish. Our presentations are based on research, and the Embassy of Mexico with its staff is fully supportive of our goal to present a band, truly representative of the peoples of Mexico. As I end, let me conclude by saying, the Viva Zapata, Viva Pancho Villa. Both will live again in Que viva Mexico. Ole, ole.