Veracruz

Veracruz, Mexico's principal Atlantic port on the Gulf of Mexico, is the oldest continuously inhabited European city in mainland Mexico (founded 1519) and a city with a deep Afro-Caribbean cultural identity expressed through its extraordinary musical tradition — the Son Jarocho and the danzón were born here, and the malecón (seafront promenade) fills with music and dancing in the evenings. The naval academy fortress of San Juan de Ulúa (built to protect the silver fleet from pirates) is the main historical monument, accessible by boat. The Zócalo is one of Mexico's most pleasant main squares. The carnival (February/March) is the most important in Mexico after Veracruz and is one of Latin America's greatest. The huapango and marimba music, the seafood (huachinango a la veracruzana, excellent prawns) and the café culture are Veracruz's great pleasures.