As
'the largest city in the world' Mexico City has more than a bit of excitement
in store for you by Andrew Regan
With 25 million inhabitants,
Mexico City is the largest city in the world; it's therefore no surprise
that it has so much to offer - from intriguing modern attractions to a
variety of ancient cultural wonders. The roots of Mexico's capital lie
in its historic centre, which is home to a number of museums, galleries
and landmarks; visitors can also experience various religious festivities,
cultural events and the 'spirit' of the city by spending time wandering
through its centre. Some of Mexico City's top attractions include the National
Museum of Anthropology, the Templo Mayor and the Catedral Metropolitana,
which now dominates the city's main square, the Zacolo. What's more, Mexico
City offers an exquisite opportunity for children to partake in its cultural
splendour. The Papalote Children's Museum, for example, holds an array
of treasures and is one of the most visited scientific museums in the world.
But the cultural wealth of
Mexico is apparent in much more than its ancient buildings, museums and
galleries; it's particularly evident in the city's traditions and celebrations.
Cinco de May, Dia de Muertos, Representación de la Pasión
de Cristo and countless other traditions exude the intriguing character
of Mexico City to visitors and locals alike.
While in Mexico City, visitors
can take their pick from an extensive array of activities. It's particularly
worthwhile to tour one of the city's local markets - such as the La Merced
and San Juan markets in the downtown area - where you will find a vast
variety of fruits, herbs, flowers and regional products. And where better
to experience the world-renowned Mexican cuisine than in Mexico City?
Mexico City's nightlife is
also something which should not be missed on your trip to the city; with
various shows, restaurants, clubs, bars and discotheques around the city,
night time adventures are guaranteed to be just as exciting as daytime
jaunts. Dance to cumbia, salsa or meringue music, or see a show in one
of Mexico City's numerous theatres.
If you'd like to take a break
from the bustle of the city, rest assured that you have countless options
to consider. Take an Aztec tour just northeast of Mexico City, where you'll
experience the Teotihuacan Pyramids and the ceremonial centre - with its
palaces, plazas and altars - along the Avenue of the Dead. Or, for a bit
of spectacular fun in the sun, head to one of Mexico's many blissful beach
resorts and seaside towns. Mexico's beaches are truly stunning: explore
junglous regions, take a dip into the crystal waters, or sun-bathe on the
vast, golden coastline. If you're after a bit of beach-side adventure,
take your pick from a range of activities such as snorkelling, sailing,
surfing and more. Cancun, Acapulco and Puerto Vallarta are particularly
popular destinations for Mexican beach holidays.
If you're thinking about
taking a trip to Mexico City, you'll find that getting there is easy; countless
airlines and travel agents offer frequent flights to Mexico City as well
as various other places of interest in Mexico - so don't delay. With so
much to choose from on a holiday to Mexico City - from bustling excitement
to nearby quaint villages and serene beach settings - every holiday-goer
can fulfil his or her idea of the perfect getaway.
If you have a yen to
visit somewhere really unusual, just south of Mexico City is a small island
– a strange and eerie place which was never intended to be a tourist destination.
Between the canals of Xochimico, this island is known as the “Isla de las
Muñecas,” or Island of the Dolls and it has quite a story behind
it.
The terrifying scene on arrival
reveals hundreds of dolls, some with severed limbs, some with decapitated
heads, but all extremely eerie, hanging from the trees or posed in the
grasses.
Even in the daytime, the
scene is very disturbing. At night, it would be sheer terror to stroll
around, as according to the locals, the dolls move their limbs and even
open their eyes.
This weird and wonderful
place is apparently dedicated to the lost soul of a young girl who drowned
in mysterious circumstances around 50 years ago on the island. Local legends
say that the dolls are possessed by her sad spirit.
Some visitors say they hear
the dolls whispering to them. Others say they were passing by on a boat
and the dolls called to them, telling them to come visit the island.
Of course, if sense prevails,
the island and its strange inhabitants are not truly possessed, but it
is indeed a very creepy and fascinating place to visit.
It seems the Island of the
Dolls is the brainchild of its former caretaker, Julian Santana Barrera.
According to the story of the island, Barrera found the body of a little
girl who had drowned in strange circumstances on the island. He said that
shortly after this, he found a doll, floating in the canals, which probably
belonged to the dead girl.
As a show of respect for
the girl and to support her spirit, Barrera picked up the doll and hung
it in a tree. He then felt he was being haunted by the spirit of the girl
and began to hang even more dolls around the island, to try and appease
her spirit. Soon afterwards, according to the tale, he realized the dolls
themselves were possessed by the girl, but he carried on collecting dolls
and hanging them on trees all over the island.
Some question the very existence
of the drowned girl and say that Barrera made up the story because he was
lonely on the island. People close to him said it was as if he was driven
by unseen forces that had completely changed the man. They say he was made
this way because he could not save the life of the little girl.
50 years later, Barrera himself
was found dead, apparently drowned in the very same spot where he originally
found the girl.
Residents of the island believe
that it is a charmed place and after Barrera passed away in 2001, they
made the “Isla de las Muñecas” into a tourist attraction. The macabre
island has become a popular place to visit and apparently tourists bring
even more dolls to hang in the trees.
You can visit this strange
and macabre island in the video below, if you dare.
