Mexican cuisine is influenced by the country's geography and history. It borders the United States to the north and Guatemala and Nicaragua to the south. The cuisine varies regionally, with coastal areas focusing on seafood and central Mexico emphasizing corn. Historically, the Mayans cultivated foods like corn, beans and chili peppers before the Spanish arrived in the 16th century, introducing animals, cheese and wheat. Mexican cuisine combines indigenous and Spanish influences with regional differences defined by six major regions. Popular dishes have also spread from Texas to the rest of the world. Major festivals like Christmas and Easter involve traditional Mexican foods.