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Veracruz |
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 Capital:
Xalapa
State Population: 6,901,000
Description:
The state of Veracruz-Llave has played an important
role in the history of Mexico. The Spanish conquest of Mexico
began here in 1519 when Hernan Cortes first landed at La Antigua.
The French also began their invasion in Veracruz in 1863.
The state bears the name of an important Mexican general killed
during this war – General Ignacio de la Llave.
The city of Veracruz is the largest port on the Gulf of Mexico.
It is a key economic center in Mexico for this reason. The
city has numerous points of interest, including a new aquarium
and the Plaza de Armas, which is the city’s main square
that features the waterfront promenade.
The state is home to what many consider the crown jewel of
Gulf Coast archaeology, the ruins of El Tajin. The Pyramid
of the Niches located here is one of the most beautiful buildings
of the ancient world. The indigenous Totonac Indians still
perform their ancient sun dance. The dancers, known as Los
Voladores, are suspended high in the air from tall poles and
slowly spin to the ground.
Veracruz-Llave is home to Mexico’s highest peak, Pico
de Orizaba, which stands at 18,513 feet. Laguna de Catemaco
is a natural lake that formed in the crater of an extinct
volcano. The lake is a principal tourist attraction, as is
the city of Catemaco, considered the witchcraft center of
Mexico. The city plays host to an annual witch convention,
and you can always buy a spell or curse from many of the locals.
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