Mexicans gear up for cultural mission

BERLIN, June 9: Germany will be overrun by sombreros, tortillas and gallons of tequila during the World Cup.

Mexico, infusing the finals with extra spice and colour, is launching a drive to promote itself as a German tourist destination.

The central American nation will use the tournament as a platform to showcase art and culture by exporting famed artists and cooks.

Across Germany, fashion shows and Frida Kahlo-inspired art exhibitions will run alongside music concerts and culinary extravaganzas bristling with tortillas, chillies and other traditional Mexican food and drink.

''We want Germans to get a picture of who we are,'' said Mexico's ambassador Jorge Castro-Valle Kuehne.

''In Germany there is already a lot of interest in our cultural heritage and diversity but we want people to know much more what modern Mexico is about.'' As Kuehne spoke, he was framed by musicians with sombreros and coins dangling from their trousers.

In Mexico, all eyes will be on their young and hopeful national squad.

''For Mexicans, there is nothing more important than soccer this summer,'' said Castro-Valle.

A rejuvenated Mexican team have produced wins over Brazil and Argentina in the past 18 months, performances that have spurred the locals into believing they can better their previous record of reaching the quarter-finals in 1970 and 1986, on both occasions as hosts.

''Hopefully we can make it to the semi-finals this time,'' said Mexican singer Patricia Manterola, who has joined the mission to promote her country's cause in Germany.

No matter how the World Cup goes, Manterola is sure she will enjoy herself.

''I was very surprised when I first came to Germany,'' she said.

''I was always told Germans were very cold but they actually really know how to party, just like us Mexicans.

''The men are really, really handsome, they have such a strong presence.

''All they need to learn now is to dance a little bit more loose.'' The Mexican team kickoff their World Cup challenge against Iran in Nuremberg on Sunday.

Their other Group D opponents are Portugal and Angola.