The culture of Mexico is diverse and with a great variety of influences throughout its history, both the ancient indigenous communities and the overwhelming European presence were responsible for shaping and defining the country we know today. Learn all about the interesting Mexican culture!
Mexican culture
Mexico comes from the term Mexica and is pronounced Me-shee-ka, name of the indigenous group also known as Aztecs, who were located in the central zone of the current Mexican lands at the beginning of the XNUMXth century.
In this country there are several cultural subdivisions within the nation, being common to identify them by the regions: north, center-west and southeast.
In Mexico, the vast northern desert area was barely inhabited until about the middle of the XNUMXth century, the exception being a few major cities, for example, Monterrey. Traditionally, only small native populations lived in this territory, considering it a border culture.
Densely populated central and western Mexico is the cradle of the nation since ancient times, considerably developed indigenous cultures populated this region in pre-Columbian times, also being the center point of the colony of New Spain. Almost all important and prominent colonial cities are today urban and industrial centers
The south and east of Mexico have a tropical and rainforest climate, maintaining its strong indigenous heritage, but being the most impoverished area of the country.
Another cultural division of importance is the one between the Central Table, formerly known as the central highlands, the much more humid mountainous regions and the coastal plains. In some Mexican areas, this division is related to the presence of indigenous populations, with the mountain regions being the ones with the greatest native presence.
Even when among citizens there is a strong identification with the nation-state, considering themselves quite nationalistic, the Mexican nation has been characterized by the presence of strong provincial and local cultural identities.
That is to say, people largely identify with their own state, making the Mexican culture quite diverse and colorful.
Location of Mexico
The United Mexican States, the official name of Mexico, is located in North America, although culturally it is more closely identified with the countries of Central and South America, its territory covers some 750.000 square miles and with diverse climates, landscapes and natural resources.
Two imposing mountain ranges known as the Sierra Madre Occidental and the Sierra Madre Oriental, extend from north to south and meet in the central area of the country. To the east and west of the mountain ranges are strips of moist coastal plains.
Its social, economic and cultural organization is closely related to the topographical and climatic system of the Mexican territory. The capital is Mexico City, located in central Mexico.
Mexico City during pre-Columbian times was the place where the capital of the Aztec Empire was based and during the European rule that lasted for three centuries it was the seat of the viceroys of New Spain.
Mexico City has a little over nine million individuals, being one of the most populous in the world, as well as being the center of administrative and economic activities in the country.
Mexico City is surrounded by other important cities such as Puebla, Cuernavaca, Toluca and Querétaro. To the west, Guadalajara, the second most populous city in Mexico, and Morelia can be mentioned among the important cities.
To the north we can find the industrial city of Monterrey, Culiacán with great development in agriculture and livestock and Chihuahua qualified as the second most competitive city in the country at a social level.
Language
Spanish is the official language of this country, spoken by more than ninety-five percent of the inhabitants. The Spanish spoken in Mexico in terms of grammar, syntax and spelling, does not present important differences with respect to that spoken in Spain, however, the pronunciation and sound are different.
Some words from Nahuatl, the main indigenous language, were included in Mexican Spanish, terms mainly related to food and home. The national culture of the Mexican lands has sixty-two indigenous languages and about six million people speak a native language in addition to Spanish.
History and ethnic relations
The Mexican national culture was the product of a slow process of accommodation between indigenous and Spanish cultures, whose presence and domination lasted about three centuries. The Mexican nation obtained its independence in 1821, after a long and violent political and social process.
In the XNUMXth century, the formation and development of a national culture and policy continued to be a difficult task, as political instability, constant military uprisings and foreign invasions made a dent throughout the country, greatly slowing down its development.
At this time, Mexico lost a large part of its original territory in various conflicts, among which we can mention:
- The war with the United States between 1846 and 1848, caused among other reasons by the attempt to annex independent Texas to the American territory. The conflict reduced the Mexican territory by half, because in 1848, Texas, California and New Mexico were ceded through the signing of a treaty to the United States.
- In the year 1853, the Mexican government made a sale to the United States of the current territory of southern New Mexico and Arizona, due to alleged budget problems. Making the relationship between neighboring nations more difficult, confusing and a bit unstable.
Subsequently, the Mexican nation was invaded again, in 1862, this time by the French, who settled in Mexican territory until 1867. This situation occurred after the Mexican government, led by Benito Juárez, made the announcement that would not cancel the external debt.
A constant internal conflict between Mexican liberals and the French was maintained, until, in 1867, the French troops withdrew. Installing a new republic that was finally becoming a nation-state.
They were years cataloged by many as of nascent economic, political and infrastructure modernization, achieving in a certain way the political stabilization that was required to initiate development.
This government led by Porfirio Díaz, connected many regions of Mexico through a railway network, promoting the political, economic and social integration of regions and groups that lived within the nation, strengthening the construction of the nation.
However, many policies and profound transformations promoted by Díaz created many tensions and conflicts between the different social and ethnic classes, generating instability and with it a social and political revolt.
Known as the Mexican Revolution, this popular revolt began in 1910 and expelled Porfirio Díaz from power, turning into a cruel, harsh and violent civil war, which claimed the lives of more than a million people, in a Mexico that does not exceed fifteen million inhabitants to date.
This armed conflict ended around 1917, with the adoption of a new Constitution, but several decades had to pass before a new nation-state was consolidated. The reconstruction of this country after the revolution affected all domains of society and made the idea of the nation be seen from a totally different perspective.
Symbolism in Mexican culture
The symbols that express and reinforce the national culture are usually associated with the state, religion and popular culture.
Firstly, we find the flag that consists of three vertical stripes in the colors green for hope, white for purity and red as blood.
On the central white stripe is the image of an eagle standing on a cactus and eating a snake, which represents the myth of the foundation of Tenochtitlán, the capital of the Aztec Empire.
The Mexican flag is honored by Mexicans of any age, as children from an early age in schools sing the anthem and pay their respects to the national tricolor.
The most important icon of Mexican national culture is the Virgin of Guadalupe, illustrating the pervasive influence of Roman Catholicism in that country.
Considered the mother of all Mexicans, the brown virgin, as she is also called Our Lady of Guadalupe, because of her dark skin, is the Mexican invocation of the Virgin Mary.
The Virgin of Guadalupe is a symbol of the Mexican national identity, product of the mixture of religions of the European and Mesoamerican peoples. The image of her was used in the fight for independence against the Spanish.
Relevant elements in Mexican culture
The culture in Mexico is the product of the mixture of native rituals and traditions, with the customs and culture of the Spanish settlers, who upon arrival generated a great impact on all aspects of life of the native peoples.
Defining and promoting the Mexican identity throughout history has been a constant struggle for Mexicans, due to political instability, wars with its neighboring country and European nations, colonial occupation, among other things.
Mexican culture has had a somewhat troubled and agitated history for these same reasons, however, a large collection of pieces and monumental Mayan and Aztec constructions, which have been preserved over time and the desire to maintain many of their traditions and customs becomes more and more noticeable.
The effects of colonization stand out clearly in a large part of Mexican arts and literature, which were inspired by techniques and ideas from the old continent, however this situation changed a lot with the revolution.
In the post-revolutionary period, the arts in Mexico began to take flight on their own, they began to develop their own unique characteristics, which were soon known throughout the world thanks to the birth of great figures of art and literature, famous in their country and abroad. its borders.
Mexico opens up to the world and there are many who mention the inspiring Frida Kahlo or the charm and joy of the mariachis, which reveal just a little of the fascinating and complex world of Mexican culture, rich, colorful and vibrant.
It can be said that influenced by its ancient civilizations such as the Aztec and Mayan, as well as by European colonization, it is a unique culture and probably one of the most fascinating in the world.
The traditions and customs of the Mexican people are colorful, attractive and diverse, they have shown that they are proud of their native heritage and each region has its own cultural practices and celebrations where they demonstrate it.
Many of the ancient traditions, typical of their ancestors, have been preserved and are presented to the world, making Mexico a fascinating destination for those who like to explore, learn about and enjoy other cultures.
There are several indigenous groups within Mexico, including the Nahuas, Otomis, Mayas, Zapotecs, Tzeltals, and Tzotzils, all of whom have influenced Mexican culture in aspects as important and commonplace as cuisine, medicine, rituals, and language.
Music and dance have great importance in Mexican culture, such is the case of Mariachi music that dates back to the eighteenth century and is well known and loved, being very common to hear mariachis everywhere, squares, streets and restaurants. on special days,
Traditionally, mariachis are made up of five musicians in charro costumes who play popular and traditional Mexican songs, for example, the song La Cucaracha or las Mañanitas.
Folkloric dance is also common throughout Mexico, for example the Jarabe Tapatío, as many know it as the Mexican hat dance, perhaps one of the iconic dances of Mexico, probably the national dance. Basically the courtship is celebrated and the dance is performed around a hat.
Festivals and parties are of great importance in Mexican lands, standing out for their originality and attendance, being celebrated even in the smallest towns.
Another aspect of great relevance in Mexican culture is gastronomy, declared Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, it is clearly the compilation of the entire history of this town before and after the European arrival in these lands, all the experiences and history of the country on a plate. Let's get to know some of these important and representative elements for Mexican culture in detail:
Religion
The Catholic religion is the one with the largest number of believers in Mexico, brought by the Spanish conquerors, who through the missionaries transmitted it to the native indigenous cultures.
However, these communities, while accepting Catholic beliefs and practices, did not totally abandon their own religious beliefs. Therefore, many of the current Catholic festivities are associated with certain pre-Hispanic traditions and deities. Such is the case of the Virgin of Guadalupe who was related to the goddess Tonantzin.
This phenomenon occurred in almost the entire new continent, both with the indigenous people and with the slaves brought from the African continent, which is why popular Catholicism is frequently described as syncretic.
Such is the case of the famous celebration of the day of the dead, known worldwide and criticized by many, where the cult of death is the main reason for the festival.
Religious rituals in Mexico are organized by the Catholic calendar, with Holy Week being one of the most important celebrations in the country. The patron saint is the Virgin of Guadalupe and her sanctuary is located in Mexico City, very close to the Tepeyac hill.
Gastronomy
Food has a very important place in the lives of Mexicans since ancient times, prior to the stage of the Spanish conquest, the diet of the various native cultures that inhabited these lands focused on dishes made with corn, beans, chiles, nopales, tomatoes, fish, various birds such as the turkey, small mammals, herbs, flowers and in some cases insects, in addition to the typical Mexican condiments.
This has not changed even these days, when foreign influences and modernity somehow threaten ancient customs and traditions. Mexican food still retains its pre-Hispanic roots with certain Spanish influences typical of the settlers, maintaining some of the ancient dishes that are well known and appreciated in the world today.
Mexican recipes and dishes vary depending on the area of the country, its climate, geography and the ethnic groups that inhabit it, however the basic ingredients are usually the same, for example:
- Northern Mexico: It is generally known for its recipes based on beef, especially, and wheat tortillas.
- Oaxaca Region: It is famous for the great variety of tasty tamales, in addition to corn tortillas and moles for the days of celebration.
- Yucatan: Both its savory and sweet dishes usually include many tropical fruits.
- Mountainous regions of the west of the country: this is an area known for birria, a recipe based on goat, veal, lamb or pork meat, in a spicy tomato sauce.
- Pacific Coast and Baja California Peninsula: its recipes feature fish and shellfish.
The United Nations Organization for Education, Science and Culture or UNESCO, declared Mexican cuisine as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, demonstrating the importance and transcendence of gastronomy as an emblem of Mexican culture. Among the best known traditional dishes are:
Chilaquiles
This popular Mexican dish is made with lightly fried corn tortillas, cut into triangles known as totopos, and served topped with green or red sauce depending on the chili with which it is prepared. Other ingredients are added such as scrambled or fried eggs, shredded beef or chicken, cheese, enchilada, avocado, among other contours. In addition, the chilaquiles cannot miss a good portion of refried beans as accompaniments.
pozole
It is a broth or soup of pre-Hispanic origin based on dry cacahuazintle corn and pork meat, which according to anthropologists was used as part of ritual sacrifices.
These days, there are various versions of this ancient soup, made with chicken, pork or vegetables, made from ground corn seasoned and flavored with many Mexican herbs and spices. It is a dish that is cooked for several hours, so that the corn and meat are tender, once it is ready to serve, lettuce, radish, onion, lime and chilli are sprinkled on top.
It is a dish that is generally prepared on winter days, the national holidays and the end of the year. There is the so-called red, green and white pozole, depending on the ingredients added to it.
Tacos
This historical dish basically consists of a rolled corn tortilla, stuffed with a food typical of the region and seasoned with sauces. For example, in the city of Monterrey it is very common stuffed with finely chopped chicken breast, milk cream, guacamole and jalapeño pepper, towards the north of Mexico they are mostly consumed stuffed with grilled beef.
There is a wide variety of tacos, stuffed with minced meat, beans, vegetables, greens, cheese, etc. Currently there are many famous taco recipes, among the most famous we find the tacos al Pastor. Its origins date back to the XNUMXs, with the arrival of Lebanese and Syrian immigrants to Mexico.
Pastor-style tacos are made with thin strips of pork cooked on a spit, which are placed inside a corn tortilla, with thinly sliced onions, cilantro leaves and pineapple chunks.
toasts
The famous tostadas are a very simple, but versatile and delicious dish, it is made mainly with corn tortillas, toasted on the grill, in the sun or fried in boiling oil, until they turn golden and very crisp.
They are usually served with various foods, the most popular being beans, cheese, cooked beef or poultry, and even with seafood, fish, and ceviches.
chiles en nogada
This very common and patriotic dish, exhibits the three colors of the Mexican flag, consists of poblano or ancho chili peppers that are not usually very spicy, stuffed with picadillo made with minced meat, fruits and spices, bathed in a nut-based cream sauce. , chopped parsley and pomegranate seeds.
As its name indicates, it is originally from Puebla and many stories indicate that this dish was made especially for Don Agustín de Iturbide, considered the liberator of Mexico.
Elote or corn on the cob
Elote is the Mexican name for corn on the cob that is still tender. It is consumed very frequently, which is why it is very common that in almost every street corner in Mexico someone sells corn, boiled, punctured on a stick or in cups, with salt, chili powder, lime, butter, cheese, mayonnaise or sour cream in abundance.
Enchiladas
Enchiladas come from the time of the great indigenous civilizations, when the natives of the Valley of Mexico ate corn tortillas daily, but they were accompanied by different foods and served in different ways.
This dish basically consists of corn flour tortillas that are filled with different types of meat, cheese, seafood, beans, or vegetables, even a combination of various things, and covered with a chili sauce, sour cream, cheese, etc. This Mexican dish is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
mole
The origin of mole is disputed by three states, who claim to be the original home of this tasty dish. The well-known mole, pronounced “mol-eh”, is simply a popular sauce that consists of at least twenty ingredients, including different varieties of chilies, spices and corn.
Its preparation is laborious because it must be constantly stirred for a long period of time, it is frequently served over turkey or chicken meat.
Tamales
It is said that tamales were first made among the Aztecs, Mayans and Incas, who required nutritious food when they had to go to battle.
They consist of corn dough buns, stuffed with some sweet or savory preparation and then wrapped in banana or corn leaves to be steamed. Generally the fillings vary a lot from one area to another, however the most common are chicken, beef or pork stews, beans, cheeses, vegetables, chiles, mole and even fruit.
Tequila
Certainly it is not a dish, but how can we ignore a drink so appreciated in the world and pride of Mexico, tequila from the state of Jalisco, is the product of the fermentation and distillation of the juice that is extracted from the Blue Agave, a plant with many varieties from which mezcal, pulque, sotol, bacanora or cocuy are also obtained.
Holidays and celebration in Mexican culture
Holidays and celebrations for Mexicans are very special and an important part of their identity. Many of religious origin and others
Each region and community has its own patron saint and religious figures who are honored with celebrations and processions every year.
From the most remote indigenous towns and groups, to the most sophisticated and exclusive suburbs of Mexico City, they dedicate at least one day a year to participate in some celebration or party. Among the most popular celebrations of Mexican culture we find:
Día de la Independencia
It is celebrated on September 16 and is considered the most important National Holiday in Mexico. It is a day to celebrate the liberation of Mexico from Spanish rule in 1810.
The festivities begin on September 15 at night with the famous Grito de Independencia or Grito de Dolores, which commemorates the call of the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla by ringing the bells of the Dolores parish as a proclamation of independence.
The cry of Independence is generally recited followed by rockets, lights, music and dancing. The national holidays are days of many celebrations in all the states of the country, where people enjoy typical foods, musical groups, folklore performances, games and fun.
Easter
This celebration varies between the months of March and April of each year and is deeply religious, since the passion, death and resurrection of Christ are remembered.
Each state has its way of living and commemorating Holy Week, being a combination of tradition and spirituality, carrying out, in addition to masses, pilgrimages and pilgrimages, processions and representations of the last days of Jesus. Some of the Mexican places famous for their intense and emotional religious activity during Holy Week are:
- Patzcuaro and Uruapan in Michoacan
- San Miguel de Allende in Guanajuato
- Taxco in the state of Guerrero.
- Santiago de Queretaro in Queretaro.
- Iztapalapa on the outskirts of Mexico City.
Guelaguetza Festival
It takes place in Oaxaca de Juárez, a city in the state of Oaxaca, in the month of July, on the two Mondays after the 16th, and is an event associated with the celebrations of the day of Carmen, but also intended to exalt and celebrate native traditions and cultures. of this region.
A colorful display of traditional clothing, folk dances, craft shows and typical local food are part of this colorful festival, which emphasizes respect and affection for others in each Zapotec, promoting sharing and openness to nature. and life.
Day of the Dead
It is celebrated between November 1 and 2 of each year and it is a festivity that basically consists of celebrating the deceased, especially the ancestors of each family.
November 1st, is All Saints' Day according to the Catholic religion, it is a day to remember the deceased who are not blessed or saints and children.
The second of November is the day to celebrate the Faithful Departed, being in Mexico a very special day, full of traditions and celebration, which generally include the preparation of altars and sanctuaries in the houses with offerings, such as candles, incense, photographs , flowers and food.
During this festival, in addition to offerings and shrines to honor deceased relatives, nightly vigils are held at their graves. Among the offerings you can usually find the traditional bread of the dead and colorful icing sugar skulls.
The ancient stories of the Mexican culture affirm that, during these days, the souls of the ancestors return from the world of the dead to visit their loved ones.
There are beautiful and very colorful ceremonies throughout the country, for example, in Lake Pátzcuaro there is a beautiful torch lighting ceremony and festive dances.
Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe
This religious festival is held every December 12 in honor of Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe, commemorating the day she was introduced to an indigenous convert to Christianity, named Juan Diego, in Tepeyac.
Mexican Catholics make a huge pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City to see the image of the Virgen Morena.
It is considered the most important religious festival in Mexico and is a national holiday in the country. Generally, the celebrations begin on the 11th with serenades to the celebrated and very early on the 12th, they sing to the Virgin the traditional Mornings in the Basilica of Our Lady of Guadalupe.
Masses and prayers are held throughout the day, the most popular and important being the Blessing of the Roses at noon, the party culminated at eight o'clock at night on the 12th.
Millions of pilgrims walk to this sanctuary in the capital of Mexico to celebrate their day, processions and pilgrimages full of faith and showiness, often accompanied by dancers.
Feast of Saint Christopher Martyr
This festival dedicated to San Cristóbal takes place between July 16 and 25, in San Cristóbal de las Casas. Very colorful, vibrant and lively, this festival boasts fireworks, parades, marimba bands and parties, without missing the spirituality of prayers and masses in the temple of San Cristobalito.
Anniversary of Benito Juarez.
Every March 21, the commemoration of the birth of Benito Juárez, who came into the world in 1806, is celebrated in Mexico. This lawyer and politician of indigenous origin, called Benemérito de las Américas, was president of Mexico on several occasions.
Juárez was one of the most important figures in Mexican political life, which is why he was exiled at different times, however, that was not enough to separate him from his purposes and until the last of his days he was involved in the leadership of his country. .
Sayones Festival
It is celebrated during Holy Week in the town of Tetela del Volcán, in Morelos. It is considered a rather striking and curious traditional festival, which is held to commemorate the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
It is a fairly old traditional festival, it is estimated that it has more than three hundred years of history, which begins on Holy Thursday and ends on Easter Sunday when these characters burn their colored hats.
The sayons They are characters with elaborate and hand-painted leather masks, their outfits are made of brightly colored fabrics, they wear a cape and breastplate that are embroidered in sequins, a hat decorated with colorful tissue paper and they carry a machete.
They intervene in the various liturgical celebrations of the holy days, for example the washing of feet, the institution of the sacrament of the Eucharist, the Stations of the Cross, the Sermon of the Seven Words, the Procession of Silence, the Mass of Glory and the Mass of Resurrection.
Some family parties and important events
Mexican culture is happy and very familiar, so in homes it is very common to celebrate events and special achievements of each of its members and closest friends.
A clear example is the Quinceañera, a party that is organized when one of the girls in the family is going to turn 15 years old. But it is not just a party, the entertainment begins very early, when the birthday girl is serenaded by Mariachis, a mass in her honor is attended and then at the end of the afternoon the banquet and toast are held, with music. and celebration, without forgetting the most important moment, when the quinceañera waltzes.
The birth of a baby is also a special event, surrounded by many superstitions and protection rituals for those who arrive in this world.
It is common to celebrate anniversaries, first communion, graduations, weddings and birthdays, where you can not miss the rich Mexican dishes, mariachi and tequila, in addition to the colorful and popular piñatas.
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