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Everything you need to know about the Mexican mariachi!
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- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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While traveling, one of the experiences we try not to miss is to listen to local music! It’s not about being an expert on the topic. It’s about letting local melodies get inside your head and move your body. As we have said before, music is an alternative way to travel too! Through it, you can know a bit more about the people of the country or city you visit.
In this sense, the mariachi is one of the most iconic elements of Mexican culture. The music itself, the suit of the singers, their popular “sombrero” (hat), and the instruments they play are internationally known.
If you are curious about mariachi or if you are planning to visit Mexico, here you have everything you need to know about Mexican mariachi!
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What’s mariachi?
Mariachi is a popular Mexican musical ensemble. In a mariachi, you can find stringed, wind instruments and vocals. Traditionally, these ensembles feature at least three musicians (guitar, guitarrón, and vihuela performers) dressed in “charro” suits. The mariachi is an important element of the Mexican tradition and identity. The word mariachi is also used to refer to every member of the musical ensemble. The performers are mariachis and the group they integrate is a mariachi.
Is mariachi a French word?
No, mariachi is not a French word. Mariachi is an indigenous Mexican word attributed to the already extinct Coca language. Coca people were an old indigenous group that settled in the region of the current Mexican states of Nayarit, Jalisco, and Colima. They lived in houses built with seashells. The ocean and the wind were their gods. They were also known because of their shaft tombs. One of the best-known Coca settlements was the one of Cocula, Jalisco in the 12th. century.
There’s a wrong version that stated, the word mariachi was the result of a misunderstanding or corruption of the French word “mariage” (wedding or marriage). These musicians used to be part of weddings’ entertainment. French people made the association between the occasion, “mariage”, and the presence of the musical group on it. And the gap created by the lack of a common language originated the confusion, so the musicians began to be called “mariache” or “mariachi”.
It’s been proved already that this version is a mistake. Historical documents show that the mariachi word and its use to refer to the Mexican musical ensemble existed so much before (at least from the 12th century) the French Intervention took place (the 1860s, 19th. century).
If you find similarity in the pronunciation of the French “mariage” and the Mexican mariachi, it’s just a phonetic coincidence.
Is mariachi Spanish or Mexican?
The mariachi is Mexican. However, its creation is the result of a mix of three influences: the indigenous Mexican, the African, and the European ones.
When the Spanish arrived in Mexico (1519), the Mexican indigenous had already developed their own musical instruments and traditions. European conquerors brought to the new continent their own music, just like the African slaves that travel with them. After a time, Mexican indigenous got interested in the foreign instruments and rhythms so they mastered them and incorporate them into their own music.
The mariachi was developed in a big Mexican region that included the current states of Sinaloa, Durango, Colima, Michoacán, Aguascalientes, Guanajuato, Zacatecas, Jalisco, Nayarit and Guerrero. Jalisco is frequently mentioned as the place of its origin. But historians don’t point out a single state as the mariachi birthplace, but a whole region.
If you want to know more interesting details about the origin of mariachi, check our article “Long live the amazing Mexican mariachi!”.
Is mariachi plural or singular?
Mariachi is singular. Mariachis, plural. Mariachi can refer to both, the musical ensemble and the musician that plays in it.
What instruments are used in a mariachi?
The instruments a mariachi uses to play, and the amount of them can vary between the different groups. This is defined mostly based on regional trends. Historically, the Mexican versions of the vihuela, the guitarrón, and “guitarra de golpe” have been pointed out as the backbone sound line of the mariachi.
But talking generally, the instruments that are used in a mariachi are the following.
- Mexican vihuela.
There’s a Spanish vihuela but don’t be confused, they are not the same instrument.
- Mexican guitarrón.
- Mexican “guitarra de golpe”.
With time, it has been replaced in many groups by the classical Spanish guitar.
- Violin.
- Trumpet.
- Vocals.
The vast repertoire of mariachi also includes instrumental music and versions.
- Harp.
To know more about mariachi’s instruments, you can read “Long live to the amazing Mexican mariachi!”.
How many members does a mariachi have?
The minimum amount of members a mariachi has is three, to cover the base sound line (Mexican vihuela, guitarrón, and guitar). But there’s no limit up to integrating a mariachi. Currently, there are musical groups of six, eight, and even more than ten members.
Mariachi in Mexico has been constantly experimenting with the addition of instruments and more than one performer of the same instrument. To have more or fewer violins, more than one trumpet, flutes, accordion, etc. depends on the sound the ensemble wants to get. Some look for having a signature, something to be distinguished from other groups, emphasizing the presence of a certain instrument over others.
This totally defines the number of members mariachis have.
Who is the singer in a mariachi?
Mariachis usually don’t have a lead singer. Every member in the ensemble sings. Sometimes they sing all together during the complete song. Some songs demand a lead singer and the other mariachis only sing the chorus. The use of the voices is defined by the needs of the songs and by the musical creativity.
Can women be mariachis?
Of course, women can be mariachis. Historical documents show that already in 1903, there was a woman playing in a mariachi. Her name was Rosa Quirino. It doesn’t mean she was the only one, but maybe she is the only one who was documented at that time. Later, in 1948, an all-female mariachi ensemble was created in Mexico City, “Las Adelitas”. Its director seemed to get this idea after he saw a tropical orchestra integrated completely by women in Cuba.
What historians explain is that the context in which mariachi groups used to play were mostly rural areas and celebrations where alcohol was a constant. Some musicians were traveling from town to town for work. And such an environment, especially in the 19th century was considered not appropriate for women. That’s why mariachi grew up until a certain historical point, more like a musical tradition for men.
Currently, it’s not hard to find all-female mariachis with great musical quality!
What do mariachis wear?
Currenty, mariachis wear “charro” suit. The tightly-fitting and ornamented pants, the embroidered belt, the short jacket, vest, wide bow tie, boots, and the popular wide brim “sombrero” (hat). For women, instead of the pants, they wear a full-length skirt.
Originally, mariachis used to wear peasant garb and palm hats. This clothing was aligned with their main activity. At that time, it was not exactly a uniform for playing music.
With time, mariachis were gaining popularity and recognition as a national symbol. In this process, clothing became important and it evolved. Especially during the Mexican Revolution (1910-1920), the idea for all the performers to use a uniform arose. Mariachi’s uniforms varied based on the region and budget.
With the 20th. century, the “charro” suit got into the scene. Due to its success, it became the official mariachi uniform.
You can also be interested in "The Mexican sombrero is an experience everybody should try".
What is a charro in Mexico?
In Mexico, “charro” is a horse rider or cowboy. They used to work in haciendas or ranches. In the 20th. century, their clothing style got popular. Tightly-fitting and ornamented pants, the embroidered belt, the short jacket or just a “sarape”, wide bow tie, boots, and the popular wide brim “sombrero”.
Depending on which hacienda the rider came from, suits varied in colors, shapes, and the material used to tailor them. So you could have humble and very expensive suits.
Currently, charros exist in Mexico but they don’t use this iconic clothing on a daily basis. This specific suit still can be seen in exhibitions and in “Charrería” events.
What is Charrería in Mexico?
“Charrería” is a Mexican sport that mixes equestrian activities with livestock traditions used in the haciendas of the old Mexican times.
What is the difference between a charro and a mariachi?
In Mexico, a “charro” is a horse rider, a cowboy, or someone who works with livestock in a ranch or hacienda. A “charro” can also be a person involved in “Charrería” (Mexican sport). While a mariachi is a Mexican musician who plays and sings in the traditional ensemble called mariachi too.
The differences in their suits come basically from the purpose they use them. “Charros” need lighter suits to execute the physical challenges the “Charrería” (sport) demands. While mariachis look for more flashy suits for their shows.
How much does a mariachi suit cost?
The “charro” style suit involves three pieces, the pants, the jacket, and the vest. Really cheap “charro” suits can cost around $90 (USD). A tailored one can start around $300 (USD). Differences in price are based on the quality of the fabric and the embroidery design. Humbler suit’s versions avoid the embroidery. The more ornaments you add, the more expensive the suit will be.
Don’t forget that the budget should include extra money for a shirt, the “sombrero”, a tie, a belt, the boots, and a “sarape” (optional).
There are very expensive “charro” suits. They can reach $17,000 (USD). Of course, they are made of elegant and high-quality fabrics, complex and handmade embroidery, additions like gold or silver buttons, and ornaments.
And don’t be confused. Here we talk about a real “charro” suit, not a costume. There are really cheap “charro” costumes, you can shop online for $30 USD and up.
How much does the mariachi outfit weigh?
A mariachi outfit can weigh up to 5 or 6 kilos. Remember that it is a work tool, so the preferred fabrics to make the suits are thick, for them to last longer. Besides, ornaments and buttons are made from metals, commonly alpaca (nickel silver). But the ones that use silver can go up to 10 kilos.
How long does it take to make a mariachi outfit?
Making a complete mariachi suit can take up to five days. Especially, if it involves designs from scratch and handmade embroidery.
On what occasions do mariachis play?
In Mexico, mariachis play in occasions like engagements, weddings, birthdays, baptisms, serenatas, religious and other holidays, and funerals. After all, their repertoire is vast and it includes all kinds of emotional songs (happy, angry, sad, slow, fast, etc. songs).
Where can I find mariachis in Mexico?
There are different choices. You can find mariachis in tourist spots like public plazas or downtown. Different Mexican restaurants and bars include a mariachi, as a part of their amenities. Public events during national or religious celebrations can be an opportunity to listen to mariachi. If you go to a birthday, wedding or even to a funeral, there could be a mariachi.
The different states of Mexico usually have a specific place to find mariachis, you should ask the locals. For instance, in the capital, Mexico City, there’s “Plaza Garibaldi” located in the historic downtown. It’s known as “the home of mariachi music”. Guadalajara has “Plaza de los Mariachis”, and so on.
How much does a mariachi cost in Mexico?
Per every song you request to the mariachi, the price can go from $5 to $7 (USD). Usually is how mariachi charges you when the group is in a public place or passing by a restaurant, plaza, street, or bar.
Per hour or per serenata, a mariachi can cost from $97, to $145 (USD) and more.
The price depends on different factors. If the mariachi has to move to a specific address (serenata) or if they play on the place you found it. The number of songs. The number of mariachis (musicians) in the ensemble.
Usually, an hour of serenata means around 45 minutes of music. Based on the length of the songs, it can mean from 8 to 10 songs. A five-member mariachi can be enough for a good mariachi sound. If you are interested in having a specific instrument like trumpet, harp, or violin, you should check it. Not all groups use the same combination of instruments. You can always negotiate to get more songs, time, etc.
If you are lucky and find a mariachi playing in a public event, the experience can be zero cost for you. Or you can only give a tip to the musical group if you like it.
Always be sure about the cost. To directly assume that mariachi, like whatever other product or service, is for free can be an expensive mistake. If they get close to you for singing, if you feel like requesting them a specific song, ask first and very clearly the price and conditions.
How much do you tip mariachis?
Some people recommend considering how many members the mariachi has to give the tip. Meaning, an amount that once divided, still can be something for every mariachi’s member. But frequently, they are six or more musicians. And honestly, you also have to consider your own budget. Especially in public events and restaurants, we saw people tipping from a couple of American dollars, 5 USD, 10 USD, 15 USD, and more (2020 reference).
There’s no standard amount to tip mariachi in Mexico. And the tip is mostly voluntary! If you don´t like the mariachi, you don’t have to tip.
Just be aware that some restaurants and bars include the mariachi for free (tip is optional). But some mariachis get into those places expecting a fee per every song they sing to you. Some places also establish a minimum amount for the tip. Always check this first. You have totally the right to know the conditions to get this entertainment. If you are ok with the required tip, go ahead. But if it looks not good for you, step back before you get involved in an uncomfortable situation.
What topics does mariachi sing about?
Mariachi sings about all types of topics: love, birth, death, age, honor, national pride, life challenges, betrayal, breakup, jealousy, machismo, women, men, Politics, revolutionary heroes, freedom, poorness, richness, alcoholism, courage, hard-work, animals, country and city life. The mariachi explores all human emotions.
Why do mariachis shout in their songs?
“Gritos” or shouts in the Mexican musical context are frequently part of the way Mexicans celebrate. Mariachis shout in their songs to express pride, joy, or excitement.
Why do mariachis say “Viva Mexico”?
“Viva Mexico” means “long live Mexico”. Mariachis say the phrase to express they are proud of their country, identity, music, etc.
How does a mariachi sound?
Our opinion is, a mariachi sounds alive, powerful, loud, energetic, and emotional. Check by yourself. Here we have a small sample for you to taste it “Long live the amazing Mexican mariachi!”.
Is all Mexican music mariachi?
Of course not all Mexican music is mariachi. That is another mistaken idea people get basically, from the movies. Exactly like to think that all Mexicans wear the wide brim “sombrero” on a daily basis.
The Regional Mexican Music genre is really wide it includes Ranchero (mariachi), Norteño, Jarocho, Banda, Corrido, Grupero, Duranguense, etc. Besides, you can find Pop, Rock, Nortec, Cumbia, etc.
Is ranchera the same as mariachi music?
No, ranchera is not the same as mariachi music. Ranchera music is a genre of traditional Mexican music. The word refers to music that originated in the ranches. Mariachi is a Mexican musical ensemble, not a musical genre. Due to the origin of both, the musical ranchero genre and the ensemble, they are very linked. Ranchero songs have been performed by mariachi for decades. But “rancheras” can be performed in all kinds of Mexican regional music styles. Just like mariachi can perform other genres, modern ones included. You can see some examples clicking here: “Long live the amazing Mexican mariachi!”.
What is the most requested mariachi song?
“Las Mañanitas” is so far the most requested mariachi song. It’s the Mexican equivalent of the American “Happy birthday”. This has total sense if you consider birthdays are a common occasion to celebrate and to have serenata. This song is the way to start it and to surprise the birthday girl or boy.
What songs should I request a mariachi?
There are many songs you can request a mariachi, but here you have our proposal:
- Mexico Lindo y Querido.
- El Son de la Negra.
- La Bikina.
- El Rey.
- Cielito Lindo.
- El Aventurero.
- Volver, Volver.
- La Cucaracha.
- 100 años.
- Cucurrucucú Paloma.
Top 3 mariachi songs.
This is absolutely our personal opinion, guys:
- El Aventurero.
It’s fun and it has a great, fast rhythm.
- Cielito Lindo.
The Mexican "war" song to support Mexicans in international competitions, like football ones. And it’s actually a positive and romantic song dedicated to a lady.
- La Bikina.
Mariachi sounds different, slower, less thunderous, more melodic.
What’s the difference between mariachi and banda music?
There’s a big difference between mariachi and banda music: instrumentation. Banda musical groups mainly use brass, winds, and percussions. A louder combination of instruments than the mariachi one. Mariachi is based on stringed instruments with the addition of a wind instrument, the trumpet. The different instrumentation used by banda and mariachi gives as a result a really different sound. Also, the vocals style is different. There’s no way to confuse them.
What is the most famous mariachi?
The most famous mariachi is the “Mariachi Vargas de Tecalitlán”. It was founded in 1898 by Gaspar Vargas in Tecalitlán, Jalisco. It’s the oldest Mexican mariachi ensemble and its popularity has reached the international level. They are still playing. The group has been a family business for many generations already.
Other famous mariachis:
- “Mariachi México de Pepe Villa”, founded in 1953 and still playing.
- “Mariachi Internacional de Guadalajara”, founded in 1989.
What is the most famous mariachi singer?
To point out only a name as the most famous mariachi singer is hard. When you ask Mexicans, they have a long list in mind. And they have at least two categories, old and contemporary most famous singers.
Old famous mariachi singers: Pedro Infante, Jorge Negrete, José Alfredo Jiménez (also composer).
Contemporary famous mariachi singers: Vicente Fernández, Alejandro Fernández, Pepe Aguilar, Pedro Fernández.
All of them have become internationally famous, due to a large amount of sold albums and sold-out arenas.
Who is the most famous female mariachi singer?
The most famous female mariachi singer in Mexico is Aída Cuevas.
You can also be interested in "The Mexican sombrero is an experience everybody should try". Or "Long live the amazing Mexican mariachi!".
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What to do before, during, and after an earthquake?
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- Written by: Martin Pramatarov
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Hi guys, when I was living in Mexico City, I experienced two very strong earthquakes. I was totally unprepared, and I was really scared. The earthquakes I have felt in the past have been as a maximum of 6 on the Richter scale, so not really strong. But those two were, 8.1 and 7.1!
The first one hit us during the late night, around 11:40 pm. As usual, me and my girlfriend, we were watching TV, so it was easy to go out on the street and wait until it passes away.
The second was a different case. It hit us during the day, around 1 pm. I didn’t prepare after the first one. I didn’t check a thing, and again I got scared as hell. Trapped in the office environment and with the communication cut down due to overload. What should you do when an earthquake starts?
Finally, after this nightmare, I did my research, and I want to share with you the earthquake protocol “What to do during the earthquake”?
If you hear the earthquake alarm, don’t ignore it, follow these pieces of advice depending on your location.
What is an earthquake?
An earthquake is the shaking and vibration of the Earth’s surface. It is a natural disaster, that is related with releasing of a lot of energy that creates waves. The waves can cause a lot of damage.
What to do during an earthquake If you are inside a building?
Try to run out only if you can escape in 5 seconds or less.
If you are on a higher floor, just forget about this option and wait until the earthquake stops. Many of the injuries happen when people try to go out in a panic. Try to stay calm, as much as you can. It is scary, but you should not panic.
Get down, crawl and cover!
1. Get DOWN
Get down on the floor. Lower your body and you will be more stable. A standing person will suffer a lot more from the vibrations that the earthquake will produce.
2. Start CRAWLING
The best way to move during an earthquake is crawling. Moving close to the ground and use both your hands and legs. It is a lot easier to crawl during this natural disaster.
3. Search for COVER and HOLD ON
Search for something to cover yourself from falling objects. It should be something hard enough to protect you. A sturdy table or desktop is perfect. If there is nothing around, cover your face and get to any of the inside corners of the building.
Don’t stay close to windows, glasses, outside walls and doors, and anything that can fall on you.
Don’t go downstairs and don’t use the elevator! The stairs can easily break, you can get hurt, and the power can go down for a while. You won’t like, to be stuck in a small, dark box without knowing when the help will come. So, don’t use elevators during an earthquake.
4. Leave the building and take the most necessary stuff with you
Follow the instructions that are located on the wall of every building. Use the emergency exit route. There should be a picture on the wall, with clear signs on which doors should be used in case of disaster.
Take the most important items with you. If you have prepared an earthquake bag, with everything you could need, take it, if not go out with your most important items like documents, water, and some money.
Keep evading the elevators. There could be an aftershock, so better go down using the stairs, if they don’t have structural damages, or wait until professional firefighters come to help you.
5. Stay outside until the danger is gone
Stay outside for at least an hour. Be sure that no aftershocks are coming before you move to another place. During this time the communication might be problematic, so try to remain calm and send a message to your family or close friends when you can.
Inform yourself from the news, about the consequences of the earthquake and the current situation in the area where you are. You can get very important information.
What to do during an earthquake If you are outside?
1. Keep staying outside during an earthquake, obviously!
Don’t try to be a hero and rush to a nearby building, in an attempt to help people. You will help them by not blocking their exit route. The time to help will come after the ground stop moving and everything seems calm again.
2. Stay away from buildings, high structures, and electric poles
There is a big risk that they were damaged during the quake. You don’t want something to fall on you. The same goes if you are on foot, in a car, or in another vehicle.
Try to find an open field, like a park, where there can safely wait.
Do you like these earthquake tips? For more great content, follow us on:
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What to do after an earthquake?
1. Check yourself about injuries
Help yourself, or find somebody that can give you first aid. Bleeding could be a very big problem, so you need to stop the blood as fast as possible.
2. Stay away from the damaged buildings
If you were in one, now is the time to leave it. Stay outside, because there could always be secondary earthquakes. They can be lighter, but they can finish an already broken building.
3. Notify all your family and friend about your status
The first minutes are full of fear and chaos. Everybody will try to call his/her dear ones. The mobile network will probably go down, and it can take hours to get them back on. Use the data on your phone or any Wi-Fi Internet around. My latest experience showed me that Wi-Fi was the most reliable option.
Write in your social networks that you are ok and check on your people. Facebook offers a good option; you can mark yourself as “Safe” and check on certain people.
As I told you, a good connection could be hard to find, so write a short public message “I am safe.” If you use Mobile Data for the Internet, it will eventually post it when it gets a signal again.
*Optional
Help the rest of the people. Maybe you manage to get out of the natural disaster without being harmed, but others were not so lucky. Try to help them the way you can. If you know CPR and how to give first aid, you can really save lives during an earthquake.
If not, but you are strong, you can help with moving debris and cleaning the route for other people to escape from the building.
You can also help those that were left homeless. Bring them tents, and blankets and help them with information about the help they can get from the government.
You can even host some people at your place until they get a place to live.
You decide where and how you are willing to help. Me and my girlfriend, we went to help families in the next neighborhood, Roma (in Mexico City), and we brought food, boxes, and clothes.
We didn’t try to enter the broken building or move heavy stones, because we didn’t feel like we can help a lot in this, and it was risky.
What to do before an earthquake?
Prepare an earthquake emergency backpack. Keep there some ID that you usually don’t use, for example, your international passport. Put some cans of dried food and a bottle of water. A good addition could be a blanket. Don’t overfill it. The idea is that it is light enough that you can grab this emergency earthquake backpack and go in a hurry when you hear the early warning earthquake siren.
Pay attention to the earthquake drills. Take the earthquake drills seriously. If you are living in an earthquake zone, you will have an obligatory earthquake drill that will prepare you for such an event. Check where the emergency exits are, and how to move in case of a disaster.
Keep your home clutter-free. The quake can start when you are at home. Keep your home tidy. Fewer objects around mean fewer potential hits and obstacles to avoid during your exit. Also, you will need a clear escape room, so don’t be messy.
*Optional
Use an earthquake app. Many mobile applications can warn you about the upcoming earthquake. But, you need always to be connected to the internet, to use them. And also they might use your private data for their purposes. Better just pay attention to the earthquake warning siren in your area. If you hear it, start acting.
What country has the most earthquakes?
The single country, that has suffered the most earthquakes is China (according to Statista). The countries that suffer earthquakes often are:
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China
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Indonesia
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Iran
-
Turkey
-
Japan
-
Peru
-
USA
-
Italy
-
Afghanistan
-
India
-
Greece
-
Mexico
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How is an earthquake caused?
The main cause of earthquakes is the sudden release of stress (energy) along faults in the earth’s crust. The earth has many tectonic plates and they are in movement. Their constant actions and interaction with each other cause build-ups of pressure. The pressure gets so high, that in one moment the energy needs to be released. That tectonic pressure, created from the move of the tectonic plates causes earthquakes.
There are 3 main types of tectonic movements:
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Trust fault (convergent). The Tectonic plates come together.
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Normal Fault (divergent). The tectonic plates move apart.
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Strike-Slip Fault (transform). The tectonic plates move past each other.
Can an earthquake cause a tsunami?
Yes, an earthquake can cause a tsunami (tidal wave). A large, strong, and shallow earthquake, with an epicenter on the ocean floor, can start a tsunami wave. There are regions where tectonic plates meet, and the movements they do doing the years cause such a disaster. A tsunami wave can travel as much as 1000 kilometers (the Great 1960 Chilean tsunami)! That temblor was 9.5 magnitude (Richter), and usually, it must be at least 7.5 magnitudes to cause serious damage.
Can an earthquake cause a volcanic eruption?
Yes, an earthquake can cause a volcanic eruption. A strong temblor, with a magnitude higher than 6 (Richter) can cause a volcano to erupt if the epicenter is close enough. This happens, if the volcano was already close to erupting anyway. If it had enough magma and sufficient pressure.
Can a volcanic eruption cause an earthquake?
Yes, a volcanic eruption can cause an earthquake. The pressure that volcanoes generate, together with the vibrations from the moving magma can affect the surrounding rocks and trigger a small earthquake. Such earthquakes are called volcanic earthquakes or volcanic tremors.
Can an earthquake be predicted?
No, people cannot predict earthquakes, no matter what technology they use. No device or equipment can predict a tremor. The only type of devices that scientists use currently is to measure it and warn. The earthquake waves move slower than the communication, so you can get an early warning. But it is based just on the distance, from the epicenter to the place where you are.
Conclusion
Earthquakes are unpredictable, even having applications for early warning, still, most probably you will get scared. Just try to remember those tips and stay couscous before, during, and after an earthquake. Like this, you will have better chances of survival.
Other articles that can help you with survival tips:
"Volcano, when the Hell breaks loose"
"Tsunami, the wave that you don’t want to see"
"Hurricane, what to do when it approaches?"
"Tornado, where and how to hide?"
"Avalanche, Surviving natural disasters"
Official sources used for this article:
https://www.ses.vic.gov.au/get-ready/quakesafe/what-to-do-in-an-earthquake
https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/earthquakes/en/
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/can-earthquakes-trigger-volcanic-eruptions
https://www.usgs.gov/faqs/can-you-predict-earthquakes
https://www.statista.com/statistics/269648/number-of-earthquakes-by-country/
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The complete list of Mexican tacos you must try before you die!
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- Written by: Martin Pramatarov
- Hits: 4226
Tacos! They are one of the most delicious Mexican food that you can imagine. Mexican tacos come in all shapes and sizes. You can have them with chicken, port, beef, fish, or even exotic meats like alligator and boar. The tacos’ potential is unlimited! But which types of tacos are the most popular?
Here you have all the best Mexican tacos, which you must try when you visit Mexico!
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What is a Mexican taco?
The taco is a traditional Mexican food, that has two main ingredients – tortilla and filling.
The tortilla is a circular bread with a diameter between 5cm and 20cm and it is made of corn flour or wheat flour.
The filling could be very diverse. Usually, it is some kind of meat – pork, beef, chicken, and a salad garnish.
The extra ingredients that you can put on the tacos are:
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Sauces – typically spicy sauces, but there are also more neutral ones.
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Cream.
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Salad.
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Beans.
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Nopales (cactus).
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Rice.
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Lemon.
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Radish.
- Cheese.
Tacos al pastor – pork meat.
These are the most popular types of Mexican tacos in the whole Mexico. You can see taco stands in almost every street in Mexico City. From far, the tacos al pastor look like shawarma or döner kebab, because the chefs use the same kind of vertical grill. The truth is that the origin of this type of tacos is really the Middle East. Many immigrants from there, came to Mexico at the end of the 19th century and brought their food. The mixture with the Mexican culture and habits, change the lamb meat with the more popular in Mexico pork meat.
The meat that tacos al pastor have is spit-grilled pork. The typical marinate for the meat is chile guajillo or chile de árbol and other spices.
The garnish is onion, cilantro, lemon juice, pineapple, and great sauce (salsa verde) or red sauce (salsa roja). Everything comes inside delicious corn tortillas.
Tip: The taquero (the taco chef) will always ask you in the end “¿Con todo?” which means “with everything?". If you don’t like something, now is the moment to mention it.
Tacos Árabes – pork meat.
The tacos Árabes are almost the same as tacos al pastor. Again, they are pork meat, with onion, cilantro, and lemon. The main difference is the tortillas, which are wheat tortillas. The tacos Árabes are extremely popular in Puebla, a big city close to the capital.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, and cheese.
Tortilla – wheat.
Bistec tacos – beef meat.
The bistec tacos (tacos de bistec) are one of the easiest to cook, but they are amazing! They are very thin beef stakes, prepared on a grill. The usual garnishes are small onions and cilantro, and corn tortillas. Simple but great option. The big difference here is the sauces. You can have a great taste if you put chipotle sauce on it. And to top it off, you can add manchego cheese too.
Arrachera tacos – beef meat.
Arrachera is another type of steak that is known as the hanger cut. The arrachera meat is very thin, and that makes it very easy and fast to cook on the grill. The secret to its taste is the marinade. It includes different citrus like lime and orange, garlic, cilantro, hot chilies, oregano, cooking oil, and black paper.
Garnish – onions, red peppers, cilantro, lemon, nopales (cactus).
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Carne asada tacos – beef meat.
When we talk about carne asada, it means that it is roasted. It is a marinated steak that gets its smoked flavor from charcoal. Otherwise, it is the same cow meat as the bistec tacos. You can find this kind of tacos more in the north. Monterrey is a great city to try tacos de carne asada.
Garnish – onion, cilantro, and hot sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Cecina tacos – beef meat.
Tacos de cecina are very similar to those of bistec. Again, we are talking about beef meat, but this time it has a special process. The meat is dried and salted. These tacos are coming from the state of Morelos, near the capital Mexico City.
Garnish – nopales (cactus) and avocado.
Tortilla – corn.
Tip: Go to Yecapixtla (state of Morelos) to try tacos de cecina! I tried them there and fell in love with their taste.
Tasajo taco – beef meat.
Tacos de tasajo are Spanish-style tacos from beef meat, very similar to cecina. It is dried beef meat, cooked on charcoal, and you can find them in most of the southern states like Oaxaca, Chiapas, Veracruz, and Campeche.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, beans and sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Machaca tacos – beef, pork.
The tacos de machaca are special types of tacos made from salted and dried meat (usually beef), that later gets re-hydrated just before cooking. The drying process happens in the desert, under the hot sun. The typical spices are salt and garlic.
The preparation comes from the state of Chihuahua. People there in the north, love to eat tacos de machaca with eggs for breakfast.
The taste is similar to jerky meat.
In the north, they prefer to prepare burritos, rather than tacos. The burritos are bigger breads, from wheat tortillas, that are wrapped around.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lime, radish, avocado and sauce.
Tortilla – wheat.
Chorizo/longaniza tacos – meat beef, pork.
Tacos de chorizo or tacos de longaniza are some of my favorite. They are sausage tacos. Chorizo is premium-quality sausage (ground meat), while the longazina (minced meat) is second-quality, but both are very tasty. They have amazing spices like oregano, cumin, coriander, and chili peppers. You can find them in most of the taquerias (taco stands).
Garnish – nopales (cactus), onion, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Moronga tacos – beef, pork.
The moronga looks very similar to the chorizo, but it is darker. The color comes from the fact that it is made of blood. It has a very strong taste, that is not liked by many, including me.
Garnish – nopales (cactus), onion, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Campechano tacos.
Tacos Campechanos are mixing two great tastes – tacos de bistec with the tacos de chorizo. You can enjoy both steak and sausage in each bite! These tacos are amazing! As you can imagine, they are a bit more expensive, but if you are a real player, they are perfect for you
Put some cilantro and onions on top and a line of red sauce and taste paradise.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Suadero tacos – beef or pork.
The suadero tacos can be made from beef meat or pork meat, depending on the state of Mexico you are in. The meat itself is very similar to the bistec. It is again a flank steak, but this time the difference is the method of cooking. Suadero is prepared inside a lot of lard. The more greasy it is the better! This one is not for people on diets.
People in the capital loved them, especially in the late hours, after leaving a bar.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Carnitas tacos – pork meat.
Tacos de carnitas are pork meat tacos, from fatter cuts, cooked in a lot of oil. In such a taco you can find any type of parts from pork, even things like nose or tail!
They originally come from the state of Michoacán, but now you can find them in almost every state. It is a very beautiful state, near Mexico City.
For those of you, who are not very adventurous, it is better to skip this one.
Also, as you see, these tacos are very oily and they are not good for your health and diet.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, sauce, and avocado.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Barbacoa tacos – sheep or goat meat.
The traditional barbacoa tacos are prepared from really slow-roasted meat from sheep or goats. The meat stays in fire pits for hours, before it became extremely well cooked. At that moment, it can drop down from the bone without any effort.
You can find this type of tacos in small-town celebrations, important events like weddings, or another occasion with a lot of people.
Of course, you can find them in many taquerias in Mexico City too, no matter what day it is.
The tacos de barbacoa are very popular in the state of Hidalgo, where the people eat them accompanied by a soup (consomé).
Interestingly, these hard-to-cook tacos are mostly consumed in the mornings. In many places, you can’t find them after 2 pm.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, sauce, radish, and avocado.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Birria tacos – goat or beef meat.
The birria tacos come from the state of Jalisco. The birria is a type of stew, usually made from goat or beef meat. The spices that you can find in a typical Mexican birria are adobo chilli, onion, and garlic. Thanks to the adobo, the meat has a red color, so, in some places, they are called red tacos.
For some people, tacos de birria are considered low value, mostly because of their connection to drunk people. Mexican believe that eating greasy and spicy birria will remove the hangover.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Cochinita pibil tacos – pork meat.
The cochinita pibil tacos of Yucatán, are a must-try if you are visiting Cancún. Cochinita means small pig and pibil shows that they are cooking in an underground oven.
They are made with slowly cooked pork meat, which stays a long time underground in a special oven until the meat becomes incredibly soft. The meat is marinated in citrus juice, made of limes, oranges, and many spices.
It is a bit like the barbacoa, but with pork meat. I prefer this one way more.
Garnish – onions, chile de árbol, habanero chilli.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Lechón tacos – pork meat.
The lechón tacos are super similar to the previously mentioned tacos de cochinita pibil. And, as you could guess, they are also from Yucatán.
The tacos de lechón use the same technique for slowly cooking the little pigs. The pigs here are lechones, meaning that they are the youngest pigs (up to 1-month old) that are still eating milk from their mothers.
I didn’t find any differences, nor in taste, or look. Maybe I am not picky enough, but for me is the same meal as cochinita pibil.
Garnish – onions, chile de árbol, habanero chili.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tacos dorados – chicken, potatoes (VEGETARIAN), beef.
The tacos dorados, or golden tacos, are deep-fried tacos with different fillings like boiled potatoes, beef meat, chicken meat, or another. What is special about the way they are served is the fact that they are offered rolled up like a cigar, and on top of them, you get sour cream, fresh lettuce, and white cheese. Depending on the size, they might be called taquitos dorados (small tortillas), tacos dorados (normal tortilla size), or flautas (long tortillas)
If you are a vegetarian, you can get an order of tacos de dorados "de papas". For the vegan, this one does not work, because it is fried and served with sour cream.
Garnish – lettuce, sour cream, white cheese (usually Panela cheese).
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tacos de mixiote – beef, pork, sheep meat.
Mixiote sounds very Mexican and it is. It uses an old method of slow cooking in a fire pit, like the barbacoa. Mixiote means mixed and they are a combination of beef, pork, and sheep meat. Perfect for the indecisive people who can’t decide on the type of meat they want.
The meat is cooked with a variety of spices, and chillies, so in the end, you have very juicy meat.
The mixiote tacos are popular in Mexico City, the nearby state of Hidalgo, and also Guerrero (Acapulco).
Garnish – beans, avocado, nopales (cactus), sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tinga tacos – chicken meat.
Tinga tacos are chicken tacos, from meat that is shredded to strings. Tinga means torn. What is great about them is that they are cooked with chipotle chilli, tomatoes, and onion and have an amazing taste. It is a simple, yet delicious choice.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, and sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tacos de Canasta – pork, beef, beans, potatoes, chicharrón prensado.
Tacos de canasta or basket tacos are some of my favorite. You can see the cool guys, going all around the capital city on their bicycles, and selling you straight from the basket.
Canasta tacos are cooked on vapor for many hours, and that gives them their very soft touch.
Some say, that the tacos de canasta come from Tlaxcala state, but you can find them in many states including the capital.
You can find many different tastes:
- Tacos de canasta de frijol – bean tacos with onion. These are 100% vegetarian and even vegan.
- Tacos de papas – boiled potatoes tacos with onion. Another vegetarian and vegan option!
- Tacos de chicharrón – tacos from the fried skin of pigs, cooked in green or red sauce.
- Tacos de chicharrón prensado (compacted or pressed) – frying remains gotten from the bottom of the saucepots where the crunchy chicharrón is fried. These remains are fried again and pressed a little to compact them and remove some of the fat. It is dark brown when it is finally fried.
- Tacos adobados – beef tacos with onion and guajillo sauce
- Tacos de mole verde – chicken meat and green sauce.
- Tacos de picadillo – minced meat, boiled potatoes, and carrots with spices.
- Sauces – salsa verde (green sauce), or salsa roja (red sauce).
Tortilla – soft corn tortillas.
Tip: These tacos take a long time to prepare and go on sale from early morning. Buy them during the day, because in the afternoon, they might not be in their best condition and could be a health hazard.
Guisados tacos – beef, pork, vegetarian (in some cases).
Tacos de guisado are tortillas with different prepared food inside. The traditional tacos de guisado are made of stew from meat and vegetables. Between the many varieties of these tacos, you could try the following:
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Rice and eggs.
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Nopales (cactus) and onions. This one is vegetarian and could be even VEGAN!
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Eggs with tomato sauce.
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Rajas (chilli) with cream.
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Picadillo – potatoes, carrots, and minced meat.
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Chicken with chipotle sauce.
Tip: Always ask what the guisado is. If you are a vegetarian, you might find very good meals. Even vegans might have a chance to eat.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Chicharrón taco – pork meat.
Chicharrón is deep-fried pork skin, that becomes crunchy like chips. The most typical type of taco de chicharrón is prepared in green sauce (salsa verde). The chicharrón becomes soft and incredibly tasty. You can add onion and cilantro on top, to have a perfect culinary experience.
This is one of the not-so-traditional meats, but I can recommend it with two hands!
You can find it made with different sauces like the red one, chipotle, guajillo, and others.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, and sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Cabeza tacos – beef meat.
Tacos de cabeza, are made of the meat from a cow’s head. I know, some of you might directly skip this one, but if you insist on trying it, you will get small pieces of meat of chicks, cow’s ears, nose, and more. The only thing that you won’t find here is the tongue, which Mexican separates for another taco (taco de lengua).
So, the head is slow-cooked, in a very big pot with many spices.
I don’t like these ones, but they might be your favorite, who knows.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Lengua taco – beef meat.
If you read the last one, now you know where the cow’s tongue goes, to the lengua tacos. The meat of the tongue is a bit harder to chew and has a very specific texture. It is not for anybody’s taste for sure. For me, it was a one-time try, and honestly, the tacos de lengua were not bad, but you can get better at the same price.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, and lemon.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tacos de panza – pork meat.
Tacos de panza are tacos from the belly of a pig. When you are trying less common parts of animals you always get doubts. The taste is strange, and not everybody likes it, me included. The panza (belly parts) are tough to chew and not very tasty. Such a meal is usually offered with a very strong hot sauce, which further kills the taste.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, and sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tacos de tripas – beef meat.
If you didn’t like tacos de panza, you will like tacos de tripas even less. The tripas are intestines of the animal (cow). The intestines are well cleaned, and then boiled for hours. After that, they are cooked in their own fat until they get to a rubbery texture. These tacos are also offered with a very hot sauce.
I personally don’t recommend them. They just didn't taste good for me.
Garnish – onions, cilantro, lemon, and sauce.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Pescado – fish.
The tacos de pescado are fish tacos. You can find them on every beach place. Cancún (Yucatán), Playa del Carmen (Yucatán), Puerto Escondido (Oaxaca), Acapulco (Guerrero), Puerto Vallarta (Jalisco), Los Cabos (Baja California), and others have their version of pescado tacos. Each place has a bit different method of preparation, but the most common is to fry the fish and add hot sauce. The garlic is also a very common ingredient, together with cilantro, lime, habanero chilli, mayonnaise.
The most common tacos de pescado are:
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Tacos de Marlin fish (Tacos de pez espada) – smoked swordfish tacos. Expensive, but delicious.
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Tacos de filete frito de angelito – shark tacos.
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Tacos de cazón – small shark from Veracruz.
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Tacos de bacalao – cod fish tacos.
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Tacos de tilapia – tilapia tacos. You will find this one commonly written as filete, in the menus.
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Tacos de magro – white fish taco. It could be any of the following acedia, abadejo, besugo blanco, coruxo, merluza, rodaballo salvaje.
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Tacos de atún – tuna fish tacos.
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Tacos de salmón – salmon tacos. These are a bit oily but very tasty.
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Tacos de bagre – catfish tacos.
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Tacos de mantarraya – manta ray tacos.
Tortilla corn and wheat.
Tip: If you want to enjoy a fish taco, go to the beach. Yes, you can find fish tacos in the capital or any other big city like Monterrey or Guadalajara, but the fish won’t be as fresh as on the seaside.
Also, evade the pescadillas (quesadillas de pescado) that you will see on every beach. The sellers offer them all day, and the sun can really damage them, and poison you when you eat.
Tacos de mariscos – sea food.
Tacos de mariscos unite all of the seafood – fish, octopus, calamari, oysters, etc. Many times, these tacos are a mix of everything that the restaurant has at the moment, so if you want to get more information, ask “¿De qué son?”. Mexico has a lot of seafood. It is on two oceans – the Atlantic and the Pacific. The garnish here is again lime, hot sauces, mayonnaise, onion, avocados, and more.
There are plenty of choices and really fresh seafood. What you can see in the restaurants’ menus are:
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Tacos de ostiones – oisters tacos.
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Tacos de calamar – calamari tacos.
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Tacos de camarón – shrimp tacos.
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Tacos de pulpo – octopus tacos.
Tortilla corn and wheat.
Tip: Just like the fish tacos, evade seafood tacos if you see that the sellers or the restaurants don’t look like they are keeping the seafood in a proper environment. Eating bad seafood can lead to at least a few days of diarrhea, and that could easily ruin your fun beach trip.
Tacos de chapulines – grasshoppers tacos.
Yes, you read this one right. Mexicans eat grasshoppers! They put them in tacos, add some delicious sauce on top and enjoy a crunchy snack. I have tried these ones and I really like the taste of the grasshoppers. For me, they are like chips with salt and lemon.
Funny story with these tacos de chapulines. One Time I ate some from a food truck in Mexico City and I sent a picture to my grandmother in Bulgaria. She got extremely shocked by the grasshoppers. She told me that if I am so poor that I am eating insects already, it is time to come back.
She said that she will buy me a ticket and cook me whatever I desire!
Garnish – onions, cilantro, avocado, sauces.
Tortilla – corn or wheat.
Tip: If you don’t feel brave enough to try, just close your eyes and imagine they are deep-fried potatoes.
Tacos de maguey – maguey worm tacos.
Sure, why not? If Mexicans eat grasshoppers, what could stop them from eating worms too? The maguey worm eats agave plants. This is the reason that you can see these tiny worms inside tequila and mezcal bottles. The Mexican thought, if the worms eat just agave and we already put them inside our drinks, why not put them on our pans? They deep fry the maguey worm with spices and lime and serve it inside a tortilla with guacamole sauce.
It is not for anybody’s taste, but if you are passing through Oaxaca or Jalisco, it won’t kill you to try tacos de maguey.
Tip: If you like alcoholic drinks, you can get a shot of tequila or mezcal to get the courage to try the worm tacos!
Tacos de escamoles – insects eggs tacos.
The escamoles are insect eggs, mostly ant eggs, and people called them the Mexican caviar. It sounds really strange to eat ants eggs, but you can imagine that there are a lot of proteins inside them. They are prepared with spices and butter and are considered an expensive delicacy.
I have tried them, and I can say that you mostly taste the spices, and the eggs feel just like a small exploding ball inside your mouth. Try, if you want to brag that you have tried everything, otherwise, there are far more delicious options for tacos.
Tacos de ahuatle, huevos de mosco – mosquito eggs tacos.
Ahuatle or huevos de mosco are eggs of mosquitoes, the annoying insects that bother you while you are trying to sleep. Eating their eggs inside a taco could be nice revenge! I tried tacos de ahuatle in Xochimilco in Mexico City, and I didn’t like them at all.
How to choose the best Mexican tacos?
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Don’t buy tacos, or any other Mexican food inside, or near a metro station. The quality there is very low, and it is not worth trying. Yes, you can get a few tacos for less than 50 pesos, but that comes in a price of stomach pain, and hours in the toilet. Besides, you can get a very bad impression of what Mexico can offer.
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Most taco stands and authentic small restaurants are fine. You can eat without worries about your health. If your belly is really delicate then go to a big Mexican restaurant or any of the restaurant chains like El Porton, Potzollcalli, Vips, Toks, El Tizoncito, or Sanborns.
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Try the chilli sauce, before you spread it all around your dish. Many times, the hot sauce could be really strong. Especially if it is chile de árbol or chile habanero. Try before, so you don’t cry later!
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Don’t eat tacos de canasta in the afternoon. I am speaking here from experience. Once I ate some tacos de canasta de chicharrón and my belly was hurting for days! The taco de canasta sellers go out early in the day, and they don’t keep their tacos in a fridge. Just in a normal basket. Mexico is hot so you can get all kinds of intestinal infections.
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Ask the locals. When you are visiting Mexico, you must get to know the local people. They are incredibly friendly and always ready to help a tourist. Ask them, which are their favorite taco places, and in many cases, they will be happy to show it to you.
Conclusion.
Wow! There are so many types of Mexican tacos out there! My favorite are tacos al pastor, especially after leaving a nightclub. But also I love tacos de bistec, tacos campechanos, and tacos de cecina. It is a shame that you can’t find true tacos outside of Mexico.
Now that you can finally understand the menu in a Mexican restaurant, which one are you eager to try? Don’t be shy, get your order now. And put some sauce on them!
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If you want to know more about the tacos see this article "Everything you wondered about tacos, answered".
It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!
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- Written by: Gianna Esquivel
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Today we arrived in Greece! We are very excited and we are dying to see the Aegean Sea in person hahaha All those amazing pictures of the Greek beaches people post on the Internet are about to become real. We can’t wait! So we are heading directly to the beach! We will explore Northern Greece, starting with Fanari and its surroundings. Are you ready?
Where is Fanari?
Fanari or Fanarion (official name) is a small village located on the seaside in northern Greece. Take your map and follow these references. Based on Google Maps calculations, Fanari is:
- 386 km (4 hr. 35 min.) from Sofia (София), Bulgaria (BG).
- 201 km (3 hrs. 5 min.) from Plovdiv, BG.
- 106 km (1 hr. 26 min.), from Kardzhali (Кърджали), BG.
- 235 km (2 hr. 45 min), from Tekirdağ, Türkiye (TR).
- 88 km (1 hr 10 min), from Alexandroupoli, Greece (GR).
- 32 km (30 min.), from Komotini, GR.
- Xhanti 37 km (34 min.), from Xhanti, GR.
Fanari belongs to the Municipality of Komotini of the Regional Unit of Rodopi. It is a littoral settlement. It is 16 meters above sea level. Its population is estimated at 700 permanent residents.
What is the meaning of Fanari?
Fanari means lighthouse. The name comes from the Greek φάρος (fáros). The village was named Fanari because its original center was established on the headland where the lighthouse was.
History of Fanari
When you arrive in Fanari village and see its beauty and the awesome Aegean sea, you barely reckon about its history. It’s like “Who cares? It is beautiful! That’s it!” hahaha. But come on! A bit of history does not hurt! hahaha.
Fanari's foundation goes back to 1923 when the Peace Treaty of Lausanne was signed. The objective was to establish the borders, exchange war prisoners, and relocate civilians after the war between Greece and Türkiye. Fanari and other villages around were founded by Greek refugees from Eastern Thrace, currently, Türkiye. Fishing, agriculture, and trade were the main activities in Fanari.
During World War II, Fanari, like many other Greek villages, was impacted by the German occupation. Locals took part in the resistance against the occupying forces. After the war ended, Fanari’s reconstruction and development took place. Fishing and agriculture (olive groves, vineyards, etc.) remained as main activities.
During the latest decades, Fanari has modernized and improved its infrastructure, transportation, and amenities. Residents’ quality of life has become better and the village more accessible for visitors. That is how, Fanari is now an important tourist spot in Rodopi, both for locals and tourists from neighboring countries like Bulgaria, Türkiye, Romania, and Serbia!
Since the moment we arrived in Fanari, the Bulgarian presence was very clear. We can say that roughly, from every 10 cars in Fanari, 6 had Bulgarian plates.
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What to do in Fanari?
Fanari is a small village ideal for you to relax and enjoy the beach, nature, and that slow pace coastal spots offer. It is the ideal destination if you are looking for a beautiful, comfortable, and quiet place to rest. Although the increase of tourists the village has experienced during recent years, it is not as crowded as other popular destinations in Greece. Besides, we arrived in May 2023 and we found only the local people and a few tourists, mostly Bulgarians. Some of them were there only for short stays, like a day or a weekend. May is still low season so if you arrive in July or August, for sure you will find more visitors.
What to do in Fanari? Well, of course, you can explore the village and its surroundings, but you can also enjoy the awesome pleasure of doing nothing… Ok, nothing more than jumping into the sea, enjoying the beach, and fulfilling your soul with the beautiful landscape and your belly with delicious Greek food and drinks. This was a very tempting plan we did not refuse! Hahaha. Ok, here you have what to do in Fanari!
Swim and enjoy the beaches
Fanari owns beautiful beaches, one (the longest) has the blue flag tag, an indicator of quality standards and environmental safety. The beaches are pleasantly sandy! During May, the water is cool, some can say “still cold”, but we will say, just a little bit cold. And honestly, to have this beauty only for yourself, without sharing it with hundreds of tourists, is worth not waiting until the high season (Summer). The shallow waters of these beautiful beaches are a big plus for families, kids, and people who don’t know how to swim. The currents at the time we were there were very calm.
We were moving from beach to beach only to change the view. Here kind of our daily routine there:
- Beach at the port of Fanari. We visited it for an early swim. The only people we saw there, were local fishermen working on their boats and Bulgarian fishermen who enjoy this activity as a hobby. It was easy to enjoy the tranquility of this nice, sandy, and for moments, a bit rocky beach.
- Central beach. We moved to the central beach in front of the restaurants and cafes to have meals, and delicious hot coffee and cold Greek coffee (frappé, freddo espresso, or freddo cappuccino). Since the restaurants are here, they are a magnet for people. We were very lucky because, by the time we were there, neither the restaurants nor the beach were crowded. Only during the weekend, more visitors arrived to have a coffee or spend the day in the village.
- Arogi-Fanari Beach. This is the longest beach in Fanari. After breakfast, we walked on this beach that connects Fanari with the nearby village called Arogi. You can walk as long as you want on this pleasant, sandy, and peaceful beach. The absence of commerce or big development around makes this area more secluded and tranquil. You only need to take with you water and sunblock! That is it!
Fishing
We have not trained for fishing yet, but as we told you before, we found Bulgarian enthusiasts of this activity there. One day, while enjoying the sunrise, we greeted some fishermen in Greek, “Καλημέρα (Kalimera)!”. Then, they answered, “добро утро (dobro utro)!” hahaha. Come on! They were Bulgarians! Hahaha. They ruined what with thought was our first friendly encounter with Greek people. But they gave us a fun time and some cool tips for fishing!
They were from the southern city of Kardzhali, BG. For them to visit Fanari is a relaxing hobby together with fishing. They like so much the shallow and clear waters of the Aegean Sea, so they come to spend long stays, especially during the Summer, but also a day or several hours only to relax, fish, and get back home (Bulgaria) with fresh fish for dinner. If you are into making new friends, meeting Bulgarians can be another cool thing what to do in Fanari, Greece hahaha.
Cycling around
Tourists carrying their bicycles in their cars or campers was a constant while being in Fanari. Luckily, the landlord of the apartment we rented offered us bicycles to go around. It is not a rule but you can rent a bicycle or motorbike in some guest houses and hotels. It is a great way to go around Fanari village, its beaches and even to reach the next villages for more exploration. The terrain is mostly flat, the roads are good and we felt the whole area was pretty safe.
Sunset and sunrise spotting
Words can’t express how big fans of sunsets we are! The horizon in front of you, defined by the immensity and clarity of the sea, together with the changing colors of the sky that are reflected in the sea, wow! It is perfect! And very romantic too hahaha. Well, a big advantage of this village is that not only sunsets but also awesome sunrises can be seen in Fanari. We admired great sunsets from the beach at the port and lovely sunrises from the Arogi-Fanari beach. This is only a personal preference, you can choose your favorite place for spotting sunsets and sunrises, and get amazing postcards (pics).
Taste Greek gastronomy
Fanari is a small fishermen's village, M is a fish lover so he expected to find an attractive variety of fish and seafood on the restaurants’ menus. Honestly, he was not impressed. The reason? He is Bulgarian and the fish offered in the menus are very common in the Black Sea coast too. You will find sardines and anchovies pretty much everywhere. There are other choices like burgers, pizzas, pasta, salads, pork, lamb, chicken, etc. We stuck to the Greek souvlaki and gyros. So, the fish variety was not impressive, but the Greek seasoning is good. You can eat tasty stuff from the morning to the night.
In a couple of restaurants, we saw that the fish was not fresh. The reason people gave was that during the low season, it is not lucrative to fish every single day. Ok, the problem for fish lovers is that being in a fishing village, you don’t feel like eating refrigerated fish. We choose places with fresh fish. Ultimately, it's a matter of taste.
One note here, menus are written in Greek, English, and BULGARIAN! So it is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria and locals know it well.
Drink Greek beverages
Beverages deserve a special mention because they are delicious and essential for Greeks' daily lives. The day can’t be started properly without a shot of hot coffee or even a cold one if the weather is already warm. Then, all along the day, you will see people drinking their different cold coffee choices, frappé, freddo espresso, or freddo cappuccino. They are delicious! Very early in this trip, we happily joined the Greek way hahaha. Later, after enjoying your meals, a shot of Ouzo or Tsipouro will be the digestive you need to reach “Nirvana” hahaha or just to hit the pillow to enjoy a nap. When it is to pleasures, Greeks are experts!
What to visit around Fanari?
If you want to explore more, the surroundings of Fanari will keep you entertained. This area is not as developed as other very famous cities or Greek islands. A large area houses natural ecosystems that have been left untouched to naturally flourish. Only 12 km north of Fanari is the Nestos National Park. You won’t see big and luxurious resorts, but nature and villages with a much more relaxed vibe. We love places like those still exist! These are our recommendations.
Porto Lagos and the Monastery Agios Nikolaos
Only 15 km (16 min. By car) northwest of Fanari, you will find Porto Lagos, where you can visit the Agios Nikolaos monastery (Xhanti region). It is an attraction because the complex was built on two small islets of the Porto Lagos lagoon, connected by a wooden bridge. On one islet, the Agios Nikolaos is. On the other, the Panagia Pantanassa chappel. The monastery seems to be floating framed by all that natural surroundings and enjoying an astonishing view, of the Thracian sea. It is an active place for believers and tourists.
Lake Vistonida
From the moment you arrive in Porto Lagos, you will see Lake Vistonida. You can explore more of this beautiful lake, home to different and interesting fauna. It is an ideal spot for nature lovers, photographers, and bird-watching enthusiasts. Pink flamingos are beautiful and popular there (March-October). All the region where Lake Vistonida lays is a protected habitat.
Arogi village
Only 4 km east of Fanari, Arogi village is. It is another calm place, very similar to Fanari, but still a good alternative for exploration. Nature is the constant there, nice beaches, nature trails for hiking, traditional Greek architecture, tasty local cuisine, and beverages.
Where to stay in Fanari?
Accommodation in Fanari won’t be a problem! The village has a lot of guest houses, small hotels, apartments you can rent (different sizes and costs)., and a camping site. Just consider that during the low season, many of these places are closed, so the choices get reduced.
It is official, Fanari has been occupied by Bulgaria!
Bulgarians are big fans of Greece! Especially in northern Greece, we felt like we were still somewhere in Bulgaria. Daily, we found Bulgarians either at the beaches, on the road, at restaurants, in the accommodation, or in supermarkets. Greek people in the area also speak Bulgarian. We only can say, that the beauty of Greece is astonishing! It is impossible not to be conquered by it.
Conclusion
Fanari was our first stop on this trip through Northern Greece and it was perfect! We haven't enjoyed ourselves and relaxed as we did it here, a long time ago. The village has not the glam of the most famous Greek cities and islands but exactly that makes it very charming. We recommend you include Fanari in your travel list!
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