The Mysteries of Latin America With Andrew Colón

Aztec Origins: Could Aztlán Be in the Four Corners of the US Southwest?

Where did the Aztecs really come from?
In Mexica tradition, Aztlán is remembered as a sacred homeland somewhere to the north — a place left behind before the journey south that eventually led to Tenochtitlan. For years, listeners have asked whether that remembered “north” could point to the Four Corners region of the American Southwest.
In this episode, we take that question seriously.
Instead of arguing for a single location, we examine the evidence itself — archaeology, oral history, art, language, and timelines — and see how well the Four Corners holds up when placed side by side with what the Mexica actually remembered.
We explore:
Chaco Canyon, Mesa Verde, and Aztec Ruins — and what their architecture really tells us
Why “Aztec Ruins” isn’t Aztec at all, and how the name misleads people
What Pueblo oral histories say about movement, place, and continuity
Why language points north — but not to a specific site
And why timing matters more than most people realize
This episode doesn’t try to prove a theory.
It asks a better question:Does the Four Corners match the kind of place Aztlán was remembered to be?
This is Part of the Searching for Aztlán series.
Listen carefully — and decide for yourself.
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🎥 WATCH NEXT: • Aztlán: The Original Migration Myth → https://youtu.be/IpvObjsMlMU • The Hidden History of the Ñ → https://youtu.be/ZO_QPnS6SRc 🎙️
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🌎 ABOUT THIS CHANNEL I'm Andrew Colón, and I tell the stories of the myths, legends, history, and mysteries of the Americas — so those of us with roots here know our own stories, and everyone else can finally understand them.

She Had To Dress As A Man To Join Pancho Villa’s Army—And Was Rewarded With...

They followed her into battle. They never knew she was a woman. And when the truth came out, the system erased her.
To fight inside Pancho Villa’s army, Petra Herrera cut her hair, wore men’s clothes, and became Pedro Herrera. As Pedro, she led sabotage missions, destroyed bridges, cut power to entire cities, and helped take Torreón — one of the most strategic railway hubs in northern Mexico.
When her secret came out, her soldiers stayed loyal. The system didn’t.
She was denied rank, denied recognition, and forced to build her own all-women fighting unit. By the time the war ended, her victories belonged to everyone but her. Her name vanished from the records — but not from memory.
This episode follows Petra Herrera’s life from the battlefield to the silence that followed her death, and the journalist who finally asked the question that brought her story back:
Where were the women?
If Petra’s story stayed with you, share it with someone who should hear her name. If you know more about Petra — or your family passed down stories about women who fought — leave them in the comments. That’s how we keep people from disappearing again.
Subscribe to get more stories like this. One click tells the world these histories deserve to be heard.
Some of the Women Heroes of the Mexican Revolution:
Adela Velarde Pérez
Amelia Robles Ávila
Margarita Neri
Ángela Jiménez
Carmen Armelia Robles
María Esperanza Chavira
Carmen Parra
Catalina Zapata Muñoz
Ángela Gómez Saldaña
Rosa Bobadilla
Valentina Ramírez Avitia
Encarnación Mares
María de la Luz Espinoza Barrera
Clara de la Rocha
Carmen Vélez
Petra Ruiz
María Quinteras de Meras
These names prove Petra Herrera was not an exception — she was part of a history that was never written down.
 

ATLANTIS: Original Home of The AZTECS???

Was Aztlán—the legendary homeland of the Aztecs—connected to Atlantis?
This episode explores where that idea comes from and why it has lasted for more than a century.
In The Mysteries of Latin America, we take a careful look at the proposed link between Aztlán, the place of origin described in Mexica tradition (the people most of the world calls the Aztecs), and Atlantis, the lost island civilization described by Plato.
Rather than pushing a conclusion, this episode walks through the sources, timelines, and interpretations that have fueled the debate—from 19th-century writers like Ignatius Donnelly to modern researchers revisiting humanity’s deep past.
You’ll hear about:
Who the Aztecs really were—and why the name Mexica matters
What Mexica migration traditions actually describe
Plato’s account of Atlantis and why it was never finished
Why timeline gaps complicate—but don’t end—the conversation
This episode is part of the ongoing Searching for Aztlán series, exploring myths, legends, history, and unresolved mysteries across the Americas.
If you find value in these investigations, subscribing helps support future episodes and keeps the series going.

The Aztecs Came From THIS Island? Mexcaltitán, Nayarit, Mexico

Did the Mexica (whom most of the world know as the Aztecs) really begin their journey from a small island in Nayarit? In this episode, Andrew explores Mexcaltitán — the island long promoted as the possible location of Aztlán, the legendary homeland of the .
We walk through the historical sources, the archaeological evidence, the political campaigns that shaped the modern myth, and the surprising new scholarship that challenges everything we thought we knew about Aztec origins.
This is one of the most debated chapters in the search for Aztlán — and one that reveals as much about identity and national storytelling as it does about ancient history.

The Truth About Being a ‘No Sabo Kid’ (My Real Story)

This episode is personal. Before I ever talked about lost cities, legends, or the history of the Americas… I was a kid who spent the Summer with my mother's family in Desamparados, Costa Rica.
One afternoon in 1976, I said two words that changed how my entire family looked at me: “no sabo.” They laughed at me. They called us “los gringuitos.” And for years, I carried the shame of not speaking Spanish well enough.
If you grew up in the U.S. and felt caught between languages or cultures, this story might be yours too. Being a “No Sabo kid” isn’t new, and it isn’t a joke. It’s the result of generations navigating survival, belonging, and identity on both sides of the border.
In this episode, I break down: • What a “No Sabo kid” really is • The history behind language loss in Latino communities • How guilt and shame take root • How I reclaimed Spanish as an adult • Why language matters — but doesn’t define us
Today I’m a bilingual voice-over artist and translator living in Mexico, telling the stories of our cultures from Mexico to Central America, South America, and the Caribbean. But it took a lifetime to get here.
If you’ve ever been made to feel “not Latino enough,” I hope this helps you flip your script — and maybe start reclaiming whatever part of your identity you thought you lost.
What’s your story? I genuinely want to hear it.
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Welcome to The Mysteries of LatinAmerica. I’m Andrew Colón, and I explore myths,legends, lost cities, and cultural stories from Mexico to Argentina and acrossthe Caribbean. If you’re reconnecting with your roots — or just love goodstorytelling — you’re in the right place.
#NoSabo #LatinoIdentity #BilingualLatinos #LearnSpanish#Latinidad
 

Was the US Southwest REALLY MEXICO?

What does it really mean when people say the American Southwest “used to be Mexico”?
We're talking about Utah, Colorado, California, Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada. The real history stretches across 1,000 years — long before the word “Mexico” even existed — through the rise of the Mexica (Aztec origins), native american history presences in what would become "America", three centuries of New Spain, independence, the Texas revolt, the Mexican–American War, and the moment the border moved while families stayed exactly where they’d always been.
In this episode of The Mysteries of Latin America, you’ll discover:
• What the world looked like before “Mexico” was a country
• How the Mexica migrated from Aztlán to Tenochtitlan
• Why the northern territories were never part of the Mexica Empire
• How New Spain stretched into California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas
• How independence created the first people called “Mexicans”
• Why Tejas broke away — and why Tejanos fought to defend Mexico
• What really happened in the Mexican–American War
• How the Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo redrew an entire continent
• Why culture stayed even when borders didn’t And then YOU decide: Was it really Mexico… or does the deeper truth live in the layers of Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican heritage that never left? ──────────────────────── 
SOURCES & REFERENCES • Durán, D. (1581). Historia de las Indias de Nueva España • Ixtlilxóchitl, F. de A. (17th c.). Relaciones Históricas • León-Portilla, M. (1959). La Visión de los Vencidos • Townsend, C. (2019). Fifth Sun — Oxford University Press • National Park Service — Indigenous Nations of the Southwest • Treaty of Guadalupe Hidalgo (1848) — U.S. National Archives • Gadsden Purchase (1853) — Library of Congress ──────────────────────── ❓ WHAT DO YOU THINK? Did these lands “used to be Mexico”? Or is the real answer hidden in the Indigenous, Spanish, and Mexican roots that never disappeared — even when the border did? Drop your thoughts — and your sources — in the comments below. ──────────────────────── ✅ SUBSCRIBE & FOLLOW YouTube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mmWrV59t4X7wJClrm58kA Instagram https://www.instagram.com/andycolonvo Podcast — The Mysteries of Latin America Spotify → https://open.spotify.com/show/12rJLlkJLvPqv1Q6rSm9ll Apple → https://apple.co/4jGoTO0 ──────────────────────── 🛍️ SUPPORT THE CHANNEL MOLA Merch (shirts, hats, mugs): https://mola-merch.creator-spring.com/ Books, tools, and gear used in the show: https://www.amazon.com/shop/themysteriesoflatinamericawithandrewcolon ──────────────────────── 🎥 WATCH NEXT • Aztlán: The Original Migration Myth https://youtu.be/IpvObjsMlMU • Did The Aztecs Come From Califonia? https://youtu.be/pPWHr-jny6w • Is Utah The Original Home of the Aztecs? https://youtu.be/KUTtvebz8Vw ──────────────────────── 🎙️ NEED PROFESSIONAL VOICE-OVER? Narration in English or Spanish — documentaries, training, e-learning, character work, and time-synced dubbing. Book me directly: https://andycancun.com ──────────────────────── 🌎 ABOUT THIS CHANNEL Welcome to The Mysteries of Latin America. I’m Andrew Colón. Here we explore the myths, legends, ancient cities, and untold histories of Latin America — from northern Mexico to Argentina and across the Caribbean. If you’re reconnecting with your roots or just love learning the stories behind the places we come from… you’re in the right place.

Día de Muertos Is NOT Halloween! The True Story of Mexico's Sacred Holiday

This episode dives deep into the real origins of Día de Muertos (or do you call it Dia de los Muertos?), The Day Of the Dead—from the ancient Mexica (Aztec) festivals of Miccailhuitontli and Huey Miccailhuitl, to the Spanish Catholic traditions that blended with them centuries later, creating a vibrant celebration that honors the dead with love, not fear and one of the most important celebrations in Mexican culture.
But isn't it just Mexican Halloween?
#mexico culture
You’ll discover: How Día de Muertos and Halloween evolved from completely different worlds.The true meaning behind the ofrenda (altar) — every flower, candle, and photograph has a purpose.The story of Mictēcacihuātl, the Mexica Lady of the Dead, who guided souls through Mictlán. How José Guadalupe Posada and Diego Rivera transformed a satirical drawing into La Catrina, Mexico’s timeless symbol of life and death.The fascinating history of Pan de Muerto and Sugar Skulls, from Spanish All Saints’ breads to Mexico’s artistry in sugar and spirit.And yes… how James Bond’s “Spectre” changed Día de Muertos forever.
🌎 A Journey Through Tradition From the candlelit lakes of Janitzio to the Maya Hanal Pixán of Yucatán, from the bustling Catrina Parade of Mexico City to quiet family altars in small towns — every region of Mexico celebrates differently.
But each shares one truth: every life deserves to be remembered. 💬 Join the ConversationWhat’s on your ofrenda this year? Who are you honoring — a parent, a child, a friend, even a beloved pet?Share your story in the comments — it’s how these traditions stay alive.
🛍️ Support the ChannelFor Día de Muertos fans and supporters of The Mysteries of Latin America, explore the limited collection of T-shirts, hats, and bags inspired by this episode:
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📧 Contact: 📧 Email: andy@andycancun.com
 
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Watch more here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-mmWrV59t4X7wJClrm58k
 

Did the Aztecs Come From UTAH???

Did the ancestors of the Mexica—the people we often call Aztecs—come from the red rock canyons of Utah?
For years, legends have placed the Aztecs’ origin in a mythical homeland called Aztlán. But according to some researchers, Aztlán may not be mythical—or even Mexican. In this episode, I explore one of the most controversial and fascinating theories in Latin American history: Was Aztlán actually in the American Southwest?
We'll look at:
The Four Rivers theory near Moab, Utah
The seven caves of Chicomoztoc and their real-world parallels
Rock art in Sego Canyon and what some believe it shows
The Uto-Aztecan language family and its northward roots
What scholars like Miguel León-Portilla, Camilla Townsend, Alfredo López Austin, and Michael E. Smith say in response
🎧 With sources. With citations. With respect for the culture.And in the end—you decide.
Check out the first episode on Aztlan here:Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/2TS2B9D3bwXjRTEUYbxrYL?si=ak55sQZNRQat5HhX07OEUw
Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3IauAWo
🔔 If you enjoy thoughtful storytelling about myth, migration, and identity, follow the show for new episodes every week.
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📲 Follow on Instagram: @andycolonvo📩 Email: andy@andycancun.com🎙️ YouTube channel: The Mysteries of Latin America🛒 Amazon Storefront: https://www.amazon.com/shop/themysteriesoflatinamericawithandrewcolon
#AztecOrigins #Aztlán #Mexica #UtahMysteries #LatinAmericanHistory #MOLA #IndigenousHistory #MythAndMigration
Homework Sources:
Campbell, L. (1997). American Indian languages: The historical linguistics of Native America. Oxford University Press.
Deseret News. (1990, March 24). Researchers say Aztec homeland was in Utah. Deseret News Publishing Company.
Durán, D. (1581). Historia de las Indias de Nueva España e Islas de Tierra Firme. (English version often cited in secondary sources; original Spanish text widely published in Mesoamerican studies.)
Gillespie, S. D. (1998). Codex Boturini and migration traditions of the Mexica. In Carrasco, D. (Ed.), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mesoamerican Cultures. Oxford University Press.
Hill, J. H. (2001). Proto-Uto-Aztecan: A community of cultivators in central Mexico? American Anthropologist, 103(4), 913–934.
Ixtlilxóchitl, F. de A. (17th century). Relaciones históricas. (Compiled in various editions; specific references vary by edition.)
León-Portilla, M. (1959). La visión de los vencidos: Relaciones indígenas de la conquista. UNAM / Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.(English edition: León-Portilla, M. (1962). The Broken Spears: The Aztec Account of the Conquest of Mexico. Beacon Press.)
López Austin, A. (1980). Cuerpo humano e ideología: Las concepciones de los antiguos nahuas. UNAM / Instituto de Investigaciones Antropológicas.
National Park Service. (n.d.). Archaeological resources of the southwestern United States. U.S. Department of the Interior.
Rivas-Salmon, A., & Orosco, C. (1990). Aztec homeland theory and Utah. Interviewed and profiled in Deseret News (March 24, 1990).
Shaul, D. (2014). The prehistory of the Uto-Aztecan languages. Anthropological Linguistics, 56(3–4), 255–302.
Townsend, C. (2019). Fifth sun: A new history of the Aztecs. Oxford University Press.
Utah Rock Art Research Association (URARA). (n.d.). Rock art styles of the Southwest. Retrieved from urara.wildapricot.org
Whitley, D. S. (2005). Introduction to rock art research (2nd ed.). Left Coast Press.
 
 

WHAT ARE THE TOP 5 MYTHS OF MEXICAN INDEPENDENCE?

Top 5 Myths About Mexican Independence — and the Truth Behind Them
Hosted by Andrew Colón | The Mysteries of Latin America
If you're Mexican-American — or just fascinated by Mexico’s history — you’ve probably heard some creative versions of how Independence really happened.
Think Mexico’s Independence Day is Cinco de Mayo? Think Father Hidalgo shouted “¡Viva México!” and the next day everyone woke up free? Did Mexican Independence come after the Mexican Revolution?
Think again.
In this episode, we bust the top five myths about Mexican Independence — and reveal the messy, surprising, and often misunderstood truth behind each one. From important figures like Leona Vicario and Vicente Guerrero to the real timeline of independence (hint: it wasn’t overnight), this is the version of history you didn’t get in school or from your grandparents.
What you’ll hear:
Real words of El Grito — and why “¡Viva México!” may or may not be in there...
Why Cinco de Mayo has nothing to do with independence
The myth of a quick victory — and the decade-long war it actually was
What the caste system tells us about who fought (and who didn’t)
Mexican Independence vs The Mexican Revolution
If you’ve ever been curious about what really happened on September 16, 1810 — and why it matters today — this episode is for you.
History meets myth-busting. Culture meets truth.
Follow the podcast for more myths, legends, and mysteries from across Latin America!

The Truth About Tequila And Mexico Was Lost For 100 Years | Ted Genoways´ Tequila Wars: Interview

THIS IS A MYSTERIES OF LATIN AMERICA SPECIAL PRESENTATION PODCAST INTERVIEW
Tequila isn’t just a drink—it’s the story of revolutions, betrayals, the Cuervo family empire, along with the Sauza family and other prominent names in the tequila industry. In this exclusive interview, author Ted Genoways reveals the hidden history of tequila and Mexico, and what they mean to each other and us today.
What if everything you thought you knew about tequila’s origins was only half the story?
In this episode of The Mysteries of Latin America, Andrew Colón sits down with two-time James Beard Award-winning journalist Ted Genoways, author of Tequila Wars: José Cuervo and the Bloody Struggle for the Spirit of Mexico.
We uncover the erased history of tequila from about 1880–1930—a period wiped from memory during and after the Mexican Revolution. This isn’t just about a brand. It’s about power, survival, identity, and the fight for Mexico’s soul.
From José Cuervo’s beginnings in the tequila business, to the rivalry with the Sauza family, to exile, backroom deals, cartels, and the Cuervo women who worked beding the scenes and on the main stage, this story has it all—Succession meets Narcos, with agave.
 
What You’ll Learn in This Interview
The hidden history of tequila between 1880 and 1930—and why it was erased.
How the Cuervo family survived wars, revolutions, and betrayals.
The surprising role of women in building the Cuervo empire.
Why “cartel” meant something very different in the tequila world.
Where "Añejo" tequila got its true origins
How close the tequila industry came to disappearing
How tequila became Mexico’s calling card to the world.
A shocking detail that could make any tequila lover drop their glass.
Here's a link to the book on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Tequila-Wars-Cuervo-Bloody-Struggle/dp/0393292592/ 
Note: I am not compensated in any way from book sales, the author or any brands mentioned in this interview
 
About The Mysteries of Latin America
I’m Andrew Colón. Every week, I share the myths, legends, histories, and mysteries of Mexico, Central America, South America, and the Caribbean—so that Latinos in the U.S. know their stories, and everyone else learns ours.
 
If you enjoyed this video, hit like, drop your thoughts in the comments, and subscribe for more powerful stories from across this region.
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