mexican culture essay introduction

Essay on Mexican Culture

Students are often asked to write an essay on Mexican Culture in their schools and colleges. And if you’re also looking for the same, we have created 100-word, 250-word, and 500-word essays on the topic.

Let’s take a look…

100 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Introduction to mexican culture.

Mexican culture is rich with history and color. It comes from ancient civilizations like the Aztecs and Mayans. Today, it’s a mix of those traditions with influences from Spain and other countries. People in Mexico are known for their love of family, music, and food.

Festivals and Holidays

Mexico is famous for its lively festivals. One of the biggest is the Day of the Dead, where families remember loved ones who have passed away. They decorate altars and graves with bright flowers and offer favorite foods.

Traditional Mexican Food

Mexican food is known worldwide. Tacos, enchiladas, and guacamole come from here. Corn, beans, and chili peppers are important ingredients. Meals are often shared with family, making eating a social event.

Music and Dance

Music and dance are key parts of Mexican culture. Mariachi bands play guitars, violins, and trumpets. Folk dances tell stories of Mexico’s history. The colorful costumes and lively rhythms are enjoyed by people of all ages.

Art and Craft

Mexican culture is a tapestry of traditions that celebrate life. It’s a blend of history, art, food, and music that brings joy to people and makes Mexico unique.

250 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Mexican culture is a rich blend of native traditions and Spanish influence. It is known for its colorful art, lively music, and strong family values. Mexico’s history shapes its culture, from ancient civilizations like the Maya and Aztecs to the Spanish conquest.

Traditional Food

Mexican food is famous worldwide. Tacos, enchiladas, and tamales are just a few examples of the tasty dishes. Ingredients like corn, beans, and chili peppers are common. Families often gather to enjoy meals together, making food a central part of social life.

Festivals and Celebrations

Mexicans love to celebrate. One of the most famous events is the Day of the Dead, when people honor their loved ones who have passed away. There are also colorful parades, dances, and music. Christmas and Cinco de Mayo are other big celebrations full of joy and traditions.

Music and dance are vital in Mexican culture. Mariachi bands play lively tunes with violins, trumpets, and guitars. Folk dances tell stories of Mexico’s history and people. Young and old enjoy the rhythms and movements that make up Mexico’s musical heritage.

Family Values

Mexican culture is a tapestry woven from history, food, celebrations, music, and family. It is a culture full of warmth, color, and life, inviting everyone to experience its beauty and traditions.

500 Words Essay on Mexican Culture

Mexican culture is a rich and colorful tapestry woven from a history that goes back thousands of years. It includes the traditions of the ancient Maya and Aztec civilizations, as well as influences from Spanish colonists who came to Mexico over 500 years ago. Today, Mexican culture is known around the world for its vibrant music, delicious food, and festive celebrations.

Mexicans love to celebrate, and they have many festivals throughout the year. One of the most famous is the Day of the Dead, or Día de los Muertos, which is a time when people remember and honor their loved ones who have passed away. During this festival, families create altars with photos, candles, and flowers, and they might also visit the graves of their relatives. Another important celebration is Mexican Independence Day on September 16th, which marks the day Mexico began its fight for freedom from Spain.

Music and dance are at the heart of Mexican social life. Mariachi bands, with their trumpets, violins, and guitars, are a common sight at parties and celebrations. Folk dances, such as the Jarabe Tapatío, often known as the Mexican Hat Dance, tell stories through movement and are performed wearing traditional costumes. These art forms not only provide entertainment but also help to pass down history and traditions from one generation to the next.

Art and Handicrafts

Family is a very important part of life in Mexico. Many generations often live in the same house or neighborhood, and they support each other in daily life. Respect for elders is a key value, and children are taught to listen to and learn from their parents and grandparents. Family members celebrate important events together, such as birthdays and religious ceremonies, which helps to strengthen their bonds.

Mexican culture is a beautiful blend of history, art, food, and family. It is a culture that is both ancient and ever-changing, as new generations add their own stories to the rich tapestry that has been created over thousands of years. Understanding Mexican culture can help people from all over the world appreciate the diversity and depth of human traditions.

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The Culture of the Mexican Culture

This essay about Mexican beliefs explores the rich interplay between indigenous customs and Spanish colonial influences, creating a unique cultural and spiritual landscape. It highlights the central role of family and community, exemplified by the communal and inclusive concept of “la familia.” The essay delves into significant cultural practices such as Día de los Muertos, which blends Aztec traditions with Christian elements to honor deceased ancestors. Additionally, it discusses the widespread veneration of the Virgin of Guadalupe, who symbolizes a synthesis of Catholic and indigenous beliefs. The essay also touches on the devotion to folk saints like Santa Muerte, reflecting the eclectic and dynamic nature of Mexican spirituality. Overall, the essay illustrates how Mexican beliefs and practices are a testament to the country’s history of cultural adaptation and resilience, offering insight into the deep familial bonds and spiritual richness that characterize the Mexican identity.

How it works

The culture of Mexico forms a complex mosaic interlaced with strands of ancient indigenous customs and Spanish colonial imprints, yielding a distinct amalgam discernible in the nation’s convictions, ceremonies, and daily routines. The spiritual and religious beliefs embraced by numerous Mexicans today bear witness to this syncretism, showcasing a unique amalgamation of historical and contemporary, native and external influences.

At the heart of Mexican belief systems lies a profound reverence for familial and communal ties, extending beyond immediate kinship to encompass a broader, all-encompassing concept termed “la familia.

” This inclusive framework encapsulates both close and extended kin, epitomizing a collective ethos where communal welfare supersedes individual pursuits. The centrality of family within Mexican culture transcends mere social constructs to assume spiritual significance, with familial gatherings and rituals often featuring supplications and tributes to departed kin, particularly during Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) observances.

Día de los Muertos serves as a vibrant testament to the integration of indigenous traditions with Christian elements within Mexican beliefs. Observed on November 1st and 2nd, concurrent with the Catholic All Saints’ and All Souls’ Days, this festival melds Aztec practices of ancestor veneration with Christian observances. Families construct ornate altars (ofrendas) adorned with photographs, culinary offerings, marigolds (cempasúchil), and candles to welcome the souls of the departed back to the realm of the living for a transient reunion. Rooted in the conviction that ancestral spirits return annually to safeguard familial prosperity and perpetuate the bond between the living and the deceased, this celebration epitomizes the syncretic nature of Mexican spirituality.

Mexican spirituality further manifests as a blend of popular Catholicism and indigenous belief systems, epitomized by the veneration of the Virgin of Guadalupe. Revered not solely as the Mother of Christ but also as a spiritual heir to the Aztec goddess Tonantzin, the Virgin of Guadalupe occupies a pivotal position within Mexican religious consciousness. Her basilica in Mexico City stands as one of the globe’s most frequented Catholic pilgrimage sites, while her image assumes an emblematic role in Mexican households, symbolizing protection, national identity, and religious fervor.

Moreover, beliefs in folk saints like Santa Muerte (Saint Death) underscore an underground spiritual movement melding indigenous Mexican traditions with Catholic tenets. Often revered by marginalized segments of society or those disillusioned with mainstream religious orthodoxy, Santa Muerte is beseeched for safeguarding and prosperity, offering a fascinating glimpse into the divergence of Mexican spirituality from conventional Catholicism to embrace eclectic beliefs steeped in local lore.

Mexican beliefs remain fluid and ever-evolving, reflecting the trials, aspirations, and resilience of its people. Serving as a window into the soul of Mexico, these convictions illuminate the intricate interplay of historical legacies, spiritual rituals, and quotidian existence, shaping a cultural identity that thrives on both tradition and innovation.

In essence, Mexican beliefs epitomize a nuanced interweaving of ancient heritage and colonial legacies, characterized by profound familial bonds, distinctive perspectives on mortality and the hereafter, and a spiritual tapestry encompassing the sacred and the supernatural. This fusion not only defines Mexico’s cultural and religious ethos but also epitomizes humanity’s capacity for cultural assimilation and synthesis.

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How To Write An Essay About Mexico And Its Culture

Have you been assigned to write an essay on Mexico and its culture? Not sure how to go about it? If yes, you’re at the right place at the right time. We’ve put together a few steps to help you create an impressive piece.

Choose a relevant topic.

First thing first, choose a topic for your Mexican essay. Assignmentguru can help with that. Then, decide what is it about Mexico that you would like to discuss. For instance:

• Is it a Mexican friend?
• Is it a trip to Mexico?
• Is it something about that country that inspires you?
• Is it about its people in general?
• Is it about the cultural characteristics of Mexico?
• Is it about Mexican movies?
• Is it about the food?

You could choose any topic for your assignment that allows you to be creative. If you feel stuck and cannot decide on a topic, you can look for interesting argumentative topics online. These topics may not be related to Mexico, but you can alter them accordingly. All in all, you will have to spend some time researching. When you decide on a topic, jot down your ideas and research them. If the topic seems too difficult or boring to write about, it’s time to choose another one. So, never start writing right away when you come up with a topic. Some initial research and brainstorming are a must. Doing so will help you craft a well-structured essay that leaves an impression. It will also help you use authentic evidence that makes a write-up credible. Hence, never underestimate this first step.

Create an outline

No matter what your topic is, make sure you outline your draft. Outlining the draft helps you organize your ideas and develop a cohesive piece. An outline serves as a roadmap for your essay. It enables you to stay on track while writing. If you do not have an outline, you may lose track of your ideas and thoughts while you write. Also, you may not be able to connect your ideas appropriately. Therefore, always create an outline. The outline of your essays about Mexico may include:

• Introduction: Background statement and thesis;
• Body: Key arguments/ideas about Mexican culture and your experience or personal story. And evidence that you’d be using;
• Conclusion: Concluding statement.

This outline will allow you to be clear about what and how to write. So, don’t forget to create an outline for your essay. Also, you can do your research and create an outline side by side. Doing so will help keep track of the ideas and evidence.

Add a personal touch.

To craft an impressive Mexican culture essay, try adding a personal touch. Are you wondering what that means? Well, if you’re writing about a Mexican movie, also mention the feelings and emotions you had while watching it. What impression did you have about Mexico while watching a Mexican character or movie? Or, if you’re writing about a friend, do they have typical Mexican characteristics? Do you like to celebrate their cultural events such as Semana Santa or Day of the Dead? If you love traditional Mexican food, write what it is about that makes you love the food. Tell the reader about its taste and where do you eat it. You can also add a backstory about that food or festival. Whatever you write, don’t forget to add your personal opinion, feelings, or emotions attached to the experience or story. Personalizing your essay makes it sound real and more interesting. But, make sure you make the best use of the language. Choose words that help you show the reader what you’re writing. Your vocabulary and sentence structure mean a lot when crafting a compelling piece. If you can’t develop appropriate ideas and words, you can find online essays for sale at Essayzoo.org. The website has a wide range of essays written by professional writers. So, say goodbye to your stress and anxiety, and choose to take online help if that’s an option.

Make sure your essay is well-structured

Once you’re done writing your draft following your outline, ensure the structure is right. Don’t know how to structure an essay? A standard essay structure has three parts:

• Introduction;
• Conclusion.

Your sections do not have these subheadings. But, the way you structure your paragraphs makes these sections obvious. A well-structured essay is easy to read and understand. And, it has a great chance of impressing the reader.

So, try to develop some good ways to start an essay. For instance:

• A catchy or interesting opening statement;
• A controversy;
• A fun fact.

Also, don’t forget to include a thesis statement in your introduction. This statement contains the central idea of your write-up.

After the introductory paragraph, divide your body into logical sections. Use each idea or argument in a separate paragraph with evidence to back it. For example, if you have three key ideas or arguments, discuss each of them in a separate paragraph. It makes your body of three sections. If you’re writing about a Mexican friend, Netflix series, food, or trip, use three different aspects of it. Discuss each aspect in a separate paragraph and use evidence to support your ideas or thoughts.

Lastly, summarize your key points and finish it off with a food for thought concluding sentence.

Proofread and edit

Once you’re done writing, make sure you read it at least three times. Reading it repeatedly will help you eliminate errors that are easily overlooked. Make sure your draft does not have spelling, punctuation, or grammatical errors. Also, ascertain that your paragraphs are well-connected; there is cohesion and cohesiveness. You can only do it if you read your piece line by line carefully several times. Remove any detail that sounds irrelevant or boring. Add anything that you think you have missed. You can also ask a family member or a friend to proofread it for you for better feedback. Their feedback is sure to make your piece better and more impressive. So, alter your draft according to their feedback. It will surely help you get the grades you deserve.

Overall, writing about Mexico and its culture is not that challenging. You need some time for your brainstorming and research session to develop interesting ideas. Once you’re done with that, use those ideas logically. And remember to follow the right structure to craft a well-written piece.

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Mexican culture: Customs and traditions

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

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).

Mexico 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.

The 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.  

"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. 

Especially 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 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.

Clay 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). 

Many 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.

Mexico'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 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.

Learn 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.

• " 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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Kim Ann Zimmermann is a contributor to Live Science and sister site Space.com, writing mainly evergreen reference articles that provide background on myriad scientific topics, from astronauts to climate, and from culture to medicine. Her work can also be found in Business News Daily and KM World. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Glassboro State College (now known as Rowan University) in New Jersey. 

• Alina Bradford Live Science Contributor

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A Brief Introduction To Mexican Culture

Mexico is a land of vibrant culture, fascinating history, and warm, hospitable people. This country is home to one of the world’s richest cultures, with ancient roots and modern innovations that make it a unique and exciting place to explore.

In this article, we’ll explore the diverse aspects of Mexican culture spanning history, language, art and cuisine. Leveraging professional translations enables anyone to wholly embrace the nation’s treasures. We’ll showcase why expertise across Mexican languages and customs provides a profoundly enlightening pathway integral to an authentic experience.

Mexico’s Historical Perspective

Mexico boasts a rich and multifaceted history, spanning over several millennia, which owes its character to the contributions of numerous cultures. The Olmec, Aztec, and Maya civilizations, each fascinating in their own right, made distinctive and significant contributions to art, architecture, mathematics, and astronomy. The Olmecs were renowned for their colossal stone heads and jade figurines, while the Aztecs developed impressive hydraulic engineering systems and intricate featherwork. The Mayans, in contrast, invented an advanced writing system [ 6 ] and a highly precise calendar [ 5 ] that is still in use today.

Indigenous peoples of Mexico

Mexico is home to 68 indigenous peoples, each speaking their own native language and together accounting for 364 variants [ 1 ]. According to the 2020 Census, there are 23.2 million indigenous persons in Mexico, representing nearly 20 percent of Mexico’s total population [ 2 ]. The indigenous peoples of Mexico have a rich and diverse culture that reflects their ancient history, their resistance to colonialism, and their current struggles and achievements. Some of the most prominent groups are:

• The Nahuas, who are the descendants of the Aztecs and speak Nahuatl. They are the largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 1.65 million speakers [ 2 ]. They live mainly in central and southern Mexico, and have a strong influence on Mexican cuisine, art, music, and literature.
• The Mayas, who are the descendants of the Maya civilization and speak various Mayan languages. They are the second largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 774,755 speakers [ 3 ]. They live mainly in the Yucatán Peninsula and Chiapas, and have a rich heritage of astronomy, mathematics, architecture, and writing.
• The Zapotecs, who are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Mexico and speak Zapotec. They are the third largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 400,000 speakers [ 4 ]. They live mainly in Oaxaca and Veracruz, and have a distinctive culture of weaving, pottery, music, and cuisine.
• The Mixtecs, who are closely related to the Zapotecs and speak Mixtec. They are the fourth largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 300,000 speakers [ 4 ]. They live mainly in Oaxaca, Guerrero, and Puebla, and have a remarkable tradition of codices (pictorial books), goldsmithing, painting, and embroidery.
• The Otomis, who are one of the oldest indigenous groups in Mexico and speak Otomi. They are the fifth largest indigenous group in Mexico, with about 200,000 speakers. They live mainly in Hidalgo, Querétaro, Guanajuato, and México State , and have a unique culture of textiles (especially tenangos), ceramics (especially barro bruñido), music (especially huapango), and cuisine.

The indigenous peoples of Mexico are an integral part of Mexican culture and society. They have contributed to its history, diversity, richness, and beauty. They have also faced many challenges and injustices throughout time, such as discrimination, marginalization , poverty , violence , and loss of land and rights . They have fought for their dignity , autonomy , recognition , and development . They have also formed alliances with other social movements , such as the Zapatista Army of National Liberation (EZLN) in Chiapas.

Spanish Colonialists

The colonial period in Mexico lasted from 1521 to 1821, when Mexico gained its independence from Spain. During this time, Mexico was part of the Spanish Empire and was known as New Spain. The colonial period had a profound impact on Mexican culture, as it involved cultural exchanges and influences between Spain and Mexico, social and racial categories that emerged during this time, and conflicts and rebellions that led to Mexico’s independence. Some of the aspects of the colonial period and its impact on Mexican culture are:

• Architecture. The Spanish introduced the Baroque style of architecture to Mexico [ 7 ], which combined European and indigenous motifs. Some examples of Baroque architecture in Mexico are the Metropolitan Cathedral of Mexico City, the Hospicio Cabañas in Guadalajara, and the Church of Santo Domingo in Oaxaca.
• Literature. The Spanish introduced the genres of poetry, drama, novel, essay, and chronicle to Mexico, and also influenced some of the indigenous writers. Some examples of colonial literature in Mexico are the poems of Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, the dramas of Juan Ruiz de Alarcón, the novels of Carlos de Sigüenza y Góngora, the essays of Francisco Javier Clavijero, and the chronicles of Bernal Díaz del Castillo.
• Music. The Spanish introduced the genres of classical music, folk music, religious music, and popular music to Mexico, and also incorporated some of the indigenous instruments and rhythms. Some examples of colonial music in Mexico are the symphonies of Manuel de Zumaya , the son jarocho of Veracruz, the villancicos of Christmas, and the jarabe tapatío of Jalisco.
• Cuisine. The Spanish introduced ingredients such as wheat, rice, sugar, olive oil, dairy products, beef, pork, chicken, and wine to Mexico, and also learned to use some of the indigenous ingredients such as corn, beans, squash, chilies, tomatoes, avocados, cacao , vanilla , and agave . Some examples of colonial cuisine in Mexico are the mole poblano of Puebla, the chiles en nogada of Puebla, the cochinita pibil of Yucatán, and the chocolate drink of Oaxaca.
• Customs. The Spanish introduced customs such as bullfighting, cockfighting, rodeo, carnival, and fiesta to Mexico, and also adapted some of the indigenous customs such as Day of the Dead, quinceañera, and piñata. Some examples of colonial customs in Mexico are the bullfights of Plaza México, the cockfights of Tlaxcala, the charreadas of Chihuahua, the carnival of Veracruz, and the fiesta patronal (patron saint festival) of each town.
• Mestizos. They were people of mixed European and indigenous ancestry [ 8 ]. They were the largest group in colonial society [ 9 ] and had a diverse range of occupations and social positions. They could be artisans , merchants , farmers , soldiers , priests , or even nobles . They were usually Catholic and spoke Spanish or an indigenous language.
• Criollos. They were people of pure European ancestry who were born in Mexico. They were second only to peninsulares (people born in Spain) in colonial society and had access to education and wealth. They could be landowners , bureaucrats , lawyers , doctors , or even viceroys . They were usually Catholic and spoke Spanish or French.
• Mulatos. They were people of mixed European and African ancestry. They were a smaller group in colonial society and faced discrimination and slavery. They could be servants , laborers , miners , artisans , or even musicians . They were usually Catholic and spoke Spanish or an African language.
• Castas. They were people of mixed-race ancestry that did not fit into the previous categories. They were the most diverse and complex group in colonial society and had a fluid and changing identity. They could be zambos (mixed indigenous and African), pardos (mixed mulato and indigenous), coyotes (mixed mestizo and indigenous), chinos (mixed Asian and indigenous), or many other combinations. They were usually Catholic and spoke Spanish or an indigenous language.
• The Chichimeca War (1550-1590). It was a series of battles between the Spanish colonizers and the Chichimeca peoples (a collective term for various nomadic and semi-nomadic indigenous groups) in northern Mexico. The Chichimeca War was caused by the Spanish expansion into the Chichimeca territory, which disrupted their way of life and provoked their resistance. The Chichimeca War was one of the longest and most violent wars in colonial history and resulted in thousands of casualties on both sides.
• The Pueblo Revolt (1680). It was a coordinated uprising of the Pueblo peoples (a collective term for various sedentary indigenous groups) in northern New Mexico against the Spanish colonizers. The Pueblo Revolt was caused by the Spanish oppression of the Pueblo peoples, which included forced labor, taxation, religious persecution, and cultural assimilation. The Pueblo Revolt was one of the most successful indigenous revolts in colonial history and resulted in the expulsion of the Spanish from New Mexico for 12 years.
• The Mexican War of Independence (1810-1821). It was a war between the Mexican insurgents (mostly criollos and mestizos) and the Spanish royalists (mostly peninsulares and loyal criollos) in Mexico. The Mexican War of Independence was caused by the Napoleonic invasion of Spain, which created a power vacuum in New Spain; the Enlightenment ideas of liberty, equality, and democracy; and the discontent of the criollos and mestizos with their colonial status. The Mexican War of Independence was one of the most important events in Mexican history and resulted in the establishment of Mexico as an independent nation.

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Family and Individual Values

Mexican culture places a high value on family life and individual values. Elders are often the head of the household and family members are expected to support and care for each other [ 10 ]. Children are treasured, and it is not uncommon for them to continue living with their parents even after reaching adulthood. Respect for elders, loyalty, hospitality, generosity, solidarity, and honor are all highly prized virtues in Mexican culture.

In addition to these values, Mexicans are also known for their sense of humor, creativity, and joyfulness, which are reflected in their art, music, literature, and festivals. Celebrating life and its milestones, such as baptisms, weddings, and quinceañeras, is significant in Mexican culture.

Mexicans are recognized for their strong work ethic and ability to find joy in life’s simple pleasures.

Religion has played a significant role in Mexican culture since the arrival of the Spanish in the 16th century. The majority of Mexicans are Roman Catholic, and the Virgin of Guadalupe is one of the most revered figures in Mexican Catholicism.

Mexico is predominantly a Roman Catholic country, with an estimated 83% of the population identifying as such. The Catholic faith was introduced to Mexico by Spanish conquistadors during the 16th century. The Virgin of Guadalupe is a vital patron saint in Mexican culture, and her image is widely recognized and revered. Mexico also has significant Protestant and Evangelical communities, particularly in urban areas, in addition to Catholicism.

However, Mexico also has a diverse religious landscape, with Protestants, Jehovah’s Witnesses, Mormons, and other Christian denominations accounting for about 10% of the population. There is also a significant Muslim community, particularly in the state of Chiapas. Additionally, many Mexicans practice popular religiosity, which involves combining Catholic beliefs with indigenous and African practices.

The Day of the Dead, also known as Día de los Muertos, is a cherished Mexican tradition that harmoniously blends indigenous and Catholic beliefs. This vibrant celebration takes place annually on November 1st and 2nd, during which families gather to pay tribute and remember their departed loved ones.

In homes and cemeteries alike, families construct elaborate altars adorned with photographs, cherished keepsakes, and favorite dishes of those who have passed away. These altars serve as an invitation for the spirits of the deceased to join in the festivities. Additionally, families visit and lovingly tend to the graves of their loved ones, decorating them with colorful flowers and other embellishments.

This unique and lively commemoration serves as a beautiful reminder of the continuous cycle of life and death, allowing families to joyfully celebrate and honor the memories of their deceased relatives.

Learn about our expertise in providing Mexican Spanish translation services.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico and is spoken by about 95% of the population. It is the primary language used in business, government, and education. In addition to Spanish, there are about 68 indigenous languages recognized by the government, such as Nahuatl, Maya, Zapotec, and Mixtec. These languages are an important part of Mexico’s cultural heritage, and have left a lasting mark on the Spanish language.

The integration of indigenous terminology into Mexican Spanish is a testament to the nation’s diverse linguistic heritage. This linguistic diversity presents both a challenge and an opportunity in the realm of translation, where understanding the subtleties of these languages becomes crucial for accurate and culturally sensitive communication. For a deeper exploration of how these linguistic variations and cultural nuances influence translation practices, especially in Mexican Spanish, see our related article on the significance of cultural context in translation.

Mexican Sign Language (LSM) is the primary communication method for the deaf community throughout Mexico. This visual language employs hand signs, facial expressions, and body movements to express thoughts and ideas. Unique to itself, LSM follows its distinct grammatical structures and syntax, independent of the Spanish language. Currently, there are initiatives advocating for LSM to become an officially recognized language in Mexico, aiming to improve access to education, job opportunities, and more for deaf individuals.

In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in learning English in Mexico, particularly among young people. English is seen as a valuable skill for business and tourism, and many schools and language centers offer English classes. Bilingualism is becoming increasingly important in Mexico’s globalized economy, and there are efforts to promote multilingualism and language education throughout the country.

Holidays and Celebrations

Mexicans love to celebrate, and there are many public holidays throughout the year that are an important part of Mexican culture. Cinco de Mayo and El Grito de Independencia are two of the most well-known holidays, symbolizing freedom and liberty. Cinco de Mayo commemorates the bravery of Mexican soldiers who made the French army retreat, while El Grito de Independencia is a celebration of Mexico’s independence from Spain.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos) is another important holiday in Mexican culture. It is not as morbid as its name implies but a celebration of the spirits of ancestors. Mexicans honor their ancestors by visiting cemeteries, anointing graves with fresh flowers and candles, and creating altars with offerings of food and other items. This celebration affirms an acceptance of nature’s cycle of life and death.

Traditional dress is still a common sight in many Mexican villages, where women often wear bright and colorful skirts paired with cape shawls, while men don heavy boots, simple cotton pants and shirts, and serapes and sombreros. These traditional clothing styles have been influenced by the ancient civilizations of Mexico, with the bright colors and intricate designs reflecting the art and culture of the Olmecs, Aztecs, and Mayans. For example, the huipil, a loose-fitting tunic worn by indigenous women, can be traced back to pre-Hispanic times and is still commonly worn today.

In addition to traditional clothing, Mexico has a thriving fashion industry that blends elements of old and new styles. Some Mexican designers have gained recognition for their modern interpretations of traditional clothing, creating unique and fashionable pieces that celebrate the country’s cultural heritage. The use of traditional textiles such as rebozos and embroidery can be seen in modern fashion designs, highlighting the enduring influence of ancient Mexican cultures on contemporary fashion. Overall, Mexico’s clothing traditions are a vibrant and important part of the country’s cultural identity.

The most diverse and flavorful in the world. Its flavors and ingredients have been shaped by its long history, geography, and cultural influences. Traditional Mexican food is a delightful blend of indigenous and Spanish influences, using ingredients like corn, beans, chili peppers, tomatoes, avocados, and various herbs and spices.

Tortillas, made from ground corn, are a staple food in Mexican cuisine and are served with most meals. Tamales, made from corn dough and filled with meat, cheese, or vegetables, are also a popular traditional dish.

Other famous Mexican dishes include chiles rellenos, which are stuffed chili peppers with cheese or meat, and mole, a rich and complex sauce made with chili peppers, chocolate, and spices. Guacamole, a dip made from mashed avocados, is also a favorite Mexican food.

Each dish carries with it a story of cultural exchange and adaptation, reflecting the nation’s history and diverse influences. To truly appreciate the depth and historical significance behind these dishes, an understanding of Mexico’s culinary language and cultural context is invaluable. For insights into how cultural and linguistic nuances shape the Mexican culinary experience , read our article on Embracing Mexican Culture.

Mexican cuisine has also been heavily influenced by European and American cuisine, particularly in urban areas. Fast food chains like McDonald’s and Burger King are common in Mexico City and other large cities.

Music is an integral part of Mexican culture, and it has a long and rich history. Mariachi music is one of the most well-known and beloved genres of Mexican music. It originated in the state of Jalisco and features a band of musicians playing traditional Mexican instruments, including guitars, violins, trumpets, vihuela, and guitarrón. Mariachi not only entertains but also tells stories rich in cultural heritage. To understand the deeper meanings behind these songs, one might benefit from reading more in our article, Embracing Mexican Culture .

Ranchera is another popular genre of Mexican music that is characterized by its emotive and often romantic lyrics. It is typically accompanied by a mariachi band or guitar. Mariachi is a form of Mexican folk music that originated in Jalisco and features stringed instruments like guitars, violins, trumpets, vihuela, and guitarrón. Ranchera is a genre that expresses love, patriotism, or nature through lyrical songs accompanied by mariachi or guitar.

Other popular genres of Mexican music include norteño, blends Mexican folk music with polka and waltz influences from German immigrants. It uses instruments like accordion, bajo sexto, drums, and saxophone. Corrido is a genre that narrates historical events or stories of heroes and outlaws through ballads sung by soloists or groups with guitars.

In addition to traditional Mexican music genres, such as mariachi, ranchera, norteño, and corrido, other music genres have gained popularity in Mexico in recent years. Hip hop, reggaeton, and electronic dance music (EDM) have all found a following in Mexico’s music scene. Mexican musicians have also made significant contributions to the global music industry, with artists such as Carlos Santana, Selena, and Mana achieving worldwide fame. In recent years, Mexican music has been influenced by American music, particularly hip hop and rap. Mexican hip hop artists such as Control Machete and Cartel de Santa have gained international recognition and helped to popularize the genre in Mexico.

Mexican art is diverse and reflects the country’s rich cultural history, imbued with symbols and narratives that often require cultural context for full appreciation. It is influenced by pre-Hispanic cultures such as the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec, as well as colonial art such as baroque and neoclassical. Modern art movements like muralism and surrealism also played a significant role in shaping Mexican art, with artists such as Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros gaining international recognition. Today, contemporary Mexican art continues to thrive with new forms such as graffiti and digital media emerging. Some of the most famous Mexican artists include Rufino Tamayo, Carlos Mérida, Leonora Carrington, Remedios Varo, Gabriel Orozco, and Fernando Botero. Whether you’re admiring ancient artifacts or contemporary works, Mexican art offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s rich artistic heritage.

Learn more about visual culture and the role of imagery in Mexican culture .

Sports have long been a significant part of Mexican culture, with ancient Mesoamerican civilizations having developed ball games that were used for both recreational and religious purposes. Today, football (soccer) is the most popular sport in Mexico, with millions of fans across the country. The Mexican national football team, known as El Tri, has a long and storied history, having participated in 16 FIFA World Cup tournaments and winning the gold medal at the 2012 London Olympics. Other popular sports in Mexico include boxing, baseball, and basketball. Mexican athletes have also excelled in individual sports, such as diving, swimming, and track and field. Some of the most famous Mexican athletes include boxer Julio César Chávez, golfer Lorena Ochoa, and sprinter Ana Gabriela Guevara.

Dance is an essential part of Mexican culture and has its roots in both indigenous and colonial traditions. Pre-Hispanic civilizations used dance for religious ceremonies, while Spanish colonizers introduced European dances such as the waltz and polka. Today, Mexican folk dance is a vibrant and essential part of the country’s cultural identity, with numerous regional styles and variations. The traditional Mexican dance is often characterized by its colorful costumes and intricate footwork, with the Jarabe Tapatío (Mexican Hat Dance) being one of the most well-known examples. Modern dance styles such as salsa and bachata have also become popular in Mexico, with many dance schools and clubs offering classes and social events.

Mexico has a rich literary tradition that spans several centuries, with numerous famous writers having emerged from the country. The Mexican literary tradition has its roots in pre-Hispanic cultures, with the Mayan and Aztec civilizations having developed sophisticated writing systems and literature. During the colonial period, Spanish writers and poets introduced European literary traditions to Mexico, and Mexican writers began to emerge in the 19th century. Some of the most famous Mexican writers include Octavio Paz, Carlos Fuentes, and Juan Rulfo, whose works have been translated into numerous languages and have received international recognition. Mexican literature is characterized by its blend of indigenous and colonial traditions, with themes such as identity, history, and social justice being common.

The Magical Realism movement, which combines fantastical elements with realistic settings and events, has also been a significant influence on Mexican literature and has produced numerous famous writers such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez, whose novel “One Hundred Years of Solitude” is considered a masterpiece of the genre. To fully grasp these literary nuances, a deep understanding of language and culture is essential. Explore this further in our article on Embracing Mexican Culture , where we delve into the role of cultural translation in literature.

Mexican literature has also been influenced by political and social issues, with many writers exploring themes related to revolution, inequality, and human rights. The work of contemporary Mexican writers such as Valeria Luiselli, Yuri Herrera, and Carmen Boullosa continues to explore these themes and push the boundaries of Mexican literary tradition. In recent years, Mexican literature has gained even greater international recognition, with more translations of Mexican works being published and Mexican writers being invited to prestigious literary events around the world.

How 24 Hour Translation Services Can Help with Mexican Culture and Language Needs

If you are traveling to Mexico or conducting business with Mexican companies, it is important to have a good understanding of the country’s culture and language. At 24 Hour Translation Services , we can help you with all of your Mexican language needs. Our team of professional translators is experienced in translating a wide range of documents and can assist with any language-related needs you may have.

Whether you need to translate legal documents , business contracts , marketing materials, or personal documents , our team can provide accurate and efficient translations. We also offer Spanish interpretation services for business meetings, conferences, and other events.

In addition to language services, our team of Spanish translators can also provide cultural consulting to help you navigate the nuances of Mexican culture. From understanding social norms to adapting to business practices, our cultural experts can help you make the most of your experience in Mexico.

At 24 Hour Translation Services, we are committed to providing our clients with high-quality language and cultural services. Contact us today to learn more about how we can assist you with your Mexican language and cultural needs.

In conclusion, Mexico’s rich and diverse culture has been shaped by its long and storied history, unique geography, and a range of cultural influences. Its food, music, art, and celebrations are beloved around the world and reflect the deep cultural traditions that have been passed down through generations.

Despite the influence of other cultures, Mexico has retained the integrity of its own, and its family values, respect for elders, and strong religious beliefs remain defining features of its society. From its ancient ruins to its modern cities, Mexico offers a unique cultural experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.

If you’re interested in learning more about Mexican culture, there are numerous resources available online and in-person, including museums, cultural events, and historical sites. Consider visiting Mexico City, home to many of these attractions, including the Frida Kahlo Museum and the Diego Rivera Mural Museum.

In short, Mexico’s culture is a rich tapestry of traditions, customs, and beliefs that have been shaped by its diverse history and geography. Whether you’re enjoying a plate of delicious Mexican cuisine, listening to the soulful melodies of mariachi music, or admiring the vibrant colors of Mexican art, you’ll quickly discover why Mexico is such a beloved destination.

Frequently Asked Questions

The monarch butterfly migration is considered a spiritual event in Mexican culture. It is believed that the butterflies represent the souls of deceased loved ones returning to visit their families during the Day of the Dead celebrations. The arrival of the butterflies in Mexico each fall is a highly anticipated event and is celebrated with festivals and parades.

Mexican culture has a rich history of games and sports, many of which are still played today. One example is La Lotería, a game similar to bingo that uses images from Mexican culture and history. Another popular game is called Juego de Pelota, a ball game played by the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations. Other traditional Mexican games include trompo (a spinning top game), canicas (marbles), and trompo (spinning tops).

The Mexican flag features three vertical stripes, in green, white, and red, with the Mexican coat of arms in the center. The green stripe represents hope, the white stripe represents purity, and the red stripe represents the blood of Mexican heroes. The coat of arms features an eagle perched on a cactus, holding a serpent in its beak, which is said to represent the Aztec legend of the foundation of Tenochtitlán, the ancient capital of the Aztec empire.

The Day of the Candelaria, or Día de la Candelaria, is a Mexican holiday celebrated on February 2nd, 40 days after Christmas. It is considered the last day of the Christmas season and is marked by traditional food, music, and dance. One of the most important traditions of this holiday is the blessing of the candles, which are used in religious ceremonies throughout the year.

Mexican music has a rich history and a diverse range of instruments, many of which are unique to Mexican culture. Some traditional Mexican musical instruments include the mariachi instruments (guitars, violins, trumpets, vihuela, and guitarrón), the jarana (a small guitar-like instrument), the marimba (a percussion instrument similar to a xylophone), and the quijada (a percussion instrument made from a donkey’s jawbone).

Mexico has a long tradition of arts and crafts, with many techniques and materials having been passed down through generations. Some examples of traditional Mexican crafts include pottery, weaving, embroidery, basketry, and paper cutting. These crafts often incorporate bright colors, intricate designs, and natural materials like clay, wool, and plant fibers.

Mexico has a rich history filled with many influential figures. Some of the most important historical figures include Miguel Hidalgo, who led the Mexican War of Independence in 1810; Benito Juarez, who served as president and implemented many important reforms in the 19th century; Emiliano Zapata, a revolutionary leader who fought for land reform; and Pancho Villa, another revolutionary leader who played a key role in the Mexican Revolution.

Machismo is a cultural concept in Mexico that emphasizes the importance of male strength, virility, and dominance. It has been criticized for contributing to gender inequality and perpetuating stereotypes about women. However, some argue that it can also be seen as a positive trait, as it places value on traditional notions of masculinity and honor.

The Tzotzil Maya people are one of the largest indigenous groups in Mexico, primarily residing in the highlands of Chiapas. They have a rich cultural heritage, including a unique language and traditional dress. Their history and culture have influenced Mexican society, particularly in the areas of art, music, and cuisine. Tzotzil embroidery, for example, is highly valued for its intricate designs and bright colors, and it has become a popular form of folk art. Tzotzil music, with its distinctive rhythms and melodies, has also gained recognition in Mexico’s music scene. Additionally, Tzotzil cuisine, which incorporates local ingredients such as corn, beans, and chilies, is highly regarded and has contributed to the diversity and richness of Mexican cuisine. Overall, the Tzotzil Maya people have played an essential role in shaping Mexican culture and society.

The relational and social value of Mexican people, like any other group of individuals, cannot be generalized or reduced to a single description, as people’s values and contributions vary greatly within any given society. However, I can provide you with some general aspects of Mexican culture and society that are often valued. 1. Strong sense of family and community: Mexican culture places a high value on the importance of family and community. Family ties are typically close-knit, and extended family members often play significant roles in an individual’s life. Community celebrations, such as festivals and religious events, are important social gatherings that foster a sense of belonging. 2. Hospitality and warmth: Mexicans are often known for their warm and friendly nature. Hospitality is highly valued, and guests are typically received with open arms. The concept of “mi casa es su casa” (my house is your house) reflects the welcoming nature of Mexican people. 3. Respect for traditions and cultural heritage: Mexicans take pride in their rich cultural heritage, which includes indigenous, Spanish, and other influences. Traditional values, customs, and celebrations are often cherished and upheld, contributing to a sense of identity and continuity. 4. Hard work and resilience: Mexicans have a reputation for hard work and perseverance. Many Mexican people face economic and social challenges but demonstrate resilience and resourcefulness in overcoming adversity. This work ethic often extends to a strong sense of commitment to family and community. 5. Appreciation for art, music, and cuisine: Mexican culture has a vibrant artistic and creative tradition. Traditional music, dance, visual arts, and cuisine are celebrated both within Mexico and internationally. Mexican contributions to music genres like mariachi, salsa, and regional folk music are widely recognized. 6. Cultural diversity and regional pride: Mexico is a diverse country with various indigenous communities and distinct regional identities. The cultural richness and diversity across the country are valued and appreciated, fostering a sense of regional pride. It’s important to remember that these descriptions provide a general overview and may not apply uniformly to every individual within Mexican society. People’s values, beliefs, and behaviors can vary significantly based on factors such as education, socio-economic background, personal experiences, and individual personalities.

Partner, 24 Hour Translation Services

Sarah Detlef

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2 thoughts on “ A Brief Introduction To Mexican Culture ”

Who is NYC speaks Nahuatl, Mixtec or Zapotec?

Online sources suggest there are many speakers of Nahuatl, Mixtec, and Zapotec languages spread across New York City. These Indigenous Latin American languages play a unique and vital role in the city, showcasing the resilience and diversity of their speakers. NYC has long been a hub for Latin American immigrants, bringing with them these rich languages.

Nahuatl, the ancient language of the Aztecs, is spoken by Mexican immigrants, especially from Puebla and Guerrero. Despite its historical roots, finding fluent Nahuatl speakers in NYC can be tough due to limited resources and urban pressures. Similarly, Mixtec languages, known for their diversity, are spoken by many Mexican immigrants who keep their linguistic heritage alive through cultural events and gatherings.

Zapotec languages, from the Oaxaca region, are also part of NYC’s linguistic landscape. Although less frequently mentioned, they add to the city’s cultural diversity and highlight the need for preservation.

However, finding individuals who speak these languages fluently and professionally is challenging. In our 20 years of business, we may have only been asked about these languages five times. These rare requests suggest a very high level of difficulty in locating proficient speakers and the value of skilled translators in these languages. Despite these challenges, there might be some community organizations and initiatives in NYC and Mexico that work to preserve these languages, ensuring they are passed down to future generations.

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Free Essay On Mexico And Its Culture

Type of paper: Essay

Topic: Generation , House , Culture , Religion , Time , Family , Mexico , Food

Published: 03/20/2020

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Mexico is a country that is located in the Southern part of North America. It is pre-dominantly Roman Catholic with at least three quarters of the population being Catholics. In addition, most of Mexico’s religious rituals and beliefs are decided by the catholic calendar. The Mexican society is rich in rituals, traditions, culture and religion. The Mexican culture is taught from generation to generation through songs and dances as they value their historical background. Therefore, Mexicans never forget their background and culture even when away from their home country. The Mexican culture advanced during the 19th and 20th centuries. Mexican culture is unique compared to that of many countries. First of all, Mexicans have pride in their family and their main objective is to make sure that all family members are educated. In addition, they believe that, all family members have to follow the family values by sticking together no matter the situation. Mexicans believe in their culture and despite the fact that the world is evolving, they will always stick to their traditional cultures because they still value them In addition, even the Mexicans who migrate from their nation to other states never forget where they come from. For instance, those who migrated to the United States still practice their traditions even away from home. Most Mexicans are taught never to forget their culture and always take the responsibility to help family. Another Mexican culture is that, the father in the main person who is in charge of the family. According to the Mexican culture, the father is the main man of the house and all the family members have to respect and take instructions from him. Moreover, if there is any decision that has to be made about a family matter, even though it has to be discussed by the family members, the final decision comes from the man of the house. It is believed that, only the man of the house has the best decision for the family. In addition, the Mexican culture has it that, only the father can recommend a family member to move or the entire family to move from one place to the others Apart from making the decisions, the man of the house, who is the father is responsible to ensure that, the family members have food on the table as well as taking care of the family (De Mente 92). Mexican families are proud of their culture and they appreciate that the man of the house has to be in charge of everything that concerns the family. Another culture among the Mexicans is that they are not time oriented. Unlike Americans, the Mexicans do not consider time as much as Americans do watching their watches impatiently. Mexicans take their time as they go around their day-to-day duties. Furthermore, they consider family to be more important than work because they atop work for two hours every day so as to have lunch together as a family. Actually, to Mexicans, it is vital to spend time with family building relationships, than committing a lot of time to work and other issues. Mexicans argue that, family relationships are more important and they come before business matters. Another important aspect of the Mexican culture is the love and passion for food. The Mexicans make sure that, all its generations are taught about their traditional foods. In fact, the food being served by Mexicans has given them a distinction around the globe. Mexicans recipes are passed from generation to generation as they take their foods with a lot of seriousness. Most Mexicans will always serve their traditional delicacies even when they live away from Mexico because they value their food and traditions. Mexicans will always serve Corn tortillas in all their meals because, they believe corn is an important and sacred food because they believed in a god of corn for a great harvest. Religion plays a vital role in the Mexican culture because, all the Mexicans are taught to remain religious. However, the ancient Mexicans were more religious than the current generation. Even so, religion plays an integral part in the culture of the Mexicans and their lives and most of them have a holy place in their houses where they say a prayer every day. Mexicans have pictures of the virgin in their homes and they light candles and pray when they have lost a loved one or they want God to intervene in certain situations in their lives. In addition, to prayers, they do have religious ceremonies which are conducted in the community and everyone is involved because they value their culture. A good example is the quinceacera, which is girl’s 15t birthday and the celebration welcomes her into adulthood in the church (De Mente 102). The ceremony involves all the family members and friends of the family, and this ceremony is highly regarded in the Mexican culture. In conclusion, Mexicans culture is rich in religion and traditions. Most Mexicans are Roman Catholics and they value their religion and traditions. Most Mexicans value family relationships that work and business matters. Mexicans are proud of their culture and traditions compared to Americans who are mostly proud of their way of life. These cultures, rituals, and traditions have contributed to shaping the modern Mexico society because they are still being celebrated today in the society. Mexicans value their culture and family is the centre of the structure.

De Mente, Boye Lafayette. The Mexican Mind: Understanding & Appreciating Mexican Culture. New York: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform, 2011. Print.

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All photos by Jorge Santiago

Emilio Uranga

The philosophy of Mexicanness

With a new introduction and commentary by carlos alberto sánchez & robert eli sanchez, jr.

To believe in the substantiality of human existence is not just false, it is inhuman

Carlos Alberto Sánchez & Robert Eli Sanchez, Jr

Today Mexican philosophy is enjoying something of a renaissance. Emerging from the Mexican Revolution of 1910, philosophers in Mexico grappled with questions concerning Mexican identity, including the identity of Mexican philosophy, and formed a distinct philosophical tradition known as la filosofía de lo mexicano , or the philosophy of Mexicanness. At its core, this golden age of Mexican philosophy (1910-60) aimed to uncover the essential characteristics of Mexican culture in order to reaffirm them in light of a history of conquest and colonialism. Thus, the philosophy of Mexicanness represents an effort to achieve liberation from the dominant paradigms of Western thought, as well as a genuine desire for self-knowledge – what the Mexican philosopher Emilio Uranga (1921-88) referred to as ‘autognosis’.

On a relatively standard account, the philosophy of Mexicanness begins with Profile of Man and Culture in Mexico (1934) by Samuel Ramos, so it is not surprising that Uranga begins his ‘Essay on the Ontology of the Mexican’ (1951) by quoting Ramos at length. Uranga highlights the central thesis of the text: that the defining characteristic of the Mexican mind is that the Mexican suffers from an ‘inferiority complex’. Like Ramos and other intellectuals of this period, Uranga sought to comprehend the characteristics that define the Mexican people. Mexicans are sentimental, Uranga claims, and full of melancholy. They have a peculiar fascination with death and dying. Readers today need think only of Coco (2017), Pixar’s portrait of Mexican culture: even though it is a children’s movie, it is fundamentally about loss and the threat of being forgotten. However, unlike Ramos, Uranga proposes an ontological account of Mexican sentimentality, melancholy and inferiority, concluding that these are but symptoms of an ‘ontological insufficiency’ – of the fact that to be Mexican is to fundamentally lack that which would otherwise make one sufficient .

Born in Mexico City in 1921, Uranga was a founding member of el grupo Hiperión , a group of young Mexican philosophers influenced by German and French existential phenomenology. Considered the most capable member of the group and referred to as primus inter pares (first among equals), Uranga presents a novel interpretation of Mexican life in his essay on the ontology of the Mexican. ‘Mexicans are creatures of melancholy,’ he writes, making clear that he is not referring to a psychological disposition toward sadness, but to an ontological condition of being groundless and, more to the point, of being conscious of one’s lack of permanent foundation. ‘Ontologically speaking’ – a phrase Uranga repeats – the Mexican is an ‘accidental’ being.

At the centre of Uranga’s ‘ontology’ is the scholastic distinction between substance and accident. A substance is that which endures and survives change. It is what remains the same despite change – the thing itself, which is characterised by permanence. By contrast, an accident depends on a substance for its existence – x must be an accident of something – and is by definition impermanent. Applied to the human being – something that the phenomenologist Martin Heidegger does not do – this ontological difference manifests itself in the feeling of power, a sense of self-sufficiency and permanence on the one hand, and a fundamental sense of insecurity and impermanence on the other hand. In historical terms, it is the difference between the modern European’s belief in her power over nature and inferior human beings, and the various forms of Mexican dependence and self-denigration.

Like Ramos’s unflattering portrait of the Mexican in the Profile , the purpose of Uranga’s analysis of Mexican sentimentality is not simply to put the Mexican on trial. Instead, there is an underlying lesson about the human condition that the Anglo-European can learn from Mexican self-examination. To be accidental is not the tragic fate of Mexicans – the peculiar source of their misery or fascination with death. Instead, it is an essential feature of being human. In other words, if Uranga is right, the belief in the self-sufficiency or substantiality of human existence that defines modern European history – a belief that provided Europeans with a justification for a history of conquest, colonialism, exclusion and exploitation – is not just mistaken or false, it is inhuman.

It is worth pointing out that Uranga’s use of ‘ontology’ is problematic, given that the object of his analysis is the specific being of the Mexican . As the philosopher Guillermo Hurtado of the National Autonomous University of Mexico pointed out in 2011, Uranga engages in a ‘micro-regional ontology’, not ontology proper. Hurtado asks: ‘How far can the regionalisation of an ontology be taken?’ However, the seeming regionalisation of ontology did not bother Uranga, as he believed that the results of the analytic would show that Mexican being, as insufficient and accidental, represents being in general. So, for Uranga and el grupo Hiperión , or los hiperiones, the existential analytic of Mexican existence (or Dasein , as Heidegger might have it) would open the path to a greater truth, ‘the Mexican is human and the human is Mexican’. Thus, while it might be problematic for a more traditional phenomenologist, we like to see Uranga’s appropriations of the phenomenological-existential method as creative, a refusal to employ an approach that already exists and a willingness to adjust the method to match the (historical) object of study.

Uranga’s ‘Essay on the Ontology of the Mexican’, as well as other influential texts in la filosofía de lo mexicano , can be found in Mexican Philosophy in the 20th Century (2017), the inaugural volume of Oxford University Press’s new series, Oxford New Histories of Philosophy . It is a shorter version of Uranga’s more robust Análisis del ser del mexicano (1949-52), or ‘The Analysis of Mexican Being’, soon to be translated into English. Uranga’s essay ‘The Mexican and Humanism’ has been translated into English in The Modern Mexican Essay (1965). Other noteworthy works include Literary Tricks ( Austicias literarias , 1971), and Who Owns Philosophy? (¿ De Quien es la filosofia? 1977), which both testify to a struggle for and against the traditional postulates of philosophy and the philosophical life.

Carlos Alberto Sánchez is professor of philosophy at San José State University. He is the author of several books, including ‘Contingency and Commitment: Mexican Existentialism and the Place of Philosophy’ (2016). He is also the co-editor of ‘ Mexican Philosophy in the 20th Century: Essential Readings’ (2017) which is a volume of the Oxford New Histories in Philosophy series and a project of the Center for New Narratives in Philosophy . He lives in San José, California.

Robert Eli Sanchez, Jr is an assistant professor of philosophy at Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles. He is the co-editor of ‘ Mexican Philosophy in the 20th Century: Essential Readings’ (2017) which is a volume of the Oxford New Histories in Philosophy series and a project of the Center for New Narratives in Philosophy . He lives in Los Angeles, California.

From ‘Essay on the Ontology of the Mexican’, translated by Carlos Alberto Sánchez With a new commentary by Carlos Alberto Sánchez & Robert Eli Sanchez, Jr

Samuel Ramos dedicates a section in his book Profile of Man and Culture in Mexico to a ‘psychoanalysis of the Mexican character’. In that essay, he writes:

Others have spoken about the sense of inferiority of our race, but no one, as far as we know, has systematically used the idea to explain our character. For the first time, in this essay, we make methodological use of these old observations, rigorously applying [Alfred] Adler’s psychological theories to the Mexican case. What must be presupposed is the existence of an inferiority complex in all those individuals who manifest an exaggerated preoccupation with affirming their personality; who take a strong interest in all things or situations that signify power, and who have an immoderate eagerness to dominate, to be the first in everything. Adler affirms that the sense of inferiority appears in the child in realising the insignificance of his strength in comparison with his parents. At its birth, Mexico found itself in the civilised world in the same way that a child finds itself with his elders. It appeared in history at a time when a mature civilisation already prevailed, something that an infantile spirit can barely understand. From this disadvantageous situation emerges the sense of inferiority that is aggravated by the conquest, mestizaje , and even by the disproportionate magnitude of nature.

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mexican History and Culture

In 129 articles and three volumes, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mexican History and Culture provides a compendium of the best available scholarship on the nation's rich history and culture. An international group of leading authors, including well-known Mexican scholars, reveals new or little-known dimensions of this past or confirms with new sources previous interpretations of the Mexican experience. Themes include the expected topics of politics and economics, combined with powerful articles on biography, environment, gender, and culture, including music, art, and cinema. Unique to this volume are the essays on digital sources, such as digitized archives and photographic collections, with information on accessing and using them for historical research.

Articles add to topical considerations such as gender and ethnicity, place Mexico into wider dimensions such as the Atlantic World and the Pacific Rim, and offer conclusions on natural phenomena such as flora (yielding pulque) and volcanic eruptions (in a farmer's corn patch). Authors enlighten readers with assessments of Spanish-Aztec warfare, indigenous mastery of the Spanish legal system to bend it to their purposes, songs prohibited by the Inquisition, and more than one hundred other fascinating aspects of the nation's history. Coverage of individuals includes widely known figures such as the monumental Benito Juárez, the hero and traitor Antonio López de Santa Anna, Porfirio Díaz, and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as several outstanding women whose contributions have helped shape Mexican culture and politics. The Tlatelolco massacre of demonstrators in 1968 receives careful assessment and other essays examine the changing popular and political attitudes that followed. The tragedy ushered in events that created Mexico's electoral democracy confirmed in the 2000 presidential election.

Written in clear explanatory prose and incorporating the latest research, the encyclopedia's articles offer a marvelous narrative that will be of use to scholars, students, and the general reader.

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Course Content for ETHN 116

ETHN 116 COURSE CONTENT

Order and emphasis of core topics may vary from instructor to instructor.

I. Introduction to Chicano Studies

A. Chicano/a Studies as a field of scholarly inquiry

B. History and culture as a dynamic processes

C. Main historical periods in Chicano History

1. Pre-Columbian era, pre- 1519

2. Spanish colonial era, 1521-1821

3. Mexican independence and nationalism, 1821-1846

4. Anglo period, 1846-1960s

5. Diversity and modern Chicano issues

II. Historical roots of Chicano culture and society

A. Pre-Columbian period

1. Human evolution in Mesoamerica

a. Ecological adaptation

b. Agricultural adaptation

c. Sociocultural life

2. Mesoamerican civilization and societies

b. Huastecas

d. Teotihuacanos

e. Zapotecos

3. Aztec civilization, society and social order

a. History – Chichimecas to Tenochtitlan

b. Social hierarchy

c. Land system and the calpulli

d. Artisan production

e. Alliances and trade

f. Mythology

g. Culture, religious practices and education

4. Spanish conquest

a. Spanish society and culture – Reconquest – 16th century

b. Background to exploration and discovery

c. Hernan Cortes versus Moctezuma and the legend of Quetzalcoatl

d. The fall of Mexico-Tenochtitlan

e. The legacy of conquest in the Chicano worldview

B. Spanish colonialism in Mexico – 1521 – 1810

1. Cross-fertilization of Spanish and Aztec societies

a. The Columbian exchange

b. Religious syncretism – Virgin of Guadalupe

c. Mestizaje

d. The forging of the “cosmic race”

2. Economy and Social order

a. Gold, encomienda and repartimiento

b. Hacienda system and debt peonage

c. Social role of hacendados

d. Life of debt peons

e. Castas, mestizaje and the social hierarchy

3. Culture

a. Daily changes in indigenous ways of life

b. Introduction of Catholicism

1. Cultural aspects of mestizaje

c. Indigenous resistance to Spanish culture

d. Women and family life 

4. Color and racism

a. Spanish ethnocentrism

b. Race and social class

c. Effects of racism

d. The flexibility of mestizaje

C.The making of Mexican nationalism – 1810-1840s

1. Politics and the break up of the colonial social order

a. Influence o indigenous elites – caciques

b. Influence of the age of Enlightenment

c. Bourbon reforms and imperial crisis

d. Liberals versus conservatives

e. El grito de Dolores and the war for independence

f. Rise of caudillo

g. Post-war instability in Mexico

2. Class – Mexican society under criollo rule

a. Conservatives versus liberals

b. Social groups and economic enterprises in the north

c. Break up of California missions

d. Hispanics and indigenous in New Mexico 

e. Cattle ranching in California and the Californios

3. Culture – rise of a Mexican identity

a. The decline of cultural imperialism

b. Mexican influence in California and New Mexico

c. Increasing mestizaje and its challenge to racism

4.The break-up of Mexico and a new system for Mexican-Americans

a. Anglo-American expansion – Manifest Destiny

b. Annexation of Texas

c. Mexican American War

d. Mexican resistance and social banditry

e. Treaty of 1848

f. Anglo expropriation of Mexicans’ lands

g. New cultural blending in US Southwest and California

h. Economic growth and Mexican labor 

D. Anglo-American period – 1846-1960s

1. Social order and social classes in the United States

a. Industrialization and economic expansion

b. Chicano role in the economy

c. Mexican Revolution and immigration

d. Chicano discrimination in the workplace

e. Chicanos in trade unionism

f. Chicanos on the margin of political process

2. Culture – assimilation versus nativist acculturation

a. American versus Mexican culture

b. Strategies and problems of Mexican adaptation to American culture

c. Syncretism – pachucos

d. Separatism

e. American work ethic versus Mexican celebration

f. Cultural imperialism and educational practices

3. Race and racism

a. Roots of prejudice and discrimination

b. Tejano versus Anglo culture

c. Anglo violence toward Tejanos

d. White supremacists in California

e. Institutional racism and public barriers

f. Chicano reactions to mistreatment – reverse racism

g. The continuation of mestizaje

E. The Chicano movement of the 1960s-70s

1. Roots of Chicano resistance and organization

2. Precursors of change

a. Black Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s 

b. Johnson’s War on Poverty 

c. The Vietnam War.

3. Chicano political organizations, groups and actions

a. The Brown Berets

b. United Mexican American Students

c. Los Angeles high school walk outs

d. La Raza Unida Partido

e. Chicano moratoriums of the 1970s

f. Association of Mexican-American Educators

g. Movimiento Estudiantil Chicanos de Aztlan – MECha

h. August 29 Moratorium

i. Diversity within the movement

4. Chicano cultural expression

a. Chicanozaje/Chicanismo

b. Mestizaje to Chicanismo

c. Chicano arts

d. Educational transformations

III. Selected contemporary social, economic and/or cultural issues related to Mexican Americans

A. Economic principles of Mexican immigration

1. Reasons for immigration

2. History of Mexican immigration to US

a. The Mexican Revolution and economic expansion in the US, 1910 – 1929

b. The Depression and the Bracero program, 1930 – 1964

c. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965 and increased Mexican immigration

d. Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, Amnesty and increased restrictions

e. Immigration Act of 1990 and limits on family-sponsored immigration

3. Racism and increased risks for undocumented immigrants crossing the border

4. Selected personal accounts/case studies

B. Mexican immigrants in the US today – social and economic issues

1. Economic and demographic profiles

2. Income and poverty

3. Settlement patterns

4. Wage assimilation

5. Economic impacts of immigration

6. Undocumented immigrants

7. Naturalization

8. Selected personal accounts/case studies

C. Mexican immigrants and cultural development in US urban centers

1. Becoming Mexican-American/Chicano/a

2. Settlement patterns

3. Divided loyalties

4. New nationalism, Mexican style

5. Religious adaptations

6. Music and growth of mass culture

7. The rise of communities

8. Ambivalent Americanism

D. The education of Mexican Americans

1. Educational profiles

2. Secondary education

3. Bilingual education

4. College education

5. California Community Colleges and Chicanos Studies

6. Education, language and empowerment

7. Economic incentives to invest in education

8. Social and cultural factors affecting the decision to invest in education

9. Selected personal accounts/case studies

E. Mexican Americans in the labor market

1. Employment patterns

2. Occupational patterns

3. Annual income

4. Wages, human capital and discrimination

5. Selected personal accounts/case studies

F. Mexican Americans toward the middle class

1. Income distribution

2. Factors affecting poverty rates

3. Public assistance

4. Mexican americans as an exception to the underclass model of poverty

5. Wealth and asset accumulation

6. Mexican American home ownership

7. Selected personal accounts/ case studies

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Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Mexican American — Mexican Culture Analysis

The Mexican-american Predicament: Discrimination and Property Refusal in The United States

• Categories: Mexican Mexican American

About this sample

Words: 2699 |

14 min read

Published: Mar 28, 2019

Words: 2699 | Pages: 2 | 14 min read

Table of contents

Introduction, property ownership disputes in mexico are a source of contention, the american west phenomenon and its impact on mexican american land ownership, the american west’s undocumented colonization, discrimination against mexican americans has resulted in the loss of land and pride, the us government’s part in exacerbating bigotry towards mexican americans, factors that contributed to mexican americans’ segregation and who was to blame, works cited.

• De Leon, A. (2019). Mexican Americans: A brief history. John Wiley & Sons.
• Garcia, M. F. (1997). Mexican Americans: Leadership, ideology, and identity, 1930-1960. Yale University Press.
• Montejano, D. (1987). Anglos and Mexicans in the making of Texas, 1836-1986. University of Texas Press.
• Acuña, R. (2007). Occupied America: A history of Chicanos. Pearson Longman.
• Gonzales, M. (1999). Mexicanos: A history of Mexicans in the United States. Indiana University Press.
• Valadez, J. R. (2014). An overview of the historical, social, and cultural contexts of Mexican-origin individuals and families. In Mexican American psychology: Social, cultural, and clinical perspectives (pp. 3-19). Routledge.
• Meier, M., & Ribera, O. (1993). Mexican Americans and the law: Ael pueblo unido jamás será vencido!. University of Arizona Press.
• Gutiérrez, D. G. (1995). Walls and mirrors: Mexican Americans, Mexican immigrants, and the politics of ethnicity. Univ of California Press.
• Haney López, I. F. (2006). Racism on trial: The Chicano fight for justice. Belknap Press of Harvard University Press.
• Pena, R. (1997). Mexican American women activists: Identity and resistance in two Los Angeles communities. University of Houston Press.

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• An Introduction To Mexican Literature...

An Introduction To Mexican Literature In 10 Works

Northern England Writer

The world of Mexican literature is sometimes underrated in comparison to the literary strength of South America, which is dominated by authors like Gabriel García Márquez, Paulo Coelho and Isabel Allende. However, Mexican authors are a force to be reckoned with; with big-hitters like Octavio Paz and Juan Rulfo, as well as often lesser known poets like Rosario Castellanos, here’s our introduction to Mexican literature in 10 key texts.

Pedro páramo by juan rulfo.

The unrivalled classic of Mexican literature, Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Páramo (1955) received a lukewarm reception upon its initial release, before becoming the critically acclaimed novel that it is today. Pedro Páramo, which details the journey of protagonist Juan Preciado as he goes in search of his father following the death of his mother, is widely considered to be based in the real Mexican town of Comala, Colima. Notable not just for its excellent plot but for being a pre-cursor to magical realism as a whole, this novel hugely influenced Gabriel García Márquez.

Como agua para chocolate by Laura Esquivel

Another equally, and perhaps more globally, recognised Mexican novel is Como agua para chocolate (1989) . A more developed example of magical realism than the above text, Laura Esquivel’s debut novel follows Tita as she tries to unite with the love of her life, Pedro. However, due to various familial interferences and complications, things don’t quite work out as planned. Cooking is a key factor throughout the text, and each chapter begins with a recipe. There is also a 1992 film based on the book.

Cartucho by Nellie Campobello

A non-linear, short and semi-autobiographical novel by the author Nellie Campobello, who is incidentally perhaps better known as a ballet dancer who founded the Mexican National Ballet and directed the Mexican National School of Dance for a period. Cartucho (1931) is most important due to its status as one of the only female visions of the Mexican revolution, and its favourable presentation of Pancho Villa and his supporters. Critics even suggest the impact of Campobello’s accounts influenced later Mexican authors like Elena Poniatowska and Juan Rulfo.

Los ingrávidos by Valeria Luiselli

One of Mexico’s brightest contemporary talents , Valeria Luiselli has so far published three texts – Papeles falsos (2013) is a collection of essays, whereas Los ingrávidos (2012) and La historia de mis dientes (2015) are novels. Having been mentored by Mario Bellatín, the works of Luiselli are essential reading for anyone interested in the world of Mexican literature, contemporary or otherwise and her debut is arguably the best place to start. She’s widely translated into other languages too.

Salón de belleza by Mario Bellatín

Speaking of Bellatín, this Peruvian -Mexican writer is the author of another key Mexican text; Salón de belleza (1994). If you’re short on time, yet still want to dive into the world of Mexican literature, the haunting Salón de belleza is the place to begin. In just 60 pages, Bellatín narrates a parable-like tale that ruminates elegantly on life, death and the ousting of the unwanted from the care of society. It also has, peculiarly, an intriguing focus on tropical fish which forms a core part of the novella’s message.

Poemas (1953-1955) by Rosario Castellanos

A notable poet of the 20th century, forming part of the Generation of 1950, Rosario Castellanos also has both a cultural centre and a park in Mexico City named in her honour. Poemas (1953-1955) (1957) is a great starting point to get to know this poet, whose poem ‘Valium 10’ is widely considered as great a work as Sylvia Plath’s ‘Daddy’. She regularly wrote on feminist topics and despite her early death, left an impressive legacy that warrants her inclusion on our introduction to Mexican literature.

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The House on Mango Street by Sandra Cisneros

Mexican-American author Sandra Cisneros first published her seminal, brief text, The House on Mango Street, in English. Even so, it definitely ranks as one of the must-read books for a true introduction to the country’s literary heritage, written as it is by a Chicana and about Chicano culture . Based in Chicago, the birthplace of Cisneros herself, it’s a slight, coming-of-age story which follows the tale of Esperanza Cordero and is now regularly included on school syllabuses across the US.

El laberinto de la soledad by Octavio Paz

Octavio Paz is almost certainly one of the first authors who comes to mind when you think of Mexican literature, so the inclusion of his essay El laberinto de la soledad (1950) is practically a given. Easily his most famous text, despite his broad repertoire of essays, novels and literature, El laberinto de la soledad primarily focuses on Mexican identity, honing in on particular events or traditions, such as the Revolution, the 1968 student massacre and the Day of the Dead. A stand out element of this essay is Paz’s examination of the Mexican phrase la chingada.

La noche de Tlatelolco by Elena Poniatowska

Another author that wrote about the horrific events of 1968 was Elena Poniatowska, in her seminal text La noche de Tlatelolco (1971). In this text, the French-born Mexican author collated testimonies about what happened in the run-up to the brutal killings in Mexico City , as well as provided eyewitness accounts of the actual events themselves. A holistic account of the tragic and supposedly government ordered murders, it makes for essential, if unsettling, reading. Similarly, her 1988 text Nada, nadie. Las voces del temblor is equally important.

La muerte de Artemio Cruz by Carlos Fuentes

Finally, the importance of Carlos Fuentes’ 1962 novel La muerte de Artemio Cruz cannot be underestimated. Not just considered one of Mexico’s seminal texts, but one of Latin America’s as a whole, La muerte de Artemio Cruz narrates the fictional accounts of protagonist Artemio Cruz’s experiences during the Mexican Revolution and the ultimately corrupting influence that power can have even over revolutionaries.

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I'm an American expat living in Mexico. Here are the biggest cultural differences between the 2 countries.

• My husband and I have lived part time in Mexico for 20 years.
• I've noticed some communication differences, like Mexicans tend to be more indirect.
• The people I met in Mexico also like common courtesies and prefer not to be alone.

When my husband and I decided to retire, we devised a plan. We wanted to rent out our home in California and visit the UNESCO World Heritage city of Guanajuato.

We planned on staying in the city for just six months, but 20 years later, we now live in Mexico as expats part time.

Even though my husband and I have been living in Mexico part time for two decades years, I'm still surprised at how different the culture is compared to the American culture I have lived in all my life.

The biggest cultural differences are always in the way we communicate.

People in Mexico tend to be more indirect

I found Americans to be very direct. In Mexico, however, if I speak bluntly and to the point, it can be misinterpreted as rude and offensive since it clashes with a more diplomatic communication style. The priority, as in other Latin countries , is to preserve harmony.

To avoid conflict or confrontation, the Mexicans I met rarely say "no" directly but rather speak in a roundabout way to convey their message. If asked a "yes" or "no" question, they might meander around inconclusively before reaching a vague answer like: "Let me think about it."

For example, in my yoga class , one member coordinates a monthly breakfast. A few weeks ago, I chuckled when I read the message she wrote to the group. She took 160 words to basically say, "We need to decide where to have breakfast this month."

It's different from my minimalist English style .

For some Mexicans, lateness is acceptable

As an American, I have noticed some Mexicans have a casual attitude toward time, which can be frustrating.

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Recently, for example, I had an appointment with the director of a nonprofit to discuss updating the agency's newsletter. Before arriving at her office , I was already flustered because her directions had been ambiguous — at best — and in Guanajuato's nonlinear streets, house numbers aren't consecutive.

When I finally arrived, her staff told me she was out of the office and would be back ahorita, which means "soonish."

Instead of recognizing that she was late only by my definition, not hers, I started to feel unimportant and ignored. When she showed up half an hour later, I felt less confident in my Spanish. While I'm fluent in the language, my conversational ease still fluctuates depending on different circumstances, and that day, it wasn't as strong as usual. I left feeling very deflated.

My takeaway is not to take lateness personally in Mexico.

Cheeky jokes are the norm

The Mexicans I met like to tease each other, give friends cheesy nicknames, and make jokes about things that in the US would be inappropriate.

For example, at a concert I attended, one of the musicians referred to another as gordito, meaning plump. I can't imagine a performer joking about someone's weight in the US — and never in front of an audience.

Personal space and alone time isn't important to most Mexican people

In Guanajuato — the city in central Mexico where we live — there are many festivities with crowds, and as a gringa, I still find all the jostling and physical contact with strangers unsettling at times.

A few years ago, our 25-year-old Spanish tutor told my British husband Barry that after her sister married, she would have a room to herself for the first time. He could think of nothing better.

"Isn't that wonderful?" he said.

"Oh, no," she said. "I'll be lonely."

Their respective reactions reflected very different cultural values .

Most Mexicans I meet appreciate simple courtesies

When we first bought our home, I didn't realize how important courtesy is in Mexico. Thankfully, I have since softened and, in fact, have grown very fond of the gentle niceties many Mexicans use.

If, for example, I'm asking directions or entering a shop, I know to first say Buenos días or Buenos tardes . Similarly, I always greet the driver and my fellow passengers when getting on a bus. When leaving a restaurant, I'm sure to say, as many Mexicans do, Buen provecho (meaning bon appetit ) to the remaining diners.

Some courtesies make me laugh. If a person walks down the street in Mexico and sneezes, complete strangers from a block away will exclaim, Salud!, which means "good health" but also "cheers."

After almost 20 years of living in Guanajuato, I'm still discovering quirky-to-me aspects of Mexican communication. The unexpected twists in the way Mexicans express themselves occasionally confuse me, but they are mostly a source of laughter and pleasure.

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BUY THIS BOOK

2012 --> 2012 352 pages. from $35.00

Hardcover ISBN: 9780804768603 Paperback ISBN: 9780804768610 Ebook ISBN: 9780804780551

This collection brings together a group of important and influential essays on Mexican history and historiography by Eric Van Young, a leading scholar in the field. The essays, several of which appear here in English for the first time, are primarily historiographical; that is, they address the ways in which separate historical literatures have developed over time. They cover a wide range of topics: the historiography of the colonial and nineteenth-century Mexican and Latin American countryside; historical writing in English on the history of colonial Mexico; British, American, and Mexican historical writing on the Mexican Independence movement; the methodology of regional and cultural history; and the relationship of cultural to economic history. Some of the essays have been and will continue to be controversial, while others—for example, those on studies of the Mexican hacienda since 1980, on the theory and method of regional history, and on the "new cultural history" of Mexico—are widely considered classics of the genre.

About the author

Eric Van Young is Distinguished Professor of History at the University of California, San Diego. His works include The Other Rebellion: Popular Violence, Ideology, and the Struggle for Mexican Independence, 1810–1821 (Stanford University Press, 2001; recipient of the Bolton-Johnson Prize).

—Alan Knight, St. Anthony's College, University of Oxford

—Susan Deans-Smith, Bulletin of Spanish Studies

—R. Douglas Copy, Canadian Journal of History

"Van Young's work is characterized by a zeal for theoretical reflection and a determination to allow primary sources to speak for themselves, although always under the narrator's gentle, ironic and skeptical prodding. . . This is a beautifully written and intellectually sparkling collection of essays. Van Young invites us to share his epistemological anxieties, urging scholars to be rigorous and skeptical in the interrogation of primary sources, in the selection of disciplinary boundaries and methodologies and in the consideration of the spatial context in which histories are told. Writing Mexican History will become a standard work for advanced undergraduates and postgraduates embarking upon independent research in Mexican and Latin American history.—Guy Thomson, Journal of Latin American Studies

— History in Review

—William F. Connell, The Americas

—Margaret Chowning, University of California at Berkeley

—Gilbert M. Joseph, Yale University

Forging Ties, Forging Passports

Social Change, Industrialization, and the Service Economy in São Paulo, 1950-2020

Francisco Vidal Luna and Herbert S. Klein

Our Comrades in Havana

Radoslav Yordanov

Indigenous Autocracy

Jaclyn Ann Sumner

Unexpected Routes

Tabea Alexa Linhard

Adrift on an Inland Sea

Hal Langfur

Transnational Palestine

Nadim Bawalsa

New World of Gain

Brian P. Owensby

Contact Strategies

Heather F. Roller

Vendors' Capitalism

Ingrid Bleynat

Argentina in the Global Middle East

Lily Pearl Balloffet

Oaxaca Resurgent

A. S. Dillingham

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Guest Voz: “You’re not really Mexican” – a personal essay about my cultural identity crisis

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By Sophia Campos VoiceBox Media

All my life I’ve lived between two worlds.

As a Mexican-American, it’s easy to be confused as to which world you think you should identify with more; I feel undoubtedly Mexican-American when I make tamales or listen to mariachis, but that feeling fades away when I speak broken Spanish.

Spanish might not seem like an important characteristic for all Mexican-Americans, but not knowing it in central Texas— an area where Spanish is spoken all over the region by Mexican-Americans —can surely make you feel like a foreigner.

Although I sometimes feel confused as to which world I belong to, there’s no question I’m first and foremost an American; I’m the product of my Mexican grandparents’ American Dream, I’ve never been to Mexico (besides Cancun, where there are probably more American tourists than Mexicans) and I can’t say certain words in Spanish without revealing my obvious American accent.

Growing up, I always lived in predominantly Caucasian neighborhoods in states that have very low Hispanic populations, thus the majority of my friends throughout my life have been Caucasian. I never really understood that I was any different than my Caucasian friends because we really weren’t. We lived in the same neighborhood, went to the same school, and our parents had similar jobs. We shopped at the same stores, joined the same clubs, and so on.

Even though we had similarities, I knew I was different because I looked different, ate different foods and my parents spoke Spanish to each other. I started realizing I also belonged to another world when my friends and I started hitting puberty, and they would complain about Mexicans whistling at them.

I’d ask, “Mexicans?” and they would say yes, it had to have been Mexicans because it happened at the construction site down the block. When I would respond defensively to their claims—because even at a young age I took offense to and recognized these stereotypes—they would reply with “well, you’re not really Mexican…you know what I mean!”

As a young girl, I wouldn’t argue further when I heard remarks like that, but I’ve always wondered: what did my friends mean? Did they mean that since my dad had a white-collar job, and since I spoke English without an accent like they did, that I must not have been of Mexican descent? What made them assume that all Hispanics were Mexican? Where did these warped stereotypes come from?

It’s not uncommon to find myself in these awkward situations; more recently I found myself the only Mexican-American among a group of Caucasian adults, who, as a result of my presence, were having a very restrained conversation about their “changing” neighborhoods, and their desire to move away because “the demographics” were shifting—which, I inferred, meant more Hispanics were moving in and they wanted to get out.

I feel an inherent responsibility to correct people when they categorize all Hispanics as Mexicans or when I hear an incorrect stereotype because I’m both offended and desperate to try and educate people about this topic. What puzzles me, though, is that although I feel alienated and oftentimes hurt when people make these remarks, I know that the people making them are also just like me. I have more in common with them than Mexicans.

What I’ve learned from living between these two worlds is that how you identify with someone isn’t necessarily based on race or ethnicity, it’s socio-economic class.

Sure, people of the same culture share traditions and practices, but what makes someone truly identify with someone else is sharing a similar lifestyle. A poor Caucasian kid will have more in common with a poor Mexican kid than with a rich Caucasian kid, no matter the cultural similarities or differences between them.

However, not many people look for similarities in people across cultures since our American history includes exclusion of so many groups, including Hispanics.

One of the most recent examples is Trump suggesting that Mexicans are “rapists” and “drug dealers.” Instances like this is no wonder that there might be a cultural divide between Mexican-Americans and Caucasians, and even confusion that Mexican-Americans are indeed just as American as everyone else.

Even though I sometimes face confusion about my cultural identity, I know that, after all, America is a melting pot. This debate within myself is the product of being fed the incessant mantra that we are truly a multicultural and diverse nation, and I’m sure Mexican-Americans aren’t the only ones in this country who experience this self-reflection.

I believe that this multiculturalism is what America has tried to achieve all along, and I believe that we are supposed to be a melting pot. This realization has made it easier for me to identify myself as Mexican-American; I know I can exist happily between these two worlds, accepting the American part of me as well as the fundamental Mexican part of me.  

Sophia Campos is a 21-year-old student at Texas State University.

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