P rofile V eracruz , 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. 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.
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.