Editing Veracruz (section)

==Culture==
===Gastronomy===
{{Main article|Cuisine of Veracruz}}
[[File:HuachinangoVeracruzana.JPG|thumb|Huachinango ([[red snapper (fish)|red snapper]]) a la Veracruzana]]

The gastronomy of the state is unique in Mexico and mixed Spanish, indigenous, and Caribbean influences.<ref name="atractcul">{{cite web |url=http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/veracruz/ |title=Atractivos Culturales y Turísticos |year=2005 |work=Enciclopedia de los Municipios de México Veracruz de Ignacio de la Llave |publisher=Instituto Nacional para el Federalismo y el Desarrollo Municipal |location=Mexico |language=es |trans-title=Cultural and Tourist Attractions |access-date=August 3, 2010 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110616191401/http://www.e-local.gob.mx/work/templates/enciclo/veracruz/ |archive-date=June 16, 2011 }}</ref> From the pre-Hispanic period, the cuisine of the state was unique. The staple triumvirate of corn, beans, and squash was supplemented by tropical fruits, vanilla beans, and an herb called acuyo or [[hoja santa]]. Another important native contribution is seafood, which is featured in many dishes such as, [[arroz a la tumbada]] and caldo de mariscos (seafood soup).<ref name="khursh"/>

During the colonial period, a variety of spices and ingredients were introduced to Veracruz, significantly impacting the local cuisine. In terms of spices, the Spanish introduced [[bay laurel]], [[cilantro]], [[parsley]], [[parsley]], and [[thyme]] from Europe and [[cloves]], [[cinnamon]], and [[black pepper]] from Asia. They also brought almonds, capers, garlic, olives, olive oil, rice, and wheat. Capers, garlic, and olive oil are essential ingredients in what is perhaps the most famous specialty of the region, [[huachinango a la veracruzana]], red snapper in a spicy tomato sauce. Caribbean imports such as [[sugar cane]] and pineapple were adapted as well as the peanut, brought from Africa by the Portuguese (although the peanut is originally from South America).<ref name="khursh"/>

Veracruz cuisine divides into six regions called Sotavento, Centro Norte, Centro Sur, Sierra, Costa Norte, and Los Tuxtlas. The Sotovento area is in the south of the state, and the dishes here are heavily based on rice. Common dishes include arroz a la tumbada, which is rice cooked with seafood or meat and rice with fried bananas. Seafood dishes are also prominent based mostly on fish and shrimp. A common ingredient in dishes is a herb called "hoja santa" or "hierba Santa", which is a plant of the family [[Piperaceae]]. The Centro Norte is centered on Xalapa. Dishes here tend to be more indigenous in nature, heavily flavored with mild chili peppers. Common dishes here include Chilehuates, similar to a tamale, stuffed chile peppers, and enchiladas. Less seafood and more pork and domestic fowl are consumed. The Centro Sur area is mostly indigenous and encompasses the area of, Huatusco, Coscomatepec, Cotaxtla, Orizaba, Amatlán, Huilango y las españolas Córdoba y Fortín de las Flores, la negra Yanga and San Lorenzo de los Negros. Dishes here are similar to Centro Norte, but [[chayote]]s appear more often as this region is a major producer of the vegetable. Meats in [[adobo]] sauce are common as well. The Sierra and Costa Norte encompass the northern part of the state, such as the Pánuco River area and Totonacapan. This area is noted for a number of unique dishes such as frijoles en achuchutl, made with black beans, pork rind, chayotes, squash seeds, and [[jalapeño pepper]]s. [[Bocole]]s are a kind of filled tortilla made with corn dough, stuffed with black beans, chorizo, eggs, or seafood, which then are fried in lard. Tamales are often made with banana leaves. The area is also known for its breads, especially [[anise]]–flavored rolls. The Los Tuxtlas area is centered on the communities of Santiago, San Andrés and Catemaco, which were the center of the Olmec civilization. The cuisine in this area features yucca, "chocos" (a type of edible flower), fish, especially mojarra, and exotic meats such as monkey, and [[iguana]].<ref name="atractcul"/>

===Museums===
[[File:San Martin Pajapan Monument 1 retouched.jpg|thumb|300px|The Olmec [[San Martin Pajapan Monument 1]] on exhibit in the Museum of Anthropology in Xalapa]]

The state capital of Xalapa is also home to a number of important museums. The Museum of Anthropology contains the second most important collection of Mesoamerican artifacts in the country. It was built beginning in 1959 over six hectares. The complex is divided into various halls and galleries by theme, focusing on the Olmec and Totonac cultures. The Patio Olmeca contains the colossal head found in 1945 and known as El Rey (The King). Other important artifacts include giant stelae and [[San Martin Pajapan Monument 1]] (at right).
The Museum of Science and Technology is in Xalapa. It contains more than 400 exhibitions in eight halls: Life, Ecology, Space, Transportation, Sciences, Energy, Water and Earth. The Pinoteca Diega Rivera was established by the state in the former Monastery of San Francisco in Xalapa. Its primary function is to preserve and display [[Diego Rivera|Rivera]]'s works owned by the state, but it also contains early works by [[José María Velasco Gómez|José María Velasco]], [[Jorge Cuesta]] and [[Teodoro A. Dehesa]]. Near the city is the Hacienda del Lencero, which was the home and headquarters of President Antonio López de Santa Anna in the 19th century. It has been preserved and turned into a museum.<ref name="atractcul"/>

In Tuxpan is the Regional Museum of Anthropology with more than 400 pieces from pre-Hispanic groups in the region, displayed in four halls. Most of the pieces come from the center of the state and from the Huasteca region.On the edge of the Tuxpan River. The city also has the Mexican-Cuban Museum. It contains a collection of photographs from the [[Cuban Revolution]] as well as a statue of [[José Martí]].<ref name="atractcul"/>

Other museums are scattered in other parts of the state. The [[Salvador Ferrando]] Museum is located in [[Tlacotalpan]] and contains many everyday items and art from the 16th to the 19th centuries. The Tuxteco Regional Museum in Santiago de Tuxtla contains Olmec and Totonac artifacts including art objects, farming implements, utensils and more. In the garden area, there are giant stone sculptures from the Tres Zapotes site. The Jardín Central (Central Garden) of the municipality of [[Tierra Blanca, Veracruz|Tierra Blanca]] has a number of Totonac archeological pieces on display. The Archeological Museum of Córdoba is in the city of the same name with three exhibition halls containing artifacts from the Maya, Olmec, Toltec and Huastec cultures. There is also a collection of historical photographs of the city. The Veracruz State Art Museum (Museo de Arte del Estado de Veracruz) is located in Orizaba in what was the monastery associated with the Concordia Church. Its collection includes works by Diego Rivera, [[Ignacio Rosas]] and [[Gonzalo Argüelles]]. It also contains a collection of historical photographs related to Veracruz and art. The Malintzin Archeological Museum is in the municipality of [[Nogales, Veracruz|Nogales]]. It is a small museum with one hall, with photographs and documents. It is located in the church where [[Malinche]] and [[Juan de Jaramillo]] were supposedly married.<ref name="atractcul"/>

===Fairs and festivals===
The state is noted for its quantity and variety of festivals. The most important of these is [[Carnival]] in the city of Veracruz. This city's version of the event begins with the "burning of bad humor", which is represented in effigy. A number of kings and queens are "crowned" including categories for children but the most important is the Rey Feo (Ugly King) and the Reina del Carnaval (Queen of the Carnival). The latter is accompanies by cadets from the Naval Academy during the parade. This celebration is repeated all along the Veracruz coastline with other significant festivities taking place in [[Alvarado, Veracruz|Alvarado]], [[Coatzacoalcos]], [[San Rafael, Veracruz|San Rafael]] and [[José Cardel, Veracruz|Villa José Cardel]]. [[Minatitlán, Veracruz|Minatitlán]]'s celebration draws people from the nearby states of Oaxaca and Tabasco.<ref name="rincones23">González, p. 23</ref> [[Day of the Dead]] is celebrated in almost all of Mexico from Oct 31 to November 2 but there are local twists in the state. In some places, it is commemorated during the months of August and September. In Papantla, boards or tables are placed on rooftops, which have been adorned with flowers, plant matter and more. In Tantoyuca, it is commemorated with costumes and music, similar to Carnival.<ref name="atractcul"/>

The Christian celebration of [[Candlemas]] is fused with traditions associated with [[Chalchiuhtlicue|Chalchiuhtlicua]], the goddess of water, rivers, lakes and ocean. She was replaced by the Virgin of Candlemas, the protector of fishermen, making this celebration particularly important on the coast, especially in Tlacotalpan, where it is celebrated with much pomp. In [[Jáltipan de Morelos]], ethnic [[Nahua peoples|Nahuas]] and [[Popolucas]] dress in elaborate costumes and arrange their hair in intricate styles. In Santa María Magdalena, on July 22, bulls are set free to roam the streets. Corn harvest festivals are prominent in the Huasteca region in municipalities such as [[Chontla]], Chicontepec, and [[Ixhuatlán de Madero]]. These generally include native dances and foods based on corn.<ref name="atractcul"/><ref name="rincones23"/>

===Dance and music===
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The state is well known in the country for its music and dance. The [[fandango]] is a dance brought over from Spanish. Today the state has two varieties: the jarocho and the huasteco.<ref name="atractcul"/> Indigenous and folk dances in the state are most often associated with rituals and religious festivals. These include one called Los Lisceres also called the Tigres from the Los Tuxtlas region. Participants wear Olmec style masks which represent the rain god Tlalóc. Another is Los Guaguas in which the participants pay homage to the sun, and Los Santiagos, which is related to the veneration of Saint James, patron saint of Hernán Cortés. One last one is called Los Negritos (The Little Black Ones) which was created by African slaves. According to tradition, the origin of this dance lies in a story about a boy who was bitten by a snake and the rituals his family held to heal him.<ref name="rincones22">González, p. 22</ref>

However, the state's most famous dance is as much a ritual and daredevil act as movements performed to music. The '''Danza de los Voladores''' (Dance of the Flyers) is a ceremony/ritual which has its roots in the pre-Hispanic period and presently best known as associated with the town of [[Papantla]], Veracruz. It is believed to have originated with the [[Nahua peoples|Nahua]], [[Huastec people|Huastec]] and [[Otomi people|Otomi]] peoples in central Mexico, and then spread throughout most of [[Mesoamerica]]. The ritual consists of dance and the climbing of a 30-meter pole from which four of the five participants then launch themselves tied with ropes to descend to the ground. The fifth remains on top of the pole, dancing and playing a flute and drum. According to myth, the ritual was created to ask the gods to end a severe [[drought]]. Although the ritual did not originate with the [[Totonac]] people, today it is most strongly associated with them, especially those in and around [[Papantla]], as the ceremony has died off in most other places.<ref name="wilkerson7576">{{Cite book |title=El Tajin: A Guide for Visitors |last=Wilkerson |first=S. Jeffrey K |year=1987 |isbn=968-499-293-9 |pages=75–76 |publisher=Universidad Veracruzana }}</ref> The ceremony was named an [[Intangible Cultural Heritage]] by [[UNESCO]] in order to help the ritual survive and thrive in the modern world.<ref name="mcclat">{{Cite news |title='Flying Men' are now Cultural Heritage |newspaper=McClatchy – Tribune Business News |location=Washington, DC |date=October 1, 2009 }}</ref>

The state's best-known musical style is called the "son". A "[[son (music)|son]]" is a musical variation which traces its origins to Spain and developed during the 17th and 18th centuries. It is the state's most popular musical style shows influences from the many peoples who have lived here such as indigenous groups, Portuguese, Italians, Africans, French and others. The music is generally performed by harps, violins and guitars, with an occasional wind instrument. [[huapango|Son huasteco (also called son huapango)]] is a variety of son played in the north of the state mostly among the Totonacs. Son jarocho is the better known and more popular variety played in the south of the state. The famous Grammy award-winning song "La Bamba" by [[Los Lobos]] is said have its roots in a traditional folk song from Veracruz (hence the reference to the "Marinero" in that song).<ref name="atractcul"/><ref name="rincones2021">González, pp. 20–21</ref>

The state has produced a number of musicians famous in the country. One of the best known is Francisco Gabilondo Soler. Gabilondo Soler is best known for creating a character known as "Cri-cri", a singing cricket for a radio show in the first half of the 20th century. As a musician, he specialized in writing children's songs such as "Abuelito", "Caminito de la escuela", "El baile de los muñecos", "El burrito" and "La negrita Cucurumbé". A number of his works have been translated into other languages. Another famous musician is Agustín Lara, who has had more international fame. Nicknamed "Flaco de oro" (golden skinny one), he always insisted that he was born in Tlacotalpan, Veracruz and not Mexico City as records show. Lara formed his first band in 1930 called El Son de Marabú and toured almost continuously in Mexico and abroad during his career. His most famous compositions include "Veracruz", "Noche de Ronda" and "Solamente una vez".<ref name="rincones2021"/> Other prominent musicians include Toña "La Negra" or María Antonia del Carmen Peregino, Narcisco Serradel, Lorenzo Barcelata and María Greever.<ref name="atractcul"/>

===Art and architecture===
[[File:MuralChurchCanoPap.JPG|thumb|Mural depicting the history of Papantla in the town square by Teodoro Cano García]]

During the colonial era, a movement called the "estilo veracruzano" (Veracruz style) developed mostly focusing on landscapes in the state with a certain amount of indigenous influence although the painters themselves were ''criollo'' or Mexico-born Spanish. These paintings focus on the mountains, valles, coasts, volcanos and other natural phenomena in the state. Most of the proponents of this were born in Veracruz itself and include [[José Justo Montiel]] (1824–1899), [[Gonzalo Argüelles Bringas]] (1877–1942), [[Eugenio Landecio]] (teacher of [[José María Velasco Gómez|José María Velasco]]), [[Natal Pesado]] and [[Ignacio Rosas]].<ref name="rincones1215">González, pp. 12–15</ref>

However, most of Veracruz's best-known artists are from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the 19th century, these include [[Miguel Mata Reyes]], [[Salvador Ferrando]], [[José María Jara]], [[Enrique Guerra]] and [[Alberto Fuster]]. Miguel Mata Reyes is best known for his contributions to the design of the Palacio de Bellas Artes as well a portrait of [[Antonio López de Santa Anna]]. Salvador Ferrando was a portrait and landscape artist from the north of the state. Until recently, most of his work had been hidden in a museum named after him in the Tlacotalpan region. Much of it now is on display at the Museo de Arte de Veracruz in Orizaba. José María Jara is noted for his paintings of Veracruz customs, whose works include ''El Velorio'', which was presented at the World's Fair in Paris. Enrique Guerra was an important sculptor at the end of the 19th century. His best-known works are bas reliefs and include ''Asesinato de César'', ''Coroliano'', ''Thais'' and ''Crisálida''. Alberto Fuster was most active at the end of the century and is noted for bringing symbolism painting to Mexico from his stay in Europe. His works include ''El progreso'', ''Safo en el templo de Delfos'' and ''Nativa con loro''.<ref name="rincones1215"/>

There are three important artists from the 20th century, [[Carlos Bracho]], [[Norberto Martínez]] and [[Teodoro Cano García]]. Active in the first half of the century, sculptor Carlos Bracho's work has been compared to that of [[Juan Rulfo]]. His works have been done in plaster, bronze, terracotta and green onyx and include monumental works which can be found in the cities of Xalapa, [[Puebla, Puebla|Puebla]], [[Pachuca]] and Mexico City. His best-known works are El abrazo, Cabeza verde and El campesino se apodera de la tierra. Norberto Martínez only lived 45 years but is considered one of the most prolific of Mexican painters who dedicated most of his works to social themes. A number of these are early murals such as El comercio in the Jáuregi de Xalapa market as well as an untitled work in a private home in Córdoba which deals with the fusion of the Spanish, indigenous and African ethnicities in Mexico. Later works include the three murals in the main stairwell of the School of Law at the [[University of Xalapa]] and El hombre y el conocimiento at the [[Universidad Veracruzana]]. Teodoro Cano García is one of Mexico's most famous muralists of the late 20th century, famous for the promotion of the [[Totonac people|Totonac]] culture of his hometown of Papantla. He has created paintings, sculptures, etchings, photography and mixed media works with his murals and sculptures most acclaimed. Examples of his work can be seen in various parts of public buildings in [[Papantla]].<ref name="rincones1215"/>

Most of Veracruz's older architecture can be found in the inland cities of Xalapa and Córdoba. Despite being the first Spanish settlement, the city of Veracruz lost most its older structures to the various invasions it has suffered. Architecture from the 16th to the 19th century includes colonial Spanish, Moorish, Neo gothic and Neoclassical. From the 20th century on, a number of names stand out. Armando Bravo Ramírez remodeled the State Government Palace and the facade of the Capillas de Ánimas, both in Xalapa. Other prominent names responsible for many projects in the state include Luis González Aparicio, Bernal Lascuraín Rangel and Luis Manuel Tello Deschamps.<ref name="rincones1215"/>

===Literature===
The literary arts reached their peak in Veracruz starting in the 19th century and extends to the "Generation of the 1950s". [[Salvador Díaz Mirón]] is one of Veracruz's most-distinguished poets. Over his lifetime from the latter 19th to early 20th centuries, he worked as a professor, politician and journalist contributing to periodicals such as El Veracruzano, El Orden, and El Imparcial. His creative works include some of the first Romantic pieces produced in Mexico such as Oda a Víctor Hugo, Ojos verdes, Gloria and Voces interiores. Other works include ''Poesías A Tirsa'', ''Nox'' (also known as ''Claudia'') and his last works such as ''Al buen cura'' and ''La mujer de nieve''. He became a member of the [[Academia Mexicana de la Lengua]] and is buried at the [[Panteón de Dolores|Rotonda de los Hombres Ilustres]] in Mexico City. [[María Enriqueta Camarillo]] was one of a number of women writers to gain prominence in Mexico at the end of the 19th century. While she wrote a number of works such as ''Jirón del mundo'', ''Sorpresas de la vida'' and ''El Secreto'', she is best known for ''Rosas de la infancia'', with which many Mexicans learned to read.<ref name="rincones1618">González, pp. 16–18</ref>

Writers born at the end of the 19th century, such as [[Gregorio López y Fuentes]], [[Manuel Maples Arce]] and [[Jorge Mateo Cuesta Porte-Petit]] were often concerned with social issues. Works of this type include El Indio by López, Metrópolis by Maples and a poem called ''Canto a un dios mineral'' by Cuesta. The following generation, born in the first decades of the 20th century, became known as the Generation of the 1950s. During this time Veracruz's literary tradition consolidated and decided to break type. One example is [[Juan Hernández Ramírez]]'s writing of poetry in the [[Nahuatl]] spoken in the [[La Huasteca]] area of Veracruz. One important name from this generation is [[Emilio Carballido]] who wrote about 100 plays as well as scripts for radio and television. Some of his works include ''Rosalba y los llaveros'', ''Felicidad'' and ''Las visitaciones del Diablo''. In 1996, he won the [[National Prize of Arts and Sciences (Mexico)|Premio Nacional de Literatura]] and in 2002 he received the [[Ariel de Oro]] for his work in cinema.<ref name="rincones1618"/>

===Religion===
The [[Catholic]] patron saint of Veracruz is [[Rafael Guízar y Valencia]].<ref>[http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djala.html/ Patron saint of Veracruz] {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130313022403/http://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/diocese/djala.html |date=March 13, 2013 }} at Catholic-Hierarchy.org. <sub>Retrieved 06.April 2013</sub></ref>