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Veracruz, capital of
the state of Veracruz, was christened by the Spanish Conquistador
Hernan Cortes as he first stepped foot on Mexican soil. Soon thereafter,
Veracruz began its colorful history as one of the New World's premier
ports. As a deterrent to marauding pirates, the city built nine
forts (mostly gone) plus the massive Castillo San Juan de Ulua.
Over the years, the guns of those same forts were unfortunately
turned on the city by foreign opponents. Veracruz has witnessed
invading armies from Spain, England, France and the United States,
whose forces fired upon the city as recently as 1914.
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Today, this melting
pot of Caribbean, African, European and Mexican cultures has created
a Veracruz whose credo could be "entertain and be entertained".
Carnival is especially colorful - and popular, so book rooms well
in advance. All year round, the ever popular Mariachi bands compete
with the infectious Caribbean melodies of Marimba groups as they
stroll the Plaza de Armas Waterfront and City Center till dawn.
And three nights a week, in the Plaza by the Palacio Municipal,
couples engage in the traditional Danzon, a dance reflecting perfectly
the old world charm and relaxed ambience of Veracruz.
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