Theme: Words related to Mexico

From historic states and regions to wildlife, music, art, and popular culture, these nine answers explore the extraordinary diversity of Mexico, home to Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.

9 themed words All 26 letters covered Vowels shown in gold Consonants hidden in blue
1
O A   A   A
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  1. This Mexican state is famous for indigenous cultures and culinary traditions.
  2. Its capital has a celebrated historic center.
  3. Mole and mezcal are strongly associated with the region.
  4. Its name contains the letter X.
Reveal answer
O A X A C A
Background information
Oaxaca is a state in southern Mexico known for its cultural diversity, indigenous communities, archaeological sites, crafts, cuisine, and mezcal production. Oaxaca City and nearby Monte Albán are major cultural destinations.
2
  U E     A
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  1. This state and city lie southeast of Mexico City.
  2. Its historic center is known for colonial architecture.
  3. Talavera pottery is strongly associated with the region.
  4. The Battle of Puebla is commemorated on Cinco de Mayo.
Reveal answer
P U E B L A
Background information
Puebla is both a Mexican state and its capital city. The city is known for its UNESCO-listed historic center, Talavera ceramics, distinctive cuisine, and the 1862 Battle of Puebla.
3
  U E     A  
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  1. This brilliantly colored bird is native to Mesoamerica.
  2. It is famous for shimmering green plumage.
  3. Its feathers were prized by ancient civilizations.
  4. Its name begins with an unusual combination of letters.
Reveal answer
Q U E T Z A L
Background information
The quetzal is a striking bird native to the forests of Mesoamerica. Quetzal feathers were highly valued by ancient Mesoamerican cultures and the bird retains strong cultural symbolism across the region.
4
  A   I     O
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  1. This western Mexican state is home to Guadalajara.
  2. Two internationally famous Mexican traditions are strongly associated with it.
  3. Mariachi music has deep roots here.
  4. The town of Tequila lies within this state.
Reveal answer
J A L I S C O
Background information
Jalisco is a western Mexican state whose capital is Guadalajara. It is particularly associated with mariachi music and tequila, two traditions that have become internationally recognizable symbols of Mexico.
5
  U   A   A  
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  1. This Mexican state lies on a famous peninsula.
  2. Maya history and culture are central to the region.
  3. Mérida is its capital.
  4. Chichén Itzá is located in this state.
Reveal answer
Y U C A T A N
Background information
Yucatán is a state on Mexico's Yucatán Peninsula with a rich Maya heritage. Its capital, Mérida, is a major cultural center, and the state contains Chichén Itzá, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.
6
  E   A     U  
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  1. This state stretches along Mexico's Gulf coast.
  2. Its namesake port has been important for centuries.
  3. Music, maritime history, and tropical landscapes are associated with it.
  4. It served as a major gateway between Mexico and the Atlantic world.
Reveal answer
V E R A C R U Z
Background information
Veracruz is a Gulf Coast state and the name of one of Mexico's most historic port cities. The region has a rich mixture of indigenous, European, African, and Caribbean cultural influences.
7
  A   I A     I
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  1. This musical tradition is one of Mexico's most recognizable.
  2. Ensembles commonly feature string instruments and trumpets.
  3. It is strongly associated with the state of Jalisco.
  4. Performers are often seen wearing elaborate charro-style clothing.
Reveal answer
M A R I A C H I
Background information
Mariachi is a Mexican musical tradition with particularly strong roots in western Mexico, especially Jalisco. Modern ensembles often feature violins, trumpets, guitars, vihuela, and guitarrón.
8
    E       I    
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  1. Mexico has a colorful and theatrical version of this sport.
  2. Masked performers are an iconic feature.
  3. It is commonly known locally as lucha libre.
  4. Acrobatic moves and dramatic rivalries are central to the spectacle.
Reveal answer
W R E S T L I N G
Background information
Mexican professional wrestling, known as lucha libre, is famous for colorful masks, athletic aerial maneuvers, distinctive characters, and dramatic storytelling. It is an important part of Mexican popular culture.
9
    I   A   A     O
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  1. This celebrated Mexican artist was born in Coyoacán.
  2. Self-portraits form an important part of her work.
  3. Her paintings often explored identity, pain, and Mexican culture.
  4. Her former home is now a museum known as the Blue House.
Reveal answer
F R I D A K A H L O
Background information
Frida Kahlo was a Mexican painter known especially for self-portraits and works exploring identity, physical experience, nature, and Mexican culture. Her Casa Azul in Coyoacán, Mexico City, is now a museum.

Mexico Trivia

🏛️ Chichén Itzá was a major Maya city.
The archaeological site in Yucatán contains monumental structures including the famous stepped pyramid known as El Castillo or the Temple of Kukulcán.
🎺 Mariachi has global recognition.
The musical tradition developed in western Mexico and became one of the country's most recognizable cultural symbols.
🌵 Mexico is exceptionally biodiverse.
Its deserts, mountains, tropical forests, coastlines, and other ecosystems support an extraordinary range of plant and animal life.
🎨 Mexican art has global influence.
Artists including Frida Kahlo and the Mexican muralists helped bring Mexican visual culture to international audiences.