The Culture of Mexico

The culture of Mexico has undergone dramatic changes in the past few decades and it varies throughout the country. Many Mexicans live throughout the cities, but smaller remote communities still play a defining role in the countries vibrant society.

Mexico is the 12th most populated country on Earth, with over 123 million people standing on Mexican turf as of 2016. The many different ethnic groups that Mexico consists of is what create the culture that is unique to Mexico.

In this North-American country, an overwhelming majority of Mexicans speak Spanish. Around 93 percent of the country speak the language with about 6 percent of them speaking both Spanish as well as an indigenous language such as Myanmar, Nahuatl and other regional languages. Some indigenous Mexican words have appeared throughout the English language such as chocolate, tomato and avocado.

Another great aspect of Mexican culture is their religion. Now, about 82 percent of Mexicans consider themselves catholic, although many include pre-Hispanic Mayan elements as part of their faith. There are quite a few Christian denominations represented and small communities of Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. Mexican culture revolves around these religions and their religious values.

Family is a huge aspect to Mexican society, especially outside of the large cities where families are typically quite large and Mexicans are quite conscious of doing their role in their family. Some values households include; treating parents with the upmost respect, and sharing individual wants and needs with the family’s wants and needs.

Cuisine and Mexico were made for each other. Mexico has some of the best dishes you’ll ever taste. It varies widely between regions, as each town has its only culinary traditions, but there will be certain foods you’ll see everywhere such as tortillas, pepper, tomatoes, beans and rice. Mexico is also known for its tequila, an alcoholic spirit made from the blue agave plant. Mexicans also have quite unusual eating habits compared to us Australians in the way they work around eating instead of eating around working and eating their meals very delayed.

What’s a culture without arts? Probably not a culture. Mexico doesn’t have the biggest range of arts but you can certainly find some beautiful pottery, mosaics and embroidered cotton garments. The music taste of Mexico is closely associated with the Mariachi style of folk music where there is a group of musicians playing violins, guitars, basses, trumpets and vihuelas.

Fashion in the cities of Mexico is often influenced by international trends, so the typical urban Mexican dresses similarly to the people of Europe and the United States. The traditional Mexican clothing is otherwise quite different, in which the women wear a sleeveless tunic-like dress called a huipil and the men wear a distinguishing article in their outfit called a sarape, which is like a large blanket cape. Boots are also commonly worn. The charro suit which has an origin with Mexican cowboys, is often most associated with Mariachi musicians. The charro suit includes the sombrero, a wide brimmed hat that provides plenty of shade.

In general, Mexico hold a unique culture which the country wouldn’t be without. With aspects such as, beautiful art, nice clothes and yummy food and learning about the North-American country has only made me want to learn more.