Mexican culture

Mexico, one of the most beautiful destinations

One of the most beautiful destinations in Mexico, one of the most beautiful countries, full of many traditions, customs and history. The rich folklore came from ancient times, from the different cultures such the Mayan (300 A.D. to 900 A.D.), the Toltec (900 A.D. to 1200 A.D.) and the Aztec (1200 to 1521 A.D.) that had established in the actual territory of Mexico for hundreds of years.

Mexican Culture

Today, Mexican Culture is a mixture of the old traditions of the ancient civilizations and the new contemporary traditions. Mexico is the most populous Spanish-speaking country in the world although many Mexicans still speak other indigenous languages . Mexican cuisine is also part of Mexican culture, famous for blending Indigenous and European cuisine. The most popular dishes are tacos, enchiladas, mole sauce, atole, tamales, pozole and burritos. 

The religion of Mexico

The country is mainly Roman Catholic; however, Mexico has no official religion. Religion is part of the ethnic identity, most of the citizens have very strong beliefs in the Virgin of Guadalupe, also called Our Lady of Guadalupe “Nuestra señora de Guadalupe.” Mexicans participate in traditional customs and festivities related to the Virgin.

Besides the churches, Mexico has other beliefs in pre-Hispanic, African or Asian elements. A sample of that is the cult to the “Santa Muerte” or to the Sacred Dead that is not well accepted in the Catholic Religion. However, most people who profess this cult, have declared themselves as strong Catholic believers.

The most traditional festivities

 The most traditional religious festivities and Official Holidays are:   

• New Year’s Day– January 1
• Three Kings Day (Día de Reyes)– January 6 Mexicans exchange Christmas gifts in accordance with the arrival of the three gift-bearing wise men to Jesus Christ. 
• Feast Day of de San Antonio de Abad – January 17
• Candelaria Day – February 2 A religious holiday, celebrated with processions, dancing, bullfights in certain cities
• Carnaval – February, official Mexican holiday before the Catholic lent. 
• Constitution Day – February 5 
• Flag Day – February 24 
• St. Joseph’s Day – March 19
• The Birthday of Benito Juárez – March 21, a famous Mexican president 
• Easter Week, after the Catholic lent. 
• Primero de Mayo -May 1, equivalente a la U.S. Labor Day.
• Holy Cross Day – May 3
• Cinco de Mayo– May 5, Mexicans’ victory in Puebla against French. 
• Navy Day – June 1 is an official Mexican holiday
• Saint John the Baptist Day – June 24
• Fiesta of Saint Peter and Saint Paul – June 29
• Annual State of the Union – September 1 
• Mexican Independence Day – September 16
• Día de la Raza – October 12
• Day of the Dead or Day of the Dead Food – November 1&2
• Mexican Revolution Day – November 20
• Day of The Guadalupe Virgin -December 12
• Christmas – December 25