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MEXICO TAMPICO MISSION

DESCRIPTION

Snapshot of Mexico – Spanish is the official language of Mexico. Mexico is an ethnically diverse country, with many people being descendents from both indigenous groups and European immigrants, though the southern part of the country has significantly higher levels of indigenous peoples than other areas. These southern and central regions are also home to several indigenous languages, such as Nahuatl and Yukatek Maya. Over 80% of Mexico’s population belongs to the Roman Catholic church, with attendance rates at about 47%. Many Mexican towns and cities have their own patron saints, which are celebrated with yearly feasts. Both Spanish and indigenous influences can be seen in art, architecture, and music. Mariachi performing groups (bands using singers, guitars, trumpets, and other instruments) regularly perform at festivals and restaurants, and many folk dances and traditional music are still practiced. Rock, pop, and other music styles such as norteña and ranchera are popular today. Soccer is the most popular sport in Mexico, though baseball is also popular. Lucha libre wrestling and bullfighting are also popular events. Mexican cuisine is based on the staples of corn, beans, and chili peppers, often used with meat, cheese, and other herbs and spices. Traditionally, the main meal is eaten during the afternoon. A soup is served first, followed by a meat dish with sauce and salsa, along with tortillas and beans. Street vendors are also quite popular, selling tacos, quesadillas, tortas, roasted chicken, and other dishes. Bacon-wrapped hot dogs are another popular street vendor food. Cuisine varies in different regions, with flour tortillas, burritos, cheese, and beef being more popular in the north, while tropical fruits and tamales are more commonly used in southern cooking. Seafood, morisqueta (a sausage and rice meal), and carnitas (deep-fried pork) are more commonly eaten in western Mexico.

Tampico, located in the Mexican state of Tamaulipas, received its name from Huastic origin, meaning “place of otters”. This is because the area is surrounded by rivers and lagoons with large populations of otters.

Downtown Tampico. Photo courtesy of ontheroadin.com.

THE CHURCH

The Mexico Tampico mission has experienced much growth. It originated with one stake and has expanded to four. A temple was built and dedicated by Thomas S. Monson in May of 2000. The Mexico Tampico temple is the 83rd operating temple in the LDS church.

Temple in Tampico, Mexico. Photo courtesy of Dallin Brown.

FOOD

The most common food eaten in the Tampico area is seafood because the area is a sea port. The crab is a very well-known entrée in the area, and the symbol of the crab can be seen everywhere in the city. Tampico is also known for its fresh fish.

Enchiladas. Photo courtesy of Tampico Mexican Restaurant.

SAFETY

Tampico is a relatively safe city to travel in compared to other cities in Mexico. Just as in any other city, it is recommended that missionaries stay alert and use caution when in the city, especially at night.