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Mexican Culture - Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

can Culture - Guide to Traditions, Customs and EtiquetteHow to Live AbroadThe World's Best Places to RetireTravel—How, When, and Where to GoReal Estate OverseasEarn, Bank, Diversify, InvestRetirement PlanningHow to Move Out of the U.S.Countries All DestinationsCosta RicaMexicoBelizeEcuadorPanamaPortugalColombiaFranceSpainInspire MeEditor's ChoiceVideoPodcastDaily e-LetterWhy Join?Why Join?Our ExpertsTestimonialsFAQ'sEventsStart HereSign inSign inStart HereHow to Live AbroadThe World's Best Places to RetireTravel—How, When, and Where to GoReal Estate OverseasEarn, Bank, Diversify, InvestRetirement PlanningHow to Move Out of the U.S.Countries All DestinationsCosta RicaMexicoBelizeEcuadorPanamaPortugalColombiaFranceSpainInspire MeEditor's ChoiceVideoPodcastDaily e-LetterWhy Join?Why Join?Our ExpertsTestimonialsFAQ'sEventsUpdated Oct 4, 2022By International Living, Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979.On this pageBackgroundThe Language: Habla Español?Social Conventions in MexicoRelationships in MexicoFood and Drink in MexicoEtiquette in MexicoMexican Culture - Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette©iStock/William ZinnUpdated Oct 4, 2022By International Living, Your #1 resource for a global lifestyle since 1979.By Wendy JusticeMexico is a multi-faceted, multi-cultural society, with the legacy of indigenous Mayan and Aztec beliefs forming the base, merged with the more recent customs and practices instilled by centuries of European influence. Many of Mexico’s enduring traditions can be traced to one of these two cultural roots.This diversity varies as you explore the country, through its distinctive regional dialects, varying observances of holidays, a cornucopia of local and traditional culinary specialties, and a mix of architectural styles and influences, but wherever you are, you’ll experience a vibrant society and a proud people.Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Send My Free ReportBy submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.BackgroundMexico’s population is over 129 million, making it the world’s 10th most populous country. Roughly 62% of the population is mestizo—people of mixed Central American and European ancestry. Ten percent of the population has a mostly European background, with the remainder being of an indigenous or predominately indigenous Central American origin.Mexico is a highly urbanized country, with an estimated 81% of the population living in urban areas; of those, more than 21 million people live in the capital and metropolitan area of Mexico City, the fifth largest city in the world. Mexico has the 15th largest economy, just below those of Spain and Australia. According to the World Bank, Mexico is considered an upper-middle-income country with a GDP of slightly less than $10,000 per capita.The political structure of Mexico is similar to that of the U.S., with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president is elected by popular vote and limited to serving a single six-year term. There is no vice president. If something were to happen to the president, the legislature would designate a provisional successor.The Language: Habla Español?Though more than 50 indigenous languages are spoken in Mexico, the vast majority of the people speak Spanish—in fact, Mexico has the largest number of Spanish speakers on Earth.Spanish is the official language of Mexico and the language that is taught in schools, but many private and public schools also offer instruction in English. In urban areas and in places that attract foreigners, finding English speakers will not be a challenge. Even in small towns and rural areas, there will probably be someone who speaks at least some English.Spanish belongs to the Romance language group derived from Latin, the same as English. Because of its similarities, it’s not considered a difficult language for English speakers to learn, and speaking even a little Spanish will greatly add to your Mexican experience. To learn Spanish or improve your existing skills, schools offering instruction and private tutors are available in most cities and larger towns throughout Mexico. Taking online classes in Spanish is also an option.Social Conventions in MexicoBecause Mexico is so diverse, social norms vary considerably depending on socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, rural versus urban differences, religion, and other factors. A rural farmer in Chiapas lives a very different lifestyle from a successful executive in Mexico City. Even with these differences, though, some similarities are found throughout the country.Relationships in Mexico©iStock.com/ferrantraiteOne of the most important elements in Mexican society is the family. It is common to see three or more generations sharing one residence. The status of the individual is strongly predetermined by the status of their immediate and extended family. Parents and grandparents are given a high degree of respect, as are seniors regardless of their family ties.Because of the strong family ties, Mexican weddings can be especially lavish, but celebrating a young woman’s 15th birthday—her quinceañera—may be similarly extravagant. Large family fiestas with feasting, live music, and dancing late into the night are common in Mexico, attended by everyone from toddlers to grandparents.Mexico has been a male-dominated society for many years, but now, with more women working outside the home, the expectation that men should be macho, and women should be submissive, has been slowly on the decline, especially in urban areas. Traditional patriarchal family roles, where the man supports the family financially while the woman raises the children, does the cooking, and maintains the house are still prevalent in rural areas.Young Mexicans generally postpone marriage until they have completed their education and have found stable employment. The average age of marriage is 33 for men and 30 for women—a trend that has been steadily increasing in recent years.Same-sex marriage has been legal throughout Mexico since 2010, and same-sex marriages performed anywhere in the country are recognized in all 31 states and Mexico City. Civil same-sex marriages are recognized by Mexican law; spousal rights, including the right of inheritance, coverage of spouses under the national social security system, and alimony are legally protected.Food and Drink in Mexico©iStock.com/GMVozdMexican cuisine is popular the world over for good reason. Made with wholesome ingredients and infused with complex flavors, it tends to be hearty and satisfying. The most common staples are rice, beans, and corn—all of which are likely to be offered with practically every traditional meal. Other common ingredients include chilies, tomatoes, avocados, mild cheeses, and bell or sweet peppers. Corn tortillas and other foods made from corn are common throughout the country.Some of the most popular Mexican dishes include tacos, enchiladas, chili rellenos (breaded poblano chilies, stuffed with cheese, covered in salsa, and often topped with even more cheese), burritos (seasoned meat or poultry wrapped in a flour tortilla), quesadillas (cheese and meat or other fillings toasted in a tortilla), cornmeal tamales (steamed in corn husks or banana leaves), and tortas (a sandwich of meat or other fillings on a bolio, or special torta bread).The best steaks are served in northern Mexico, while coastal areas place more emphasis on seafood dishes such as snapper, ceviche, and fish tacos, while hearty dishes with rich, complex sauces are served most commonly in the south. Traditionally, people will have a light breakfast, then a substantial midday meal followed by a siesta, and a light evening dinner. Outside of tourist areas, it can sometimes be challenging to find a restaurant that’s open past 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.Mexico is famous for its tequila, a potent alcoholic drink made from the agave cactus, as well as for its smoky and strong mescal. Other popular beverages include aguas frescas—refreshing drinks flavored with watermelon, jamaica (a tea-like drink derived from roselle flowers), guava, melon, or other fruits, as well as licuados (smoothies), horchata (a refreshing, mildly sweet milk-like beverage made from rice), and atoles (thick and warming hot chocolate-like beverages made with corn masa or rice meal).Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Send My Free ReportBy submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.Etiquette in MexicoPublic Behavior©iStock/Marek BubenikMexico is not a quiet country. Wherever you are, you’ll probably hear dogs barking, loudspeakers blaring, and fireworks exploding. Most Mexicans don’t try to keep their voices down and they don’t expect that from others, either. Restaurants will be noisy and music blasts into the early hours from bars and nightclubs. Where there’s noise, there’s life.Guest EtiquetteTime often moves slowly, even languidly, in Mexico, and the U.S. custom of being prompt is not an expectation here. Time can be quite flexible. If someone says that they will see you mañana, it may mean in the morning, tomorrow, or at some undetermined time in the future. It’s acceptable to arrive at a party 30 minutes to two hours late; coming precisely at the designated time would actually be considered rude, as your host would not yet be ready. The exceptions to this would be arriving within 30 minutes of the designated time for a dinner party, a business appointment, a wedding, a funeral, or a public performance.If you’re meeting a group of people, greet each individual separately. Handshakes or “fist bumps” are the norm when greeting business associates or being formally introduced to someone. Embraces are also common and a bit more intimate, and cheek kisses among women are also proper.Gift GivingIt’s customary to bring a small gift when you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal. Flowers are often given; other gifts could include wine, candies, or cakes, or if your guests have children, you could bring toys.Avoid giving yellow flowers, which symbolize death, purple flowers, which are associated with funerals, or red flowers, which among the superstitious, are believed to cast spells.GreetingsMexicans have two family names; the first one is the father’s and the second is the mother’s. When addressing someone, use their paternal name and title (señor, señora, or señorita), or their honorific (doctora or professora, for example). It’s also polite to use their first name if you’re friends or acquaintances, but err on the side of formality.It’s common to greet everyone you come into contact with, even if you’re just passing them by. Saying "¡buenos días!" (good morning, usually said before breakfast) and ¡buenas tardes! (good afternoon, which is said after breakfast but before retiring for the night) is polite and generally expected. If you’re unsure of what to say, a simple buen día (good day) is also acceptable.Mexican Table EtiquetteWhen eating at a restaurant, the server will likely say provecho or buen provecho (equivalent to enjoy your meal, or bon appetit) when delivering your order. That is the signal that it is time to eat.¡Salud! (to your health) is the customary toast when consuming alcoholic beverages.Never cut the lettuce in a salad; instead, fold it with your fork and knife until it can be picked up with the fork.When dining out, the person who did the inviting usually pays the bill. Most restaurants will split the bill if asked to do so.When it’s time to request the check, raise your hand or wave to get the waiter’s attention; in Mexico, the bill is never presented until it’s requested. Any earlier than that would be considered rude.Tipping is customary in Mexico. Tipping 10% for good service is acceptable; if the service was exceptional, then a 15% tip is appropriate.Most nicer restaurants accept Visa or Mastercard; street vendors and small mom-and-pop restaurants are generally cash only.It is polite to say provecho or buen provecho when passing by other diners as you leave the restaurant.Business Protocol©iStock/Elijah-LovkoffMexico’s business culture shares many similarities to those of the U.S. and Canada. However, there are a few differences that are important to know.Always be prompt for business meetings. This is one of the few examples when mañana is not appropriate.GreetingsWhen introducing yourself, offer a firm handshake (or fist bump) and a business card. Writing down your contact information by hand may be viewed as a sign of being disrespectful or disorganized.Always use the formal titles of señor, señora, and señorita, followed by the paternal surname, unless asked to do otherwise. As with any interaction in Mexico, if you’re uncertain how to politely address someone, use the formal usted form of “you” rather than the informal tu.AttireIn Mexico, looking professional creates the perception of professionalism, while a poor physical presentation may result in an unsuccessful meeting. Although the rules for attire are similar here as they are in the U.S. and Canada, Mexico generally holds a more formal and conservative approach, especially in its major financial cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, and Puebla. Men should wear a suit, tie, and vest, while women should dress in business suits and skirts. In steamy coastal cities, smart casual attire is acceptable.RelationshipsRelationships are everything in Mexico. Take the time to socialize and get to know each other before discussing any business.LanguageEnglish is the language of business throughout the world, and Mexico is no exception. However, speaking at least a few words of Spanish, even if it’s only to apologize for your poor Spanish, will be greatly appreciated.If you are not fluent in Spanish, you may want to hire an interpreter to ease any communication challenges.Meetings and NegotiationThe first business meeting usually takes place in an office. Subsequent meetings will most likely involve a luncheon or dinner.A business lunch may last for two hours or more and is used to build relationships—a necessity in Mexico—and to discuss business in a leisurely manner. Luncheons will start out casually, with a period of socializing and small talk, before business commences. Lunch usually begins between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., while dinners may not start until after 7:30 p.m.Successful negotiations require patience. Deadlines may be considered more as suggestions, and mañana may not mean tomorrow but sometime soon.Avoid being overly aggressive when negotiating, as it is considered rude.WhatsApp is commonly used throughout Mexico and can be used for informal communications.Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven.Send My Free ReportBy submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy.Mexico Deep DivesBeachfront Property in MexicoClimate in MexicoCost of Living in MexicoHealthcare in MexicoInvesting in MexicoLiving in MexicoMaking Money in MexicoMaps of MexicoMedicare Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living AbroadMexico Fast FactsMoving to MexicoOne Million Americans in Mexico Can’t All Be WrongReal Estate in MexicoReal Estate in Puerto VallartaReal Estate in San Miguel de AllendeRetire in MexicoRetiree Benefits in MexicoRolodex of MexicoTaxes in MexicoCity and Area GuideAkumalAlamosBacalarBaja California SurBuying Real Estate in Los CabosBuying Real Estate in TulúmCabo San LucasCancunChetumalCosta MayaCozumelGuadalajaraGuanajuatoHuatulcoIsla HolboxIsla MujeresLa PazLake ChapalaLoretoLos BarrilesMazatlánMeridaMexico CityNuevo VallartaOaxacaPlaya del CarmenPueblaPuerto EscondidoPuerto MorelosPuerto VallartaQuerétaroReal Estate on the Riviera Maya, MexicoRio LagartosRiviera MayaSan CarlosSan José del CaboSan Miguel de AllendeSan PanchoSayulitaTodos SantosTulúmValladolidZihuatanejoConnect with usAbout UsMeet Our ExpertsWrite for UsMedia CenterContact UsAffiliate ProgramAdvertise With Us Privacy PolicyTerms & ConditionsCookie PolicySales taxCopyright © 2024 | International Liv

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Human Behavior

Mexican culture: Customs and traditions

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By Jonathan Gordon, Kim Ann ZimmermannContributions from Alina Bradford published 27 January 2022

Mexican culture brings together elements of ancient Central-American heritage and European customs.

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Population of Mexico

Languages of Mexico

Religions of Mexico

Values of the Mexican people

Mexican food

Mexican arts

Mexican fashion

Doing business in Mexico

Mexican holidays and celebrations

Additional resources and reading

Bibliography

Mexican culture has undergone a tremendous transformation in its recent history with varying impacts in different regions. Many Mexicans live in cities, but smaller rural communities still play a strong role in defining the country's collective vibrant community. Mexico can trace some of its cultural heritage back to the Aztec and Maya peoples who once controlled much of Central America, but equally it owes a great deal to the colonial heritage from Spain. Many of the customs in Mexico can be traced back through one of these branches of history."Mexico's characteristics set it apart from other Spanish American nations. No other country among them has so actively traced its cultural origins [through] so dramatic a history to such deep roots; none has so thoroughly fused European and non-European cultural influences," wrote Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell in "Culture and customs of Mexico" (Greenwood, 2004).Population of MexicoMexico is the 10th most populous country in the world, with over 128 million people according to the United States Census Bureau estimate published on July 1, 2021 . According to the Index Mundi, Mexico consists of several ethnic groups. The mestizo (meaning people of mixed indigenous Central American heritage and European heritage) group accounts for 62% of the population. Indigenous Central American or predominantly indigenous Central American people account for 21%, while 10% of the population has a mostly European background. These groups create a culture that is unique to Mexico. However Index Mundi notes that Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity.According to the Mexican National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI) the median age of the population is 29 years old, which is a jump up from 2015 when it was 27. Index Mundi adds that 26% of the population is under 14-years-old, just under 17% is 15 to 24, 41% is 25 to 54, a little over 8% is 55 to 64 and nearly 8% are 65 or older.It's estimated that 81% of the total population of Mexico lives in urban areas with Mexico City alone having a population of nearly 22 million in the wider area, according to Index Mundi, making it the fifth most populous city in the world.Mexico City is one of the most populous cities in the world, with 8.8 million people in the main part of the city. (Image credit: John Coletti via Getty Images)Languages of MexicoThe overwhelming majority of Mexicans today speak Spanish. According to the CIA, Spanish is spoken by 93.8% of the Mexican population. About 5.4% of the population speaks Spanish as well as indigenous languages, such as Mayan, Nahuatl and other regional languages. Indigenous Mexican words have also become common in other languages, including English. For example, chocolate, coyote, tomato and avocado all originated in Nahuatl. Religions of Mexico"Much of Mexican culture revolves around religious values and the church, as well as the concept of family and inclusiveness," said Talia Wagner, a marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. Around 78% of Mexicans identify themselves as Catholic, according to the CIA, although many have incorporated pre-Hispanic Mayan elements as part of their faith. Some of this dates back to the first colonists looking to merge the approaches of Europe and Central America to bring Christianity to the region."Public ritual had always been essential to both pre-Columbian religion and Spanish Catholicism. Consequently, priests quickly introduced their aboriginal parishioners to religious plays, music, and festivals, especially at Easter and Corpus Christi, both of which celebrated the Holy Eucharist," wrote Linda A Curcio-Nagy, professor of history at the University of Nevada in "The Oxford History of Mexico" (Oxford University Press, 2010), edited by Michael C. Meyer and William H. Beezley.Other Christian denominations represented in Mexico include Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, Mormons, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists and Anglicans. There are also small communities of Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. Values of the Mexican peopleEspecially outside of cities, families are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to immediate family members and extended family such as cousins and even close friends. Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country."Family units are usually large, with traditional gender roles and extensive family involvement from the external members who assist one another in day to day life," Wagner told Live Science. There is a strong connection among family members. "Parents are treated with a high degree of respect, as is the family in general and there may be constant struggle, especially for the growing children between individual wants and needs and those wants and needs of the family," added Wagner.One large event in a Mexican family is the quinceañera. This is a celebration of a young lady's 15th birthday. It signifies the girl's journey from childhood to womanhood. The party includes an elaborate dress for the girl of honor, food, dancing, friends and families. Before the party there is often a mass at the girl's church. The girl is accompanied throughout the festivities by her damas (maids of honor) and chambelánes (chamberlains), according to Encyclopedia Britannica.Mexican food has become one of the country's most popular exports. (Image credit: Cavan Images via Getty Images)Mexican foodMexican cuisine varies widely between regions, as each town has its own culinary traditions, according to "Mexico For You," a publication of the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. Tortillas and other food made from corn are common everywhere, though, as are pepper, tomatoes and beans. Rice is also a staple, according to History.com. Many foods that originated in Mexico are popular worldwide, including avocados, chocolate and pumpkins, in fact Mexican food is one of the country's most popular cultural exports. "Salsa now outsells catsup in the United States and $5 billion worth of tortillas are sold internationally each year," wrote Robert Buffington, Suzanne B. Pasztor, and Don M. Coerver in "Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History" (ABC-CLIO, 2004)Mexico is known for its tequila, which is made from agave cactus that is well suited to the climate of central Mexico. Soda is a very popular drink in Mexico, as the country has a well-developed beverage industry.Mexican artsClay pottery, embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls and outer garments with angular designs, colorful baskets and rugs are some of the common items associated with Mexican folk art. Millennia-old traditions continue in silver-smithing, mosaics, textiles, pottery and basket-weaving, according to "Mexico For You."The country is closely associated with the Mariachi style of folk music. Originated in the southern part of the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century, it involves a group of musicians — playing violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas (a five-string guitar) and trumpets — and wearing silver-studded charro suits and elaborate hats. "La Cucaracha" is a well-known Mariachi staple.Two of Mexico's most famous artists are Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Their paintings include vibrant colors and depictions of life in Mexico. Rivera was a pioneer of Muralism, a movement that used expansive wall art to educate the people. Kahlo's work drew from personal pain and also the deep history of Mexico itself. "The work of Frida Kahlo (1907–54) is also steeped in Mexicanness, although it is primarily a record of her difficult life, marked in pain, disappointment, and loneliness," wrote Helen Delpar, a professor of history at the University of Alabama in "The Oxford History of Mexico" (Oxford University Press, 2010). A mariachi band plays music in Puebla. Marichi music is a tradition that goes back to the 19th century. (Image credit: ChameleonsEye / Shutterstock.com)Mexican fashionMany may not think of Mexico as a place that fosters high fashion, but many fashion designers hail from Mexico, such as Jorge Duque and Julia y Renata. There is also a Mexico Fashion Week. In the cities, fashion in Mexico is influenced by international trends, so the typical urban Mexican dresses similar to people in Europe and the United States.Traditional Mexican clothing for women includes a sleeveless tunic-like dress called a huipil, according to Don Quijote Spanish School. Originally, these cotton dresses were made very simple with garnishes of color. However, traditional Mexican women's clothing now regularly includes lots of ornate embroidery, often including images and patterns that have symbolic meaning attached to them.One distinguishing article of traditional men's clothing is a large blanket cape called a sarape. Boots are also a wardrobe staple. The charro suit, with its origins as the outfit worn by Mexican cowboys, is most associated with Mariachi musicians. The suit is also an acceptable substitute for a tuxedo at formal events in Mexico. The charro suit includes the sombrero, a wide-brimmed hat that provides plenty of shade.Doing business in MexicoMexico's currency is the peso. Almost 65% of the country's GDP comes from the service sector with industry making up 31% and agriculture contributing 3.6%, according to the CIA. Its primary agricultural products are sugar cane, maize, milk, oranges, sorghum, tomatoes, poultry, wheat, green chillies/peppers and eggs.Mexican business culture tends to value personal relationships, a strong hierarchy and a clear consciousness of status, according to Santander. "Doing business of any sort is normally preceded by a period of socializing," wrote Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell in "Culture and customs of Mexico."The Day of the Dead is a day of celebration, honoring family members who have died. (Image credit: Leopoldo Smith / Stringer via Getty Images)Mexican holidays and celebrationsThe Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, which is celebrated on Dec. 12, is a major Mexican holiday celebrating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an indigenous Mexican in the first years of Spanish rule. She is the patron saint of the country. This is followed closely by Posadas, a nine-day celebration in which people re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem to search for a place to stay. Families go from door to door carrying candles and singing, asking for shelter until the owners open the door, at which point the party begins.The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), celebrated on Nov. 2, is a day set aside to remember and honor those who have died, according to the University of New Mexico. Carnival is also celebrated in many communities throughout Mexico to mark the period before Lent.Independence Day, marking the country's separation from Spain in 1810, is celebrated on Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo, which marks a Mexican military victory over the French in 1862, is more widely celebrated in the United States (as a beer promotion) than it is in Mexico.Additional resources and readingLearn more about the colonial history of Mexico and Central America more widely by reading about one of the men who helped to shape events, Hernán Cortés.If the culture and life of Central America before the arrival of European colonists is what interests you, then a deep dive into the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán is for you.Bibliography"Culture and customs of Mexico" by Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell (Greenwood, 2004)"The Oxford History of Mexico" edited by Michael C. Meyer and William H. Beezley (Oxford University Press, 2010)"Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History" by Robert Buffington, Suzanne B. Pasztor, and Don M. Coerver (ABC-CLIO, 2004)Mercedes Benz Fashion Week"Mexico Business Practices" Santander Trade Markets"Our Lady of Guadalupe" Catholic Online" The History of Mexican Independence" Mexonline

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Jonathan GordonSocial Links NavigationEditor, All About HistoryJonathan is the Editor of All About History magazine, running the day to day operations of the brand. He has a Bachelor's degree in History from the University of Leeds. He has previously worked as Editor of video game magazines games™ and X-ONE and tech magazines iCreate and Apps. He is currently based in Bournemouth, UK.With contributions fromAlina BradfordLive Science Contributor

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History of Mexico

ory of MexicoShowsThis Day In HistoryScheduleTopicsStoriesHistory ClassicsLive TVYour ProfileYour ProfileHistoryFind History on Facebook (Opens in a new window)Find History on Twitter (Opens in a new window)Find History on YouTube (Opens in a new window)Find History on Instagram (Opens in a new window)Find History on TikTok (Opens in a new window)Email UpdatesLive TVHistory ClassicsShowsThis Day In HistoryScheduleTopicsStoriesVideosHistory PodcastsHistory VaultShopHomeTopicsLatin American HistoryHistory of MexicoHistory of MexicoBy: History.com EditorsUpdated: June 23, 2023 | Original: November 9, 2009copy page linkPrint PageDEA PICTURE LIBRARY/De Agostini via Getty ImagesTable of ContentsHistory Mexico Today Facts & Figures Fun Facts Landmarks Culture Culture: Arts & Music – Theater & Film – Literature Culture: Sports The States A country rich in history, tradition and culture, Mexico is made up of 31 states and one federal district. It is the third largest country in Latin America and has one of the largest populations—more than 100 million—making it the home of more Spanish speakers than any other nation in the world. Despite the political and social changes that have occurred over the centuries, evidence of past cultures and events are apparent everywhere in Mexico. Many of Mexico’s rural areas are still inhabited by indigenous people whose lifestyles are quite similar to those of their ancestors. In addition, many pre-Columbian ruins still exist throughout Mexico, including the ancient city of Teotihuacán and the Mayan pyramids at Chichén Itzá and Tulum. Reminders of the colonial past are evident in the architecture of towns like Taxco and Querétaro.History Early HistoryThe Olmecs, Mexico’s first known society, settled on the Gulf Coast near what is now Veracruz. Remembered for the giant head sculptures they carved from native stone, the Olmecs had two main population centers: San Lorenzo, which flourished from about 1200 to 900 B.C., and La Venta in Tabasco, which lasted until about 600 B.C.Did you know? The three colors of Mexico’s flag hold deep significance for the country and its citizens: green represents hope and victory, white stands for the purity of Mexican ideals and red brings to mind the blood shed by the nation’s heroes.By 300 B.C., villages based on agriculture and hunting had sprung up throughout the southern half of Mexico. Monte Albán, home to the Zapotec people, had an estimated 10,000 inhabitants. Between 100 B.C. and 700 A.D., Teotihuacán, the largest pre-Columbian city in the Americas, was constructed near present-day Mexico City. The civilization that built it is also called Teotihuacán, and the influence of this culture can be seen throughout the Veracruz and Mayan regions. At its zenith, with a population estimated at 200,000, the civilization is thought to have controlled a large portion of southern Mexico. The empire of Teotihuacán was overthrown in the 7th century, but the spectacular city survives today.Mayan Scientific AchievementsThe Mayans, widely considered to be pre-Columbian America’s most brilliant civilization, thrived between approximately 250 and 900 A.D. They developed a calendar and writing system and built cities that functioned as hubs for the surrounding farming towns. The ceremonial center of Mayan cities featured plazas surrounded by tall temple pyramids and lower buildings called “palaces.” Religion played a central role in Mayan life, and altars were carved with significant dates, histories and elaborate human and divine figures. The Mayan civilization collapsed in the early 10th century, likely due to overpopulation and the resultant damage to the ecological balance.The Toltec civilization also influenced Mexico’s cultural history. Historians have determined that the Toltec people appeared in central Mexico near the 10th century and built the city of Tula, home to an estimated 30,000-40,000 people. Some have speculated that the Toltecs performed human sacrifices to appease the gods. One of their kings, Tezcatlipoca, is said to have ordered mass sacrifices of captured enemy warriors. Because many Toltec architectural and ritualistic influences can be found at the Mayan site of Chichén Itzá in northern Yucatán, many researchers believe that Toltec exiles fled to Yucatán and created a new version of Tula there.The Aztecs, the last of pre-Columbian Mexico’s great native civilizations, rose to prominence in the central valley of Mexico around 1427 by partnering with the Toltecs and Mayans. This triple alliance conquered smaller cultures to the east and west until the Aztec empire spanned Mexico from the Pacific Ocean to the Gulf Coast. At their height, the Aztecs ruled 5 million people via a tightly-structured system of self-supporting units called calpulli. Each unit had its own governing council, schools, army, temple and land but paid tribute to the supreme leader of the empire. Influenced by earlier Mexican civilizations, the Aztecs conducted extraordinary religious ceremonies that featured dances, processions and sacrifices.Middle HistorySpaniard Hernán Cortés arrived at Veracruz in 1519. Believing that Cortés might be the serpent god Quetzalcoatl, Aztec King Moctezuma II invited the conquistador to Tenochtitlán. This gesture proved disastrous because Cortés formed many allies on his way to the city. In May 1521, Cortés and his followers attacked and conquered the Aztecs. Cortés then colonized the area and named it Nueva España (New Spain). By 1574, Spain controlled a large portion of the Aztec empire and had enslaved most of the indigenous population. Worse, the diseases brought into the society by the Spaniards devastated the indigenous population of Nueva España, killing an estimated 24 million people between 1521 and 1605.The Catholic Church’s influence was felt in the region when missionaries began arriving in 1523. The missionaries built many monasteries and converted millions of people to Catholicism.During this tumultuous time, colonists in Nueva España who had been born in Spain (peninsulares) clashed with Spaniards who had been born in Mexico (criollos). Many criollos had become rich and wanted equal political power, which now resided with the peninsulares.Concerned about the Catholic Church’s ever-growing power, King Carlos III of Spain expelled the Jesuits from Nueva España in the late 1700s. Napoleón Bonaparte’s occupation of Spain in 1808 compromised the country’s political and economic structure, which in turn weakened Spain’s grip on Nueva España.Recent HistoryOn September 16, 1810, Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla, a parish priest from the town of Dolores, issued a call to rebellion. In response, rebel leader Vicente Guerrero and defected royalist general Agustín de Itúrbide collaborated to gain Mexico’s independence from Spain in 1821. Together they drafted a Mexican constitution. However, in 1822, Itúrbide declared himself emperor of the country. A year later, Antonio López de Santa Anna overthrew Itúrbide and drew up a new constitution that established a federal Mexican republic composed of 19 states and four territories. From 1823 to 1836, Santa Anna served as president, squelching Texas’ stand for independence in the battle of the Alamo during his last year in office. He was later defeated by American forces during the Mexican-American War and, by 1855, had gone into exile. Following Mexico’s occupation by the French in the mid-1800s, Porfírio Díaz served as president from 1876 to 1909.Despite ushering in the industrial age and greatly improving the country’s infrastructure, Díaz was a dictator who bestowed political favors on the very wealthy citizenry, largely ignored the poor and ruled ruthlessly by force.The Mexican people, tired of the unbalanced distribution of wealth and power, initiated the Mexican Revolution in 1910. The 10-year civil war resulted in at least 2 million casualties. Finally, in 1934, Lázaro Cárdenas became president and reestablished the ancient ejido system, which established communally shared tracts of farmland. The system benefited both the citizens and the economy. World War II further stimulated the nation’s development through the development of roads, the building of factories and the establishment of irrigation systems.Struggle for Mexican IndependenceMexico Today Mexico’s population has greatly increased since World War II, but the distribution of wealth remains imbalanced. Due to negligible legislative assistance, the poor are generally unable to improve their socio-economic status. The state of Chiapas exemplifies the problems caused by financial imbalance. In 1994, the Zapatista National Liberation Army rose up to challenge discrimination against Chiapas’ poor.Although their rebellion was unsuccessful, the Zapatistas continue to fight against imbalanced land ownership and power distribution, with little success. Further complicating the already problematic social division is the ever-growing problem of drug trafficking, which has contributed to political and police corruption and helped widen the gap between the elite and the underprivileged.In recent years, the building of foreign-owned factories and plants (maquiladoras) in some of Mexico’s rural areas has helped draw the population away from Mexico City and redistribute some of the country’s wealth. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) of 1994 increased Mexico’s financial ties to the United States and Canada, but the Mexican economy remains fragile. Despite its problems, the Mexican economy, with its growing industrial base, abundant natural resources and variety of service industries, remains important to Latin America.Today, tourism is a major contributor to the Mexican economy. People flock to Mexico from all over the world to sample the country’s cultural diversity, bask in the lush tropical settings and take advantage of relatively low prices. U.S. tourists constitute the majority of visitors to the country, especially to Mexico City and the world-famous resorts in Acapulco, Puerto Vallarta, Ixtapa-Zihuatanejo, Mazatlán, Cancún and Puerto Escondido.Facts & Figures Full Name: United Mexican StatesCapital: Mexico City (Distrito Federal)Major Cities (population): Mexico City (8,720,916), Ecatepec de Morelos (1,688,258), Guadalajara (1,600,940), Puebla (1,485,941), Tijuana (1,410,700), Juárez (1,313,338), León (1,278,087), Zapopan (1,155,790), Nezahualcóyotl (1,140,528), Monterrey 1,133,814Border Countries: Belize and Guatemala to the southeast; United States to the northSize/Area: Total: 758,249 square miles (1,972,550 square kilometers) – Water: 2.5 percentPopulation: 103,263,388 (2005 Census)Independence: Declared on September 16, 1810 – Recognized by Spain on September 27, 1821Monetary Unit: PesosFun Facts The three colors of Mexico’s flag hold deep significance for the country and its citizens: green represents hope and victory, white stands for the purity of Mexican ideals and red brings to mind the blood shed by the nation’s heroes.The flag’s dramatic emblem is based on the legend of how the Mexicas (or Aztecs) traveled from Aztlán to find the place where they could establish their empire. The god Huitzilopochtli advised them that a sign—an eagle devouring a serpent atop a Nopal cactus—would appear to them at the exact spot where they should begin construction. On a small island in the middle of a lake, the Mexicas came upon the scene exactly as Huitzilopochtli had described it. They immediately settled there and founded the city of Tenochtitlán, which is now Mexico City, the country’s capital.Mexico is the third-largest country in Latin America after Brazil and Argentina.At the beginning of the 21st century, Mexico’s population surpassed 100 million.Mexico has the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world.With almost 25 million residents, Mexico City is one of the most populous metropolitan areas in the world.Mexico has the world’s second-highest number of Catholics after Brazil.At nearly 2,000 miles, the border between Mexico and the United States is the second-longest in the world, after the border between the United States and Canada.Mexicans comprise the largest group of legal immigrants in the United States.Mexico is located in an area known as the Pacific “Ring of Fire.” This region, one of Earth’s most dynamic tectonic areas, is characterized by active volcanoes and frequent seismic activity. The highest point in the country, Citlaltépetl (also called Orizaba) and the active volcano Popocatépetl are among the many volcanic peaks in Mexico. The Great Ball Court at Chichén Itzá Mexico, which was used for ritualistic sports by the ancient Mayans, is the largest such court the world, measuring 166 by 68 meters (545 by 232 feet). The game, which involved elements similar to those of soccer and basketball, was played by two teams whose number varied according to region.Tequila, a liquor for which Mexico is famous, is made from the native blue agave plant. Named after the city where it originated, Tequila is primarily manufactured near Jalisco, which is 65 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Guadalajara.Mexico is the world’s leading producer of silver. An area called the Silver Belt—which encompasses Guanajuato and Zacatecas in the Mesa Central, Chihuahua in the Mesa del Norte and San Luis Potosi farther east—saw significant mining activity during the colonial period.Mexico hosted the Summer Olympics in 1968 and the FIFA World Cup soccer championship in 1970 and 1986.The Mexico City Arena—one of the largest bullfighting arenas in the world—seats 50,000. Another 35 arenas are located throughout the country.Landmarks Chichén ItzáChichén Itzá is an ancient Mayan city located on the Yucatán Peninsula. At its peak, around 600 A.D., it was the center of power in the region. Many of the original stone palaces, temples and markets remain throughout the city.Teotihuacán Teotihuacán, an ancient city possibly built by the Toltecs, is located in the state of Mexico. The city rose to power in 150 A.D. and was a strong influence on Mayan culture. It is also the location of the world’s third largest pyramid, the Pirámide del Sol (Pyramid of the Sun).Paquimé RuinsPaquimé, located in the state of Chihuahua, was a cultural center in north Mexico for over 300 years. At the height of its power in the 13th century, the city’s population is thought to have reached 10,000, with most of the citizens living in five or six story buildings similar to modern apartments.Paquimé featured a ceremonial area, temple structures, a ball court, pyramids and effigy mounds, including one that resembled a cross with perfect astronomical orientation. Turkeys and parrots were kept in special cages, possibly to supply feathers used for ceremonial and personal adornment.Cuarenta CasasCuarenta Casas (Forty Houses) are cliff dwellings located in the state of Chihuahua and discovered by the Spaniards around the 16th century. Despite the name, only about a dozen adobe apartments are carved into the west cliff-side of a dramatic canyon at La Cueva de las Ventanas (Cave of the Windows). Cuarenta Casas is believed to have been an outlying settlement of Paquimé in the 13th century.BuildingsPalacio Nacional Mexico City is home to the three-story Palacio Nacional (National Palace), built in 1563 on the site of the Aztec leader Moctezuma’s palace. Originally, the palace housed all three branches of the government. Today, however, only the executive branch resides there. Palacio Nacional was destroyed by fire twice, once in 1659 and again in 1692. It was reconstructed in 1693 and remains largely unchanged today.In the early to mid-1900s, Diego Rivera painted a collection of huge murals on the walls of the palace that illustrate the colorful history of Mexico. The palace is also home to Mexico’s Liberty Bell.Catedral MetropolitanaLocated at the north side of Mexico City’s town square, Catedral Metropolitana is the largest and oldest cathedral in all of Latin America. Construction on the building, which blends Baroque and Neoclassical styles, began in 1573 and took three centuries to complete. The cathedral features 14 chapels, five altars and numerous statues, paintings and altarpieces of Christ and the saints.EcotourismThe Sea of CortésThe Sea of Cortés, also known as the Gulf of California, is situated between mainland Mexico and the Baja Peninsula. Located on Isla Partida, one of numerous sea islands, is Ensenada Grande beach, which many consider to be the most beautiful beach in Mexico. The Sea of Cortés contains many unique species of marine life, including the mantra-like Flying Mobulas, which can leap from the water and glide through the air, and the Vaquita Marina, the most endangered porpoise in the world.Popocatépetl and IztaccíhuatlLocated on the eastern rim of the Valle de Mexico, Popocatépetl and Iztaccíhuatl are Mexico’s second- and third-highest volcanic mountains. Craterless Iztaccíhuatl is dormant and a popular site for mountain climbing; however, Popocatépetl, whose Aztec name means Smoking Mountain, has erupted more than 20 times since the arrival of the Spanish. It continues to spout plumes of gas and ash and is carefully monitored by scientists.Popular LocalesMexico CityMexico City, the second-largest metropolitan area in the world after Tokyo, is home to numerous attractions, including the Palacio Nacional and the Catedral Metropolitana.AcapulcoWith its golden beaches, tropical jungles and renowned daredevil cliff-divers, Acapulco remains the best-known and most popular resort town in Mexico.The Baja PeninsulaThe Baja Peninsula along Mexico’s west coast, is famous for its long coastline of fine white beaches, peaceful bays and imposing cliffs.GuadalajaraGuadalajara, Jalisco, is rich in Mexican culture. The area has become famous for its locally manufactured tequila, mariachi music, sombreros, charreadas (rodeos) and the Mexican Hat Dance.Cinco de MayoCulture PeopleCitizens of Mexico highly value their nation, independence and community. Their culture is a composite of influences handed down by countless civilizations. From the early Mesoamerican civilizations to the diverse populations that live there today, Mexico’s citizens have remained proud of their heritage and their country.Many rural communities maintain strong allegiances to regions, often referred to as patrias chicas (small homelands). The large number of indigenous languages and customs in these regions, especially in the south, naturally accentuate cultural differences. However, the indigenismo (ancestral pride) movement of the 1930s played a major role in unifying the country and solidifying national pride among the various populations.Family remains among the most important elements in Mexican society, both in private and public life. From infancy to old age, an individual’s status and opportunities are strongly influenced by family ties. Many households, in both rural and urban areas, are inhabited by three or more generations due to the economic advantage (or necessity) of sharing one roof. Mexicans generally establish strong links to family members, including in–laws and friends of the family, who are generally thought of as aunts and uncles. The elderly, adults, teenagers and small children commonly attend parties and dances together. Weddings are generally lavish family-oriented events as are the traditional quinceañera celebrations given in honor of a young woman’s 15th birthday.Languages The majority of the Mexican population speaks Spanish, the official national language. However, another 60 indigenous languages are still spoken in Mexico, including Maya in the Yucatán; Huastec in northern Veracruz; Nahuatl, Tarastec, Totonac, Otomí and Mazahua mainly in the Mesa Central region; Zapotec, Mixtec and Mazatec in Oaxaca; and Tzeltal and Tzotzil in Chiapas.ReligionCatholicism has become the dominant Mexican religion since first being introduced during Spanish colonization in the 16th century. Currently, more than 75 percent of Mexico’s population is Catholic, making Mexico the second-largest Catholic country in the world after Brazil. During the Mexican Revolution of 1917 and the administration of President Plutarco Elías Calles (1924 – 1928), there was a strong anti–clerical movement. This idea became less prevalent in the between 1940 and 1960. In fact that era saw a boom in the construction of new churches.The Basílica of Guadalupe, built between the 16th and 18th centuries to honor Mexico’s patron saint, is located in Mexico City. Each year, hundreds of thousands of people, many of them peasants, travel from near and far to worship at the shrine. Although this is probably the most important and beloved religious site in Mexico, thousands of other churches, convents, pilgrimage sites and shrines exist throughout the country.Mexico’s present population consists of Roman Catholics (76.5 percent), Protestants (6.3 percent), Pentecostals (1.4 percent), and Jehovah’s Witnesses (1.1 percent). Another 14.7 percent are non-religious or are of other faiths.HolidaysMany Mexican holidays are Christian in origin, such as Pre-Lenten Carnaval; Semana Santa (Easter week); Christmas, including Las Posadas (the nine–day celebration that begins December 16th); and Día de los Reyes (Three Kings Day), which celebrates the Epiphany. Mexican children receive the bulk of the season’s gifts and toys on Día de los Reyes.On December 12, El Día de la Virgen De Guadalupe, Mexico honors its patron saint. During January, the city of Morelia celebrates the fiesta of the Immaculate Conception, and on the 17th of that month, pets and livestock are adorned with flowers and ribbons for the fiesta of San Antonio Abad.Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead), which occurs on November 1, has ancient Aztec and Mesoamerican roots. This day is set aside to remember and honor the lives of the deceased while celebrating the continuation of life. Halloween (October 31st) and All Souls’ Day (November 2nd) are also locally important holidays. During this period, families celebrate the spirits of departed loved ones in various ways, including erecting ofrendas (small altars) in their houses, decorating tombs and eating skull-shaped candies (calaveras) and sweet breads. It is a time for celebrating ancestors–with whom many believe they can communicate during these events–and embracing death as natural and inevitable rather than as something to be feared.On October 12 of each year, the Día de la Raza (Race Day) is celebrated in recognition of the mestizo (mixed) character of Mexico’ s indigenous and European population. Widely celebrated patriotic events include Independence Day (September 16) and Cinco de Mayo (May 5), which commemorates the Mexican victory over French invaders in 1862.CuisineMexican cuisine varies greatly by region but depends heavily on an ancient trinity of staples: corn (maize), beans and squash.Another staple, rice, is usually served alongside beans. Mexicans also tend to make liberal use of avocados (often in the form of guacamole), chili peppers, amaranth, tomatoes, papayas, potatoes, lentils, plantains and vanilla (a flavoring that is pre-Columbian in origin). Salt and hot peppers (often served in a red or green sauce) are the most common condiments; maize tortillas complement most main dishes.Popular dishes vary by region and individual circumstances, but some of the more widely enjoyed foods are tortillas (flat bread wraps made from wheat or maize flour), enchiladas, cornmeal tamales (cooked within corn husks or banana leaves), burritos, soft–shell tacos, tortas (sandwiches of chicken, pork or cheese and vegetables enclosed in a hard roll), stuffed chili peppers and quesadillas (tortillas filled with soft cheese and meat). Other favorites are soups and spicy stews such as menudo (made from beef tripe and fresh vegetables) and pozole (stewed hominy and pork). Seafood dishes such as pulpo (octopus), chipachole (spicy crab soup) and ceviche (seafood marinated in lime or lemon juice) are popular in coastal areas. In Oaxaca and a few other states, fried and spiced chapulines (grasshoppers) are considered a delicacy. A favorite among the Nahuatl Indians is huitlacoche (corn fungus) served wrapped in fat–fried quesadillas.Among the preferred desserts are sweet breads, chocolates and dulce de leche (caramelized milk), which is also called leche quemada or burned milk. On city sidewalks and streets, little bells announce the approach of paleteros, ambulatory vendors whose small insulated carts are filled with frozen paletas (popsicle-like treats made from creams or juices) and ice cream. Sugar–battered flautas (deep–fried filled corn tortillas) are popular with children of all ages.Meals are often washed down with aguas frescas (watery sweet drinks, usually roselle flowers), horchata (a milky rice–based drink) and drinks flavored with watermelon or other fresh fruit. Also popular are licuados (fruit shakes or smoothies). During the Christmas holidays and on the Day of the Dead, one of the more popular drinks is atole (or atol), a hot combination of corn or rice meal, water, and spices.Several well-known alcoholic beverages made in Mexico are derived from the maguey and agave plants. Maguey–also known as the Century Plant–is used to make pulque, an inexpensive drink. The plant was cultivated by many small farmers because it could thrive on infertile, rocky soil. Agave, in particular the blue agave, is used to make tequila, Mexico’s national liquor. The drink takes its name from Tequila, Jalisco, where it originated. Another alcoholic drink made from agave is mescal, which is produced primarily in Oaxaca.Culture: Arts & Music – Theater & Film – Literature Arts & MusicIn every major city in Mexico, universities and museums provide institutional support for art and cultural events. Among Mexico’s internationally acclaimed museums are the Museum of Folk Art, the sprawling National Museum of Anthropology and its offshoot, the National Museum of History.ArtPost-revolutionary artists Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, Rufino Tamayo and David Alfaro Siqueiros made significant contributions to Mexico’ s artistic and cultural heritage. Though diverse in their styles and subject matter, each drew upon personal and social experiences to create their work, which informed the sensibilities of worldwide audiences and inspired generations of young artists.Murals, an ancient art form, grace the walls of public and private buildings throughout Mexico. Generations of muralists–influenced by artistic legacies traceable to the Aztecs, Mayans and other pre-Hispanic civilizations–have added their stories to those of their ancestors, captivating passersby with evocative figures and landscapes captured in rich colors and bold strokes.Diego Rivera, whose mural Man at the Crossroads graces the lobby of New York’s 30 Rockefeller Plaza, is the most renowned of Mexico’s muralists. His works are also displayed at the Mexican National Palace and the Palace of Fine Arts.MusicMusic, like food, is a mainstay of Mexican social life. The styles are diverse and include both traditional and modern genres. Perhaps the best-known Mexican genre is the ranchero. Popularized after the revolution, the ranchera came to symbolize the new national consciousness and focuses largely on love, patriotism and nature. Because of its familiar themes and rhythms, this song style has become popular among mariachi musicians. Highly recognizable in their customary silver–studded charro (cowboy) outfits and wide–brimmed hats, mariachi groups have enjoyed notable commercial success and are often featured at festivals, banquets and wedding.Another popular genre is norteño (northern), which relies on the accordion and 12–string bass guitar for its characteristic stylizations. More recent musical innovations include banda, which is similar to norteño music, and cumbia, which is heavily influenced by music from the Caribbean islands. Becoming increasingly popular among Mexican youths are modern genres such as pop, hip–hop and rock–musical forms that gained popularity during the last century in the United States.Theater & FilmMexico has a strong theatrical tradition kept alive by many professional, academic and indigenous groups. Although the theater’ s popularity diminished with the rise of television and film, groups still perform all over the country in large and small venues. In Mexico City, theater lovers can visit El Palacio de las Bellas Artes, Mexico City’s famous opera house, to see the Ballet Folklorico, a famous dance performance that blends various types of native music and dance.Some regions feature plays that recount events from local history. In other cases, plays drawn from universal themes or celebrate such common concerns of daily life as love, marriage, joy, betrayal and hope.During Semana Santa (the holy week from Easter until Palm Sunday), many communities enact a full passion play that depicts the events surrounding the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Many of these performances are impressively staged and draw large crowds.Several Mexican actors and filmmakers have been internationally recognized, including directors Alejandro González Iñárritu (Amores Perros, 2000; Babel, 2006), Alfonso Cuarón (Y Tu Mamá También, 2001) and Guillermo del Toro (El Laberinto Del Fauno/Pan’s Labyrinth, 2006). Spanish director Luis Buñuel and French Surrealist André Breton both spent many years in Mexico, and their influences are seen in the works of current Mexican directors. Based on her 2002 theatrical portrayal of the internationally recognized Mexican painter Frida Kahlo, Salma Hayek became the first Mexican actress to be nominated for an Academy Award.LiteratureMexican writers have gained reputations by dealing with questions of universal significance. One of the best known is Samuel Ramos, whose philosophical speculations on humanity and culture in Mexico influenced post–1945 writers in several genres. Many consider Mexico’s Octavio Paz to be the foremost poet of Latin America. The novels of Carlos Fuentes are honored throughout the world, and Juan José Arreola’s fantasies are widely admired.Culture: Sports Fùtbol (Soccer)Soccer is the favorite sport of the vast majority of the population. Unlike other Mexican sports, soccer can emotionally divide the country, especially when Mexican rivals meet each other. People from all over the country attend matches, which are usually held on Sundays. Winning the coveted Copa Libertadores, the Latin American equivalent of the European Cup, is an honor that motivates both players and fans alike.In 1970, Mexico’s Azteca Stadium was host to the FIFA World Cup finals. This event was one of the most memorable in sports history as Pele and his Brazilian team won for the third time, making them the first country ever to win the tournament more than twice. Mexico hosted the event again in 1986.Well–known soccer players from Mexico include Hugo Sanchez, Cuahtemoc Blanco, Rafael Marques, Alberto Medina, Omar Bravo, Enrique Borja, Antonio Carvajal, Manolo Negrete, Jorge Gutierrez, Luis Flores, Salvador Reyes, Horacio Casarin, Alberto García Aspe, Jorge Campos and Luís Garcia.BoxingMexico’s boxing tradition is well established and it has been home to some of the world’s most renowned fighters including: Carlos Zarate, Vincente Saldivar, Salvador Sanchez, Erik Morales, Ricardo Lopez and Julio Cesar Chavez, who is considered one of the greatest sports heroes in Mexican history. CharreadaA charreada is a Mexican–style rodeo. Unlike American rodeo in which participants are awarded prizes according to how quickly they perform, charreada focuses primarily on style and skill. In a circular arena approximately 40 meters (44 yards) in diameter, Mexican cowboys and cowgirls wearing traditional charro (cowboy) clothing participate in a series of events involving bulls and horses. Today’s charros are ranchers, business people and professionals who share an interest in preserving Mexico’s charreada traditions.BaseballAlong the Gulf of Mexico and in the northern Mexican states, baseball is very popular. The Mexican professional league is named the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol, and the season runs from March to July with playoffs held in August. Equally popular is the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico, a high–level winter league that features players from Japan, Korea and the United States. The champion of this league participates in the “ Caribbean Series” with teams from Venezuela, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic.Bullfighting Also known as fiesta brava, bullfighting has been popular in Mexico for the last 400 years. Like Spanish bullfighters, Mexican matadores perform specific moves, occasionally using a piece of red cloth to attract a bull in a graceful manner. Bullfights are often preceded by festivities such as rodeos, pig chases and dances.Lucha LibreMexican style professional wrestling, called Lucha Libre (free fight) embraces all styles of wrestling: submission, high flying comedy and brawling. The sport achieves an extraordinary level of artistic expression through costuming and bravado performance. El Santo, possibly the most famous Lucha Libre wrestler, often starred in films, wore his silver mask throughout his life and was eventually buried in it. Other famous Luchadores include The Blue Demon, Mil Máscaras, and Rey Mysterio, who eventually moved on to American wrestling where he became even better known.The States Mexico is made up of 31 states and one federal district.AguascalientesBaja CaliforniaBaja California SurCampecheChiapasChihuahuaCoahuilaColimaDistrito Federal (Mexico City)DurangoGuanajuatoGuerreroHidalgoJaliscoState of MéxicoMichoacánMorelosNayaritNuevo LeónOaxacaPueblaQuerétaroQuintana RooSan Luis PotosíSinaloaSonoraTabascoTamaulipasTlaxcalaVeracruzYucatánZacatecasHISTORY Vault: The Mexican RevolutionThe first great revolution of the 20th century began as a revolt against a dictator and ended in civil war, consuming hundreds of thousands of lives as Mexico struggled to live up to its ideals of land and liberty.WATCH NOWBy: History.com EditorsHISTORY.com works with a wide range of writers and editors to create accurate and informative content. All articles are regularly reviewed and updated by the HISTORY.com team. Articles with the “HISTORY.com Editors” byline have been written or edited by the HISTORY.com editors, including Amanda Onion, Missy Sullivan, Matt Mullen and Christian Zapata.

Citation InformationArticle TitleHistory of MexicoAuthorHistory.com EditorsWebsite NameHISTORYURLhttps://www.history.com/topics/latin-america/history-of-mexicoDate AccessedMarch 9, 2024PublisherA&E Television NetworksLast UpdatedJune 23, 2023Original Published DateNovember 9, 2009Fact CheckWe strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us! HISTORY reviews and updates its content regularly to ensure it is complete and accurate.Print PageSign up for Inside HistoryGet HISTORY’s most fascinating stories delivered to your inbox three times a week.Sign UpBy submitting your information, you agree to receive emails from HISTORY and A+E Networks. You can opt out at any time. You must be 16 years or older and a resident of the United States.More details: Privacy Notice | Terms of Use | Contact UsA+E NetworksOur Family of BrandsHistory EducationHistory VaultMobile/AppsNewsShopShare Your OpinionFollow Historydepm+BiographyCrime and InvestigationHistory en EspanolLRWMilitary HistoryAd ChoicesAdvertise With UsAccessibility SupportCopyright PolicyCorporate InformationEmployment OpportunitiesFAQ/Contact UsPrivacy NoticeCookie NoticeTerms Of UseTV Parental GuidelinesContact UsCopyright PolicyPrivacy PolicyTerms of UseAd ChoicesAccessibility Support© 2024, A&E Television Networks, LLC. All Rights Reserv

Mexican Culture - Core Concepts — Cultural Atlas

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Mexican Culture

Mexico

Core Concepts

Primary Author

Nina Evason,

2018

Class

Pride

Diversity (Mestizaje)

Machismo

Fatalism

Mexico is a North American country bordering the United States, Guatemala and Belize. It is extremely geographically diverse, with deserts, high mountain plateaus and tropical coastlines. More than half of the Mexican population lives in the central regions of the country, whilst the arid north and tropical south are more sparsely populated. The dominant culture of Mexico reflects a blend of indigenous and Spanish customs; however, traditions vary greatly across the country. Many of the things often thought of as distinctively ‘Mexican’ have a local or regional origin. For example, tequila, mariachi music, embroidered sombrero and costume of the charro (gentleman rancher) originated in the west of Mexico. Each region/state generally has a unique cultural identity and accompanying cuisine, folk songs and craftsmanship that residents are very proud of. Cultural customs may also vary on a more local level, between communities, towns and cities within states.

Settlement Patterns and Regional Identities

Roughly 80% of Mexicans live in urban areas while 20% live rurally.1 The growth of urbanisation is a continuing trend as many rural poor are attracted by the economic opportunities of industrial areas. However, city living does not ensure financial security. Differences in attitudes and practices are very noticeable between urban centres and rural areas. Those in rural towns generally continue to follow traditional lifestyles and hold quite conservative beliefs. They often maintain strong identities that are particular to their specific town or region. These may be referred to as ‘patrias chicas’ (small homelands). Such regional identities are particularly important to many indigenous communities.

On the other hand, many towns and cities are highly industrialised and cosmopolitan. Popular coastal towns are generally also quite Westernised from the influx of tourism. People from cities tend to be less conservative; however, this is still highly dependent on which region the city is in. For example, those from Guadalajara are generally more traditional than people from Mexico City. Indeed, Mexico City is somewhat of a cultural outlier in the country. It is the second biggest metropolitan area in the world. Being a global economic and cultural centre, it tends to attract more liberal and unconventional Mexicans from other areas of the country. Roughly one in six Mexicans live in the capital.2

Social Hierarchies

Systemic inequalities and historical factors have made class differences very distinct in Mexico. Class often defines the daily activity and lifestyles of people, as well as the employment opportunities afforded to them. This becomes very noticeable when observing the difference between those who have steady employment in professional fields and those working in the informal economy (e.g. as street vendors or merchants). Indeed, there has been a marked increase in income inequality in the present era, especially following the economic crisis in the 1990s. The vast majority of professional jobs do not offer adequate pay. This has seen the middle class struggle to expand and find adaptive solutions as formal employment opportunities diminished. As a result, more than half of all Mexicans work in the informal sector.3

Generally, the majority of the Mexican population is in the lower socioeconomic bracket. This is the case in both rural and urban areas. In the countryside, many people do not own the land they work on. Instead, they depend on small wages paid by elite agricultural landholders. Meanwhile, most cities have extensive areas of surrounding settlements (slums) that lack adequate services and resources. These situations contrast starkly with the middle and upper classes that enjoy cosmopolitan lifestyles and greater access and influence over social and economic activity. Due to these big differences in wealth, labour is cheaper and it is common to hire household services at very little cost (e.g. cleaners, nannies, dog-walkers, etc.). This is normal amongst the middle and upper-middle class, not only the elite.

Social status can be determined by one’s socioeconomic level, regional background, education and/or family name. However, class is also strongly correlated with race. Research has found that Mexicans with fairer skin have a greater chance of being in higher socioeconomic positions.4 Meanwhile, those with darker skin (the majority) are generally in the lower classes. For example, most of the rural poor have dominant indigenous ancestry. This racial differentiation reflects the historic affluence of the European colonists over the indigenous population and the fact that centuries of economic, political and social policies favoured European inheritance of wealth.

As the effects of extreme poverty are widespread, there is a strong importance placed on having ‘simpatía’ (sympathy) towards those in disadvantaged positions. Even privileged Mexicans are usually exposed to the effects of poverty enough for most to recognise what difficult living conditions people have. However, such sympathy does not always amount to assistance, as many Mexicans have grown accustomed to this reality. Indeed, the national culture has a power distance score of 81 according to Hofstede’s dimensions; this indicates that people tend to accept the social hierarchy as the natural order and do not necessarily seek to change it.

Colonisation and Diversity

Mexico has been deeply influenced by Spanish colonisation that began in the 16th century and lasted for almost three centuries. Before European occupation, the land of Mexico was home to expansive Mesoamerican civilisations, such as those of the Olmec, Toltec, Teotihuacan, Aztec, Maya and Zapotec people. The Spanish colonists conquered the existing empires in the 16th century and encouraged ‘mestizaje’ (mixing) among the population (between the indigenous Amerindians and the Europeans). The aim was to assimilate the population to become more racially homogeneous in order to develop a stronger national identity. This diminished the proportion of people who identified with their indigenous heritage; however, the population of contemporary Mexico remains incredibly diverse.

The majority of the population is mestizo, meaning they share a mixture of European and Amerindian heritage to some degree, while approximately 21.5% self-identify as indigenous.5 There are also many people with mostly European ancestry. As international migration increased over the 20th century, communities of people with Central American, South American, Middle Eastern, Asian and African heritage have also grown. Despite this diversity, the Mexican identity is thought to supersede any racial differences. The national discourse professes that a white person (un blanquito or güero) is just as ‘Mexican’ as someone with mostly indigenous ancestry (and vice versa). However, it cannot be presumed that all Mexicans share this view.

By incorporating Mesoamerican history into the contemporary setting, the Mexican practice of traditional Spanish and Catholic customs tends to be particularly unique and colourful. However, the ‘blend’ (mezcla) of Spanish and indigenous identities has not been free from controversy. Historical factors have changed opinion over time. Mexicans have had to reach a point of acceptance that the majority of them share ancestry with both the oppressors (colonists) and oppressed (indigenous peoples of Mesoamerica). In reconciling this, pride in diversity has become a major unifying theme. Today, Mexicans celebrate the day that Columbus arrived in America as ‘Día de la Raza’ (Race Day). This day recognises and honours the diversity of Mexico’s population, rather than commending Christopher Columbus or colonisation. Many people are very proud of the ancient indigenous heritage (indigenismo) of the country. Nevertheless, while ancient Mesoamerican cultural legacies continue to be revived and glorified by Mexicans, the indigenous people of contemporary Mexico remain marginalised.

Indigenous Peoples of Mexico

There were over 85 different ‘pueblos indigenas de Mexico’ (indigenous peoples of Mexico) when the Spanish first arrived. Today, roughly 65 survive, speaking over 60 languages and 290 dialects. These include both ‘detribalised’ groups, as well as those that continue to follow their traditional lifestyles and social systems, known as “Usos y Costumbres” (customs and traditions). Over the period of colonisation, many indigenous peoples died of diseases introduced by the Spanish, as well as violence.

Most indigenous Mexicans do not speak their own language and speak only Spanish.6 Of those who do speak a native language, they are usually bilingual in Spanish as well (often just fluent enough to do business). However, some may refuse to speak Spanish in order to maintain their indigenous roots. Many have retained local forms of organization and customary law to defend their culture and livelihoods. Constitutional recognition protects their right to have this cultural autonomy. However, some have witnessed the collapse of their traditions under the burden of poverty.

The indigenous peoples of Mexico continue be substantially disadvantaged. According to official figures on multidimensional data from the National Council for Evaluation of Social Development Policy, 72.3% of Mexico’s indigenous population lives in poverty.6 Many live in small peasant communities in rural areas. Others have had to integrate into mestizo society in order to improve their living conditions.7 Today, many make a wage by selling crafts and performing traditional dances in costume for tourists.

National and Cultural Pride

Mexicans are very proud of their country. However, this generally relates to the culture and people rather than the nation state or its institutions. The population has become very sceptical of the government, systems and authority figures due to pervasive corruption at all levels of society. Therefore, national pride is generally directed towards Mexico in the cultural sense. Many Mexicans feel their country has great cultural depth and wealth in comparison to others. There is a saying “como México no hay dos” (There is none other like Mexico), which reflects how people believe Mexico has a particular uniqueness.

Much foreign knowledge of the cultural traditions in Mexico gravitates around ideas drawn from popular culture (e.g. tequila, tacos, tortillas, mariachis). The real Mexican love for these famous aspects of their culture should not be underestimated. Furthermore, one finds that almost all Mexicans have an incredible knowledge of their country’s history. People are very proud of the Mesoamerican legacies (such as the Aztecs and Mayans) and are often very educated on the events in history that shaped the identity of their society. It is common for the average person to able to list off many ancient stories and cultural achievements. Mexicans take particular delight when their culture receives global recognition or foreign appreciation. For example, UNESCO has listed traditional Mexican cuisine as a global cultural treasure, listed as a part of the “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.9

Mexicans have generally been very careful to preserve their cultural character amidst rapid globalisation. The country’s close proximity to the US has seen people adopt many Western cultural influences. However, most foreign customs are generally assumed with an extra Mexican flair added on. For example, if one orders pizza at an Italian restaurant, they are still likely to receive chillies on the side. A person may be regarded a ‘malinchista’ if they have a tendency to revere or prefer foreign things. The term has negative connotations of disloyalty or treachery, as its origins trace back to an indigenous woman submitting to Spanish conquerors.

Safety, Fatalism and Prediction of Events

The global media’s portrayal of Mexico often concentrates on the country’s struggle against corruption and the violence of drug cartels. It is true that safety and security is a common concern for most people. Hard social conditions and government policies have influenced a rise in violence and crime (la delincuencia) in the present era, both anarchic and organised. Therefore, many people have to restrict their movements to avoid crimes of opportunity. It is common for friends and family members to stay in close contact with one another. For example, independent adults may have a continuous group chat with their family members or a location notification system on their phone so that each person generally knows one’s activities, whereabouts and when they have arrived home safely.

Due to past experiences where Mexicans’ safety has been directly threatened, some people may interpret the physical onset of anxiety as an omen. For instance, the panic of anxiety that triggers a feeling of the tightening of the chest may be seen as a signal for danger. If a Mexican is in a safe situation when feeling the sensation, they may then interpret it to mean an earthquake is coming or a member of their family might be in trouble.

There is a common belief throughout Mexico that God predetermines events and one’s destiny is in his hands. This fatalism has been influenced by the practice of Catholicism throughout the country. Many devout Mexicans see the Virgin of Guadalupe as the appropriate messenger and means to reaching God (see Catholicism in Mexico under Religion). It is common for people to try and change their circumstances by revering her and asking for her to grant their prayers. Indeed, the amount of fatalism regarding one’s personal control over events often varies depending on how religious one is.

Interpretations of Death

Mexico had more homicides in 2017 than any previous year on record.10 Due to such crime and poor public health, death is quite pervasive in society. However, Mexicans have a unique relationship with death. They are generally very fearful of it, but do not hide it or keep it as a taboo subject. Instead, they keep quite a good-humoured familiarity with it. For example, there is a longstanding tradition of celebrating the ‘Day of the Dead’ (Día de los Muertos) on the 2nd of November. During this period, it is thought that the deceased can visit family and friends. The celebration of this concept somewhat reflects the contemporary integration of past Mesoamerican traditions (the Aztecs historically venerated the goddess of death – Mictecacihuatl).

Foreigners may observe Mexicans’ close cultural proximity to death and interpret it to mean that they are not scared of dying. On the contrary, Mexicans are often extremely fearful of death; this embracement of it is a way of coping with their mortality. Underneath the jokes, Mexicans generally have a very strong respect for the deceased and can feel very uncomfortable “playing with death” for fear there will be reprisal. See Folk Religions and Magic in Religion for more information on Mexican superstition.

Organisation and Time

Mexican society is not tightly organised and rules are not closely followed. As systems are often unreliable, people need to be adaptable. The cultural tolerance for imprecision and flexibility can encourage spontaneity and a light disregard for law and order in daily life (i.e. getting out of a car stopped at a traffic light). In some cases, people may have to pay ‘mordida’ (a bite) to public officials or authority figures to get things done. Ultimately, Mexicans have to rely on their own personal networks. People tend to structure their lives around the immediate social relationships important to them. This interdependence is largely driven by necessity, as the government cannot be depended upon to provide security and support.

To foreigners, this approach to problem solving can seem disorganised or frivolous. However, such actions are practically minded and seen as a capable way of navigating around the reality of situations. Ingenuity and improvisation are important tools for solving daily problems. One can observe this in the way Mexicans have adapted the informal economy to create job opportunities for themselves.

Mexicans have a strong work ethic, largely driven by necessity. According to data in the OECD, Mexico has the longest working week on average (41.2 hours). However, this does not always translate into high productivity.11 This can be partly attributed to the mañana attitude. “Mañana” literally means ‘tomorrow’, but the term is also used in conversation to refer to ‘some time in the eventual future’. The mañana attitude is related to the more fluid, laid-back approach to time keeping. People often hear it employed in the context of procrastination whereby one will assure another that a task will happen at some point, so in the meantime it’s best to relax and not worry about it. A slow pace of life is particularly common among the older generation and in rural or coastal areas.

Socialisation

Mexico scores 97 out of 100 on Hofstede’s cultural dimension of indulgence, indicating that it has a highly indulgent culture. As such, people generally exhibit a willingness to realise their impulses and desires with regard to enjoying life and having fun. In indulgent cultures, there is a general tendency towards optimism, and people may place a higher degree of importance on leisure time. One commonly hears this trait of Mexican culture described in the saying that “Mexicans don’t live to work, they work to live”. Indeed, Mexicans generally devote much time to social occasions, sometimes prioritising individual relationships over other commitments.

Mexicans love socialising, and cantinas, bars, town squares and other public spaces often provide great atmospheres to do so. There is a lot of social spontaneity and improvisation in Mexico. Invitations to occasions are often open invites, and engagements progress naturally as people sense the mood to make decisions about further movements. Many Mexicans feel there is a social rigidity in the English-speaking West as many plans have a lot of detail as to who can come, what one should bring and when it starts. Some Mexican migrants may feel that social engagements are designed too meticulously.

_____________________

1 Central Intelligence Agency, 2017

2 Central Intelligence Agency, 2017

3 International Labour Organisation, 2014

4 Vazquez Maggio, 2013

5 National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples, 2015

6 National Commission for the Development of Indigenous Peoples, 2015

7 International Fund for Agricultural Development, 2014

8 Minority Rights Group International, 2018

9 UNESCO, 2010

10 Meixler, 2018

11 OECD, 2018

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36 Wonderful Mexican Traditions & Holidays in Mexico

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36 Wonderful Mexican Traditions & Holidays in Mexico to Know

ByMelissa Douglas

February 10, 2024February 12, 2024

If you have spent any amount of time in Mexico, you will recognize that this is a country steeped in culture, traditions, and unique holidays that are not celebrated anywhere else in the world. Many Mexican traditions have pre-Hispanic roots and date back hundreds/thousands of years.

Since Mexico is such a vast country made up of so many different indigenous groups, some practices and traditions are unique to certain states or certain parts of the country. I have been living here in Mexico for several years now, and in this post, we will look at some of the most famous or distinctive Mexican traditions and holidays.

The historic center of Campeche City, Campeche state

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36 Amazing Mexican Traditions to KnowThe Burning of the Old Year Three King’s Day (Dia de Los Reyes) Callejoneadas Dia de la Candelaria Piñatas The Quinceanera Mexican Street Performers The Cervantino Festival Manda pilgrimagesDia de los Santos Inocentes Mariachi Bands Dia De Los Muertos History of the Day of the DeadWhere to Celebrate the Day of the Dead in MexicoThe Mexican Charrería Papel Picado Cinco de Mayo Mexican Bullfighting Mexican street food culture Carnival Benito Juarez DaySemana Santa Mexican Independence Day The Grito de Independencia Día Del Niño Dia de la Madre The Day of the Mariachi Fiestas Siestas The Mexican Hat Dance New Year’s Eve New Year’s Day Dia de la Revolución Mexican Christmas traditions The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe Dance of the ParachicosDanza del Venado (deer dance)Guelaguetza Festival, Oaxaca Final thoughts on Mexican traditions and festivitiesMelissa Douglas

36 Amazing Mexican Traditions to Know

The Burning of the Old Year

If you find yourself in the Yucatan state on New Year’s Eve, you will see countless street vendors selling little piñatas in the form of cute old men. These are bought to be burned at midnight to represent the end of the old year and the start of the new one.

Sometimes, they are filled with fireworks and you will see a huge one made and set alight in the beachside town of Progreso. (My partner and I bought one in Merida last year with the plan to join in the traditions but we felt bad to burn him, named him Juan, and now we will probably have this strange old man piñata in storage for the next 7 years!)

Our Rosca de Reyes bread

Three King’s Day (Dia de Los Reyes)

Three King’s Day falls on the 6th of January in Mexico and commemorates the arrival of the three wise men in Bethlehem, bringing gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh to the baby Jesus. (In Catholic communities around Europe and other parts of the world it is also known as “epiphany”).

In some parts of Mexico, children open their Christmas gifts on the 25th of December whereas in others, they exchange gifts on Dia de Los Reyes. Traditional food is enjoyed on this day, like black beans and rice, delicious soups, and slow-cooked chicken or pork.

The star of the show though is the “Rosca de Reyes” cake which is a type of spiced sweet bread that tastes a little like fruit cake. The bread is a bit of an acquired taste that many Mexicans and foreigners love, but others (myself included) loathe, but it’s worth a try at least once!

The bread is usually topped with icing, glace cherries, and “camote dulces” which are traditional Mexican candies made by adding flavorings to sweet potatoes. People will usually enjoy the bread by dipping it in a hot cup of “chocolate abuelita” hot chocolate or atole.

Best of all, there is always a little white plastic figurine hidden inside that represents the baby Jesus. Whoever finds it, has to cook for everyone at the table at the next family gathering.

According to my Mexican partner, people often just swallow the whole figure so that they don’t have to cook!

Experiencing a Callejoneada in Guanajuato City

Callejoneadas

Callejoneadas are another Mexican tradition specific to Guanajuato, that are one of the most magical experiences you can have in the country. These “alley walks” are night tours through the backstreets, alleys, and passageways of Guanajuato City.

As you explore you are led around by a group of men in traditional clothing known as “La Estudiantina” who take you through lesser-known parts of the city while singing Mexican folk music and telling stories. There are more than 10 different Callejoneada routes that you can do, and more than 3,500 alleys throughout the city.

The tradition is hundreds of years old and the tours are inspired by the groups of Guanajuato University students who, during the 18th century, would entertain the miners en route to the mines by serenading them.

Dia de la Candelaria

Dia de la Candelaria is a Catholic holiday that falls on the 2nd of February and marks exactly 40 days since Christmas. It is said that on this day, the Virgin Mary went to church, lit a candle, requested purification for giving birth outside of wedlock, and thanked God for giving her Jesus.

Whoever found the plastic figures in the rosca on Three Kings Day has to cook for everyone on this day. You are usually required to make tamales which are very, very labor intensive and can take literally dozens of hours.

So, it is understandable as to why people are so averse to having to cook/willing to risk lodging a piece of plastic in their throats to avoid doing so!

Colorful piñatas for sale in Merida, Yucatan

Piñatas

Even if you have never set foot in Mexico, you are probably very familiar with piñatas. These papier mache creations are made in all manner of weird and wonderful shapes, sizes, and figures.

They are then filled with candy and other treats before being mounted high on the ceiling and beaten with a bat to release the candies. Any and every celebration in Mexico is an excuse to pull out a piñata – you will find them at birthday parties, Christmas celebrations, etc.

Interestingly, the piñata was not invented here in Mexico, despite being the country most associated with them today. It is believed that the first iteration of piñatas were created in China and then the great explorer Marco Polo brought them to Italy in the 13th century.

From there, the tradition spread to Spain and then finally to the “New World” of Mexico with the colonizers.

The Quinceanera

In the United States and other countries, many people celebrate a girl’s “sweet sixteenth” birthday. In Mexico, it is their fifteenth birthday or their “Quinceneara” which is seen to mark a girl becoming a woman.

Since many Mexicans are Catholic, the festivities of the day usually start with attending mass at a local church. The girl might be given gifts like rosary beads and religious icons, clothes, makeup, and important family heirlooms/handed down gifts from her family. If the family has money, they may throw a grand party.

Quinceneara dresses are essentially princess-style ballgowns – with poofy skirts, sequins, glitter, and brightly colored fabric. The dress is often paired with sparkly tiaras, jewelry, high heels, and lots of makeup.

The Quinceanera may also have a date who is expected to dress to impress and wear a tuxedo.

The celebration often commences with a dance between the Quinceanera and her father, followed by a waltz with her suitor.

A trio performing to breakfast diners at Hacienda Santa Cruz, Yucatan

Mexican Street Performers

Mexican street performers represent a rapidly declining tradition, but a beautiful one. These are singers, guitarists, and other musicians who wander through the streets of residential neighborhoods singing and serenading the residents.

They accept requests if you have any Mexican songs that you love and want to hear, and you are typically supposed to throw a couple of coins from the window.

Guanajuato City prepares for the Cervantino Fest in 2023

The Cervantino Festival

The annual Cervantino festival takes place in Guanajuato City every October. It is now the largest art and culture festival in Latin America and sees musicians, artists, and creatives from across the world head to Guanajuato to perform or showcase their exhibitions in historic venues around the city. Each year, specific countries or states are chosen as guests of honor and in 2023, there was a focus on culture and artists from Sonora, Northern Mexico, and the United States.

October 2024 will mark the 52nd anniversary of the festival. It dates back to 1953 when Enrique Ruelas, a professor at Guanajuato University started an event called “Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra Hors D´oeuvres” where groups of students would perform music and theatrical plays in the plazas around town.

Manda pilgrimages

If you ever happen to see a small procession where a group of Mexicans are traveling through a certain area by moto-taxi, bicycle, or motorbike with flags of the Virgin Mary affixed to their vehicles, you might be witnessing a manda.

These people have prayed to the Virgin Mary to ask for a particular favor (commonly to ask for a sick family member to recover). To show their dedication and gratitude to the Virgin, they will embark on a long journey, often across huge distances across a state/several states.

Dia de los Santos Inocentes

December 28th marks the “Dia De Los Santos Inocentes” in Mexico which is essentially the Mexican April Fool’s Day.

People tend to make jokes and pull pranks on each other, and if anyone delivers any “serious” news to you on this day, it is always better to sense-check that it isn’t part of some kind of joke or trick!

Watching the famous Mariachi Vargas live in Merida

Mariachi Bands

Mariachi bands are no doubt one of the most famous and best-loved of all Mexican traditions. These groups of musicians typically contain at least four people but can also contain as many as 12.

Mariachi are easily recognized by their attire, their colorful wide-brimmed hats, and their style of music. You will find encounter many opportunities to experience a traditional Mariachi performance during your time in Mexico – at plazas that they frequent like “El Parian” in Tlaquepaque, or Piazza Garibaldi in Mexico City, or by booking seats at a show to see live mariachi. This style of music originated in the state of Jalisco in the 19th century. 19th century and are believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco. Nobody is quite sure what the word “mariachi” means and there are various theories about its linguistic roots.

The most common theory is that this was an indigenous word, likely part of a language used by the Cora Indians. “Mariachi” was the name of a tree that grew in Jalisco and it was the wood from this tree that was used to make the first mariachi instruments.

Mexican traditions: Dia de Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos

Dia De Los Muertos (The Day of the Dead) is one of the most famous Mexican traditions and one that fascinates countless people internationally. The official dates of the holiday fall on the 1st and 2nd of November, although extended celebrations often go on for as long as 2-3 weeks.

Mexicans have a slightly different (and more refreshing) view of death and grief compared to people in other countries. This holiday is not morbid or macabre in any way and exists to honor the lives of loved ones who have passed away. (It is not the Mexican version of Halloween).

The Paseo de las Animas procession in Merida, Yucatan

History of the Day of the Dead

This tradition dates back over 3,000 years and it is believed that some form of Dia De Los Muertos celebrations has happened in the country evenbeforeo the Hispanic occupation. Indeed, the Aztecs and the Nahua people believed that upon dying, the deceased would travel to the land of the dead (Chicunamictlán).

From here, they would have to complete nine levels of challenges to earn the right to reach Mictlán, the final resting place. The indigenous peoples would place the deceased’s favorite foods, water, and useful items on their graves to help them on their journey.

This practice has been adapted to today’s Dia de Los Muertos celebrations. Locals will decorate the graves of their family members with offerings or they will place these offerings on a makeshift altar in their homes.

Around the country, people attend all-day parties, dress up in Catrina makeup, decorate their homes, and attend parades. In the lead-up to Dia de Los Muertos, you will note many stores around the country selling sugar skulls, figurines, and other vibrant knick-knacks. These make great Mexico souvenirs from your trip.

Where to Celebrate the Day of the Dead in Mexico

Celebrations and festivities for Dia De Los Muertos differ from one part of the country to another. In the Yucatan peninsula, locals celebrate Hanal Pixán – a regional variation of the Day of the Dead, with roots in Ancient Mayan culture.

Some of the best places to experience Dia de Los Muertos in Mexico in 2024 are:

Oaxaca City – the city hosts fun and impressive comparsas, carnival-style parades involving music, larger-than-life floats, dancing, and traditional costumes.

San Juan Bautista Tuxtepec, Oaxaca – Home to a unique rug-making contest

Pátzcuaro and Janitzio, Michoacan state – Contests are hosted to find the best-decorated grave and in Janitzio, fishermen perform dances from their boats. The movements are said to awaken the souls of the dead…

Mexico City – A huge parade takes place through the center of CDMX and the tradition only started after a similar parade was featured in the James Bond movie “Spectre”

Visiting the charreria in Merida, Yucatan

The Mexican Charrería

The charreria is considered the “national sport” of Mexico and is essentially the Mexican answer to the US rodeo (although there are some differences as well as similarities). Since 2016, it has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

It is believed that the sport was created from the equestrian games that the Spanish colonizers would play in the states of Jalisco and Hidalgo during the 16th century. The Spanish were tasked with raising horses and managing farms in “New” Spain and to pass the time while living in rural Mexico, they invented equestrian games and contests.

Competitions were hosted between different haciendas but when the haciendas started to lose their importance and close down after the Mexican Revolution, the 1921 Asociación Nacional de Charros was developed to protect Mexican traditions surrounding the Charreria.

Charrerias are particularly popular in Jalisco but you will find them hosted throughout the country and many are free to attend. Many men attend wearing traditional charro or vaquero (cowboy) clothing while women wear gorgeous embroidered skirts that flow down to their ankles.

Mexican traditions: papel picado in Campeche zocalo

Papel Picado

Creating and hanging papel picado is one of the most beautiful Mexican traditions that you will see all over the country. Papel Picado is colored pieces of tissue paper that are cut and crafted into different shapes and designs.

You will often find them hanging outside churches, but also in central squares, city streets, and outside of homes. They are used for decorations at celebrations such as christenings and weddings and the tradition is believed to have Aztec roots.

Legend has it that thousands of years ago, the Aztecs would use mulberry and fig tree bark to make a paper called Amate. They would decorate the paper with scenes of daily life or historic events.

Cinco de Mayo

In the United States, Cinco de Mayo is always seen as a great excuse to eat your bodyweight in tacos and drink copious amounts of beers and tequila so it may come as a surprise to hear that it isn’t celebrated much in Mexico at all.

The holiday has mostly been commercialized by American beer companies. (Although we can still look at that positively as a day that celebrates Latin American heritage and culture!)

Officially, the date commemorates the anniversary of the Mexican army enjoying a victory over the French Empire in the Battle of Puebla in 1862. There are parades (desfiles) and parties in the Puebla capital of Puebla de Zaragoza, and there are plenty of things to do in Puebla to warrant a visit, especially for the occasion.

Elsewhere in Mexico though, the holiday isn’t observed.

Mexican Bullfighting

Bullfighting is one of the more controversial Mexican traditions and Mexico is one of the only countries in the world where this is still permitted. The practice has been illegalized twice in the country’s history but at the present moment, it is not illegal.

The sport was introduced by Spanish conquistadors in Mexico some 500 years ago.

Bulls used in Mexican bullfighting are typically raised with the specific purpose of being used in bullfighting and they die in the ring. Most Mexicans do not approve of the continuation of this sport and its legality may be set to change going forward.

Animal protection laws exist in some Mexican states but bulls are sadly not included in these.

Mexican traditions: Street food culture

Mexican street food culture

Street food is a huge part of Mexican food culture and you will find tianguis and street food stalls on virtually every corner of Mexican cities, even in random residential barrios.

People affectionately call light bites and fast food prepared on the street “antojitos” (“little cravings”). Elotes are a popular street food snack that you will find all over the country.

This is simply fresh corn on the cob grilled straight in front of you and topped with a generous serving of mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime. Sweet treats like crepes, churros, and marquesitas are also popular and there are a lot of regional varieties in the types of street food you can find.

Traditionally, you order your street food and stand and eat it by the stand from where you purchased it. You can easily find tacos and other snacks for as little as 20-40 pesos.

Watching the carnival celebrations in Progreso in February 2023

Carnival

Carnival is one of the most exciting Mexican traditions celebrated around the country every February. It was introduced to the Mexicans by Spanish and Portuguese Conquistadors in the 15th century and the festivities are believed to have Pagan origin.

More than 225 communities across the country celebrate it in various ways.

Most Mexicans are Catholic and they celebrate the carnival as being the final time that they can indulge in carnal pleasures before giving up certain things for 40 days for lent.Campeche City is the site of the oldest carnival celebrations in Mexico. Parades and festivities started here in 1582 and today, the celebrations in Campeche extend over a whopping three weeks. During this time, the boardwalk of this city is dressed in colors, decorations, and papel picado.

A grand parade takes place and “comparsas” (singers and musicians) fill the streets. You will find carnival celebrations in every Mexican city from Mazatlan to Merida.

The Veracruz city carnival is considered one of the best and is the second largest in Latin America, second only to Rio de Janeiro in Brazil

A trio of singers rest between their sets at Hacienda Santa Cruz

Benito Juarez Day

Benito Juarez Day is celebrated on the third Monday of March every year in Mexico, in honor of the late, great Mexican president whose birthday fell on the 21st. Since the holiday means that people have a long weekend, many Mexicans will plan a short getaway vacation to various beach towns and resorts around the country at this time.

If you are not familiar with Benito Juarez, he served as the president of Mexico from 1858 until he died in 1872. He was a Zapotec and the first Mexican president of indigenous origin but he is best known for supporting and leading the Mexican people through their quest for independence during the Mexican Revolution.

You will find busts of Benito Juarez, as well as parks and plazas named after him all over the country. Celebrations take place across the country on this day, particularly in the city of San Pablo Guelatao, where he was born.

A small shrine in a Catholic chapel in Cacalchén

Semana Santa

Semana Santa or “Holy week” is Easter in Mexico and it falls on the same dates as Easter in other Christian and Catholic countries.

In 2024, Semana Santa will begin on Sunday, March 24th, and end on Sunday, March 31st. Palm Sunday marks the beginning of the celebrations and in Mexico, this date is known as “Domingo de Ramos.”

On this day, many Mexican churches will decorate their interiors with palm fronds and locals will often cover their doors with them, believing that the palms will help to ward off evil.

Many Mexicans attend a Catholic mass on Holy Thursday – the date that Jesus and his disciples sat down to enjoy their last supper. After eating at the local church, they usually go on something of a “pilgrimage” to 7 other churches in the area.

Many churches hand out bread as a mark of the Last Supper. On Good Friday, many towns and cities have processions reenacting the crucifixion of Jesus Christ.

In the city of San Luis Potosi and other parts of the country, there is a procession of silence. Participants wear hoods of anonymity, walk barefoot, and carry crosses, chains, or other religious symbols.

A flag flies above the Zocalo in Hunucma, Yucatan

Mexican Independence Day

A lot of people mistakenly think that Cinco de Mayo is Mexican Independence Day but it is not. The real “Dia de Independencia” takes place on the 16th of September every year.

The holiday marks the country’s independence from Spain and the events that unfolded after Catholic Priest Father Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla shouted from the steps of the church in Dolores Hidalgo, Guanajuato state in 1810. Father Hidalgo made the first cry for independence and was so influential that his hometown was renamed after him.

(Dolores Hidalgo was originally just called “Dolores” but the town was renamed in his honor). He gained several followers for his cause – a ragtag group of people from different backgrounds who hoped for Mexican independence.

Sadly he was later defrocked from Priesthood and beheaded by the Spanish but he continues to be revered as a Mexican hero to this day.

Mexico would not gain independence from the Spanish until 1821. However, it is the bravery of Father Hidalgo and the others who spoke out, that is celebrated during Independence Day.

Events with live music, dancing, and fireworks are hosted in many Mexican cities on Independence Day. Stalls pop up in every city selling Mexican flags, little sombreros, flashing hats, and other colorful items.

Many people will celebrate with their families and enjoy good food and beer. Chiles en nogada is a popular dish eaten on this holiday that is made in the colors of the Mexican flag. You will find it served in restaurants across the country in September and the dish consists of poblano chilis stuffed with picadillo, lathered in a walnut cream sauce, and topped with pomegranates.

The Grito de Independencia

One of the most notable “events” of Mexican Independence Day is the “Grito de Independencia” (shout of independence). At around 11 pm, the Mexican President will head out to the balcony of the Palacio Nacional and shout the famousGritoo.

Spectators in the crowd will yell “Viva!” after each sentence. After the official presidential shout which is also televised, mayors, government officials, and public figures will do the same grita from various city centers and balconies across Mexico.

Día Del Niño

Día Del Niño is the Mexican observance of Children’s Day. This is a holiday that is celebrated in different forms and on different dates all over the world.

It was established on December 14, 1954, by the General Assembly of the United Nations (UN).In Mexico, it takes place on the 30th of April each year.

Children still have to attend school on this day but there are no classes and teachers will prepare a day of games, movies, and fun activities for their students. Some parents give their children gifts and treat the Día Del Niño as a sort of mini-Christmas.

Live musical performances and celebrations for Dia de la Madre in Comitan

Dia de la Madre

Dia de la Madre is Mexican Mother’s Day. It is celebrated on the second Sunday of May each year and the premise is very similar to Mother’s Day in the US and elsewhere.

People take the day as an opportunity to show their appreciation to their mothers; they send gifts, buy flowers, and take their moms out for dinner. Dia de la Madre was only introduced in Mexico as recently as 1922, making it the first Latin American country to participate in the holiday.

Mariachi performing at El Parian, Tlaquepaque

The Day of the Mariachi

Not only are mariachi musicians an integral contributor to Mexican traditions in themselves but there is also a designated day that celebrates them. The Day of the Mariachi takes place every year on the 22nd of November.Santa Cecilia is the Mexican patron saint of musicians and this is essentially her day. Hundreds of Mariachi musicians gather in the central square of Mexico City and walk in a procession to attend mass at La Basilica de Guadalupe.

Fiestas

Fiestas are simply Mexican parties and if you spend any amount of time in Mexico, you will quickly discover that the locals don’t need much of an excuse to organize a gathering.You can be walking down a residential street on a random Tuesday and hear banda music and reggaeton blaring out from someone’s yard. While it is not a uniquely Mexican thing to host parties to celebrate certain occasions and life events, the Mexican way of doing this is unique.Someone will always lay out a large spread of snack foods like durros, esquites, elotes, and meat and cheese platters. There’s a lot of music and dancing, with mariachi bands often being hired for the occasion.A party can go on all through the day and the night. Sometimes fireworks and firecrackers are set off just because.

Siestas

The sheer mention of a siesta likely conjures up images of a Mexican snoozing beneath a sombrero. The siesta is an afternoon nap and a perfect way to rest and rejuvenate after lunch in a hot country.

However, due to very long working hours, very few Mexicans get to enjoy them anymore. Mexican siestas used to be incorporated into people’s days but the government abolished them in 1944.

The Mexican Hat Dance

The Mexican hat dance, also known as Jarabe Tapatío is the national dance of Mexico. It originated in Guadalajara in the 19th century and was seen as a courtship ritual.Typically, two dancers: one male and one female, perform the dance. The moves symbolize the man inviting the woman out to date and pursue a romantic relationship.

The pair dance around a sombrero laid on the floor and the woman repeatedly rejects the advances of the man until she is eventually won over by her suitor. Back in the 19th century, Spanish colonizers were irked by the Mexican hat dance. The dance is relatively innocent, especially by modern standards. However, the Spanish considered it sexually suggestive and did not want Mexicans to do the dance.This, in turn, led to the dance catching on even more! The Mexican hat dance was the people’s way of rebelling against their colonizers.

Jesus Gonzalez Rubio created the Mexican hat dance song in 1924. It is often played by live musicians and mariachi bands at events.

New Year’s Eve

Mexicans celebrate New Year’s Eve like much of the world. The anticipated arrival of a new year marks new beginnings and opportunities.Mexicans are warm, family-oriented people so it is probably no surprise that they spend most of New Year’s Eve at home enjoying food, drinks, and conversations with loved ones. However, you will also find firework displays and NYE parties hosted in various cities, especially places that are popular with tourists and Western expats such as Cancun, Tulum, Puerto Vallarta, and Sayulita.

There are also a bunch of fascinating Mexican superstitions around the occasion. For instance:

Eating twelve grapes at midnight guarantees good luck for the year ahead

Wearing red underwear on New Year’s Eve means your new year will be filled with passion

Wearing yellow underwear means that you will be lucky in love

If you run around the neighborhood dragging an empty suitcase, you will travel a lot in the New Year

New Year’s Day

New Year’s Day in Mexico is known locally as Año Nuevo. It is a national public holiday with businesses and schools observing it as a day of rest.

Most tourist attractions and archaeological sites are still open on New Year’s Day but banks, supermarkets, restaurants, and most stores will be closed. Having now spent New Year’s Day in Mexico three years in a row, I can attest to places practically becoming a ghost town.For most Mexicans, this is something of a rest day after a late night on New Year’s Eve. They may head to the beach, go for a walk, or spend the day having dinner and enjoying extended celebrations with loved ones.

Dia de la Revolución

Dia de la Revolución (Revolution Day) is an annual public holiday celebrated on the 20th of November each year in Mexico. It marks what was the start of the Mexican Revolution of 1910-1920.On this day, parades and civil ceremonies take place throughout the country, complete with floats and lots of music and dancing. Official speeches and ceremonies are hosted in the central square of Mexico City and the country’s largest Revolution Day parade starts from this point.

A Christmas tree on display in Progreso, Yucatan

Mexican Christmas traditions

Mexican traditions at Christmas time are a pleasure to see and experience. Official celebrations start on the 16th of December each year and the period between the 16th and the 24th of December is known as “Las Posadas”.This translates to meaning “inn”. During this time, Mexican children will go from door to door in the neighborhoods singing and asking if there is any room at the inn before singing carols. Mexicans will enjoy “posadas” – festive Christmas parties enjoyed with their family, coworkers, and friends.

It is common to go to multiple posadas throughout the holidays and as well as good food, music, and dancing, festive drinks like ponche and eggnog are enjoyed.

Rompope is essentially Mexican eggnog, although you can find it in a variety of different flavors. Ponche is something of a Mexican version of European mulled wine – warm, red wine is spiced with cinnamon and other flavorings and enjoyed as part of an evening with family.

A tapestry depicting the Virgin of Guadalupe

The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

12th December marks the Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe and is considered the official start of the Mexican Christmas season and the “posadas”. You will note that pictures of the Virgin start being hung outside of peoples homes in the days leading up to the 12th, and on the evening of the 11th of December, many people will head to local churches to light candles and pray in her honor.

The day celebrates the anniversary of when the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared in front of an indigenous man named Juan Diego in 1531.In Mexico City, thousands of pilgrims visit the hilltop Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe shrine to give thanks for the blessings they have received in their lives.

Chiapa de Corzo is the site of the Dance of the Parachicos

Dance of the Parachicos

The Dance of the Parachicos is such a valued Mexican tradition that it was inscribed by UNESCO in 2010 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. The dance takes place as part of the annual Traditional Great Feast which takes place from the 4th to the 23rd of January every year in the Pueblos Magico of Chiapa de Corzo in Chiapas.

The celebrations honor three Catholic Saints Saint Anthony Abbot, Our Lord of Esquipulas, and Saint Sebastian.The Dance of the Parachicos is one aspect of a larger celebration. The dance and the dancers respectively are considered a communal offering to the saints.They dance along a procession route through Chiapa del Corzo, through the day and night, wearing carved traditional wooden masks. Along the way, they carry religious icons and stop at several churches to pay their respects.

It can be an incredible experience to attend the festivities as part of a wider trip to Chiapas. From Chiapa de Corzo, continue onwards to San Cristobal de las Casas, the Sumidero Canyon, and Comitan.

Danza del Venado (deer dance)

If you travel to the northern states of Sinaloa and Sonora, particularly during Easter (Semana Santa), you might be fortunate enough to catch the indigenous “danza del venado” (deer dance) performed by the Yoreme Mayo people. This dance has been a local tradition for more than 300 years as a way to request that the gods grant rain for the farms and crops.

The dance sees men with headdresses in the shapes of deer dance with maracas to folk music.

Guelaguetza Festival, Oaxaca

There are more than 68 different indigenous groups living in Mexico, and among them, they speak more than 300 different languages and dialects. The Guelaguetza Festival which is hosted every July in Oaxaca celebrates cultural heritage and differences throughout all Mexican indigenous groups.

Oaxaca state is one of the most indigenous in Mexico, home to six different indigenous groups. (The Zapotec and Mixtec people are among the most prominent and Oaxaca is home to more speakers of indigenous languages than other Mexican states.)

During the Guelaguetza Fest, people from various indigenous groups take to the streets to participate in processions and perform folk dances from their cultures. People wear their traditional attire and often set up stalls selling handicrafts and food items from their region.

During the celebrations, locals will also nominate a young woman to represent Centeotl, the corn goddess. Entrants are not judged on their physical appearances but on their knowledge of their culture and heritage.

A fair and Christmas tree set up in Merida, Yucatan

Final thoughts on Mexican traditions and festivities

Do you have any additional questions about these Mexican traditions and how to attend them? Alternatively, have you traveled extensively in Mexico, and have some others you would recommend?

Feel free to reach out via the comments below if you need anything. I live in the Yucatan capital of Merida and I am always happy to assist where I can.

Safe travels! Melissa xo

Melissa Douglas Melissa Douglas is a British Travel Writer based in Merida, Mexico and the Editor-in-Chief of Mexico Travel Secrets. She has over seven years worth of experience in working in travel media and has travelled to 57 countries, mostly solo.

Throughout her career, Melissa has produced written content for several high-profile publications across the globe - including Forbes Travel Guide, the Huffington Post, Rough Guides, and Matador Network. View all posts

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