intro to Mexican culture

Mexican Culture

Summary

The culture of Mexico is a unique culture that varies widely across the country. Mexico is the 12^th most populated country with over 123 million people in it. There are many ethnic groups in Mexico. The mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish) group accounts for 62 percent of the population. Amerindian people account for 21 percent and 10 percent of Mexicans are white. These people contribute to its culture. Here’s some information about it

Languages

Although Mexico is a diverse country, the overwhelming majority of them speak Spanish. According to a study, Spanish is spoken by 92.7 percent of the population. About 6 percent of the population speak Spanish and one of the indigenous languages such as Mayan or Nahuatl.

Religion

Much of Mexican culture revolves around their religious values, family and inclusiveness. Most Mexicans have identified themselves as catholic though many have included pre-Hispanic Mayan elements as part of their faith. There are also smaller communities of Jews, Muslims and Buddhists

Values

Family is a very important element in their society. Especially outside of the city, family groups are very large and have many responsibilities towards them. Parents are really respected. A large event is the quinceañera which celebrates a lady’s 15^th birthday. It signifies their transition from girlhood to womanhood. the party includes an elaborate dress for the girl of honour, food, dancing, friends and family. The girl is accompanied by maids of honour and chambelánes (chamberlains).

Food

Mexican cuisine varies between regions as each town has its own culinary traditions. Tortillas and other food made from corn are common everywhere, though, as are tomatoes, pepper and beans. Rice is also staple. Many food originated from Mexico including avocadoes, chocolate and pumpkins. Mexico is also known for its tequila which is made from the Agave Cactus. Soda is also popular

Arts

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. The country is closely followed by Mariachi style music. Originating in the southern part of the state Jalisco sometime in the 19^th 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 Khalo 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.

Clothing

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.

Holidays and celebrations

The feast of the lady of Guadalupe, which is celebrated on Dec. 12, is a major Mexican holiday celebrating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an Indian man 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. 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. 

                                                                 references

 •Livescience.com

•Wikipedia