Mexican Straw Hat

Mexico is located in the tropics and subtropics, with high temperatures that are favourable for agriculture and animal husbandry. Two of the three major Amerindian civilisations emerged here (the Mayan and Aztec civilisations). The Mexicans favoured their large straw hats and often showed them to the world. When Mexico hosted the ninth World Cup in 1970, the mascot identified by the organisers, Juanita, was a little boy wearing a Mexican straw hat and a football shirt. The large straw hat is, in a sense, Mexico's "second national emblem". As an integral part of the national costume, it is a specific record of Mexico's history, a reflection of the country's social life and customs, and a reflection of the character of the Mexican people.