essay about mexican culture

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.

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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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• Where did Benito Juárez get his education?
• What did Benito Juárez believe in?
• Why was Benito Juárez significant?

Daily life and social customs

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• Central Intelligence Agency - The World Factbook - Mexico
• Mexico - Children's Encyclopedia (Ages 8-11)
• Mexico - Student Encyclopedia (Ages 11 and up)
• Table Of Contents

Daily life in Mexico varies dramatically according to socioeconomic level, gender, ethnicity and racial perceptions, regional characteristics, rural-versus-urban differences, and other social and cultural factors. A Mayan peasant in the forests of the Yucatán leads an existence utterly different from that of a successful lawyer in Toluca or a lower-middle-class worker in Monterrey . Further differences are exacerbated by the large number of Mexican expatriates in the United States who eventually return, either for short-term visits or permanently, and in turn import many “American” ways of life. Such differences give Mexico much of its character and colour, but they also present the country with stubborn challenges. But, notwithstanding the vast range of lifestyles and class-based opportunities in Mexico, some similarities are widely shared.

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Mexican society is sharply divided by income and educational level. Although a middle class has struggled to expand in the cities, the principal division is between the wealthy well-educated elite and the urban and rural poor, who constitute the vast majority of the population.

Widespread rural poverty is a serious problem. An increasing proportion of the rural population is landless and depends on day labour, often at less than minimum wages, for survival. In many areas, but particularly in the northern half of the country, large landholders form an agricultural elite. By controlling extensive resources and often using modern mechanized farming methods, they receive a huge proportion of the income generated by agriculture. A rural middle class has evolved, but it represents only a small percentage of total agriculturalists.

By far the largest segment of the urban population is in the lowest socioeconomic class. Many city dwellers have incomes below the official poverty level, including a significant percentage of workers who are government employees. Extensive squatter settlements, often lacking basic services, are a common element of all Mexican cities. In contrast, the relatively affluent middle- and upper-income groups enjoy the amenities of urban life and control most of the social, political, and economic activity of the country.

Family remains the most-important element of Mexican society, both in private and in public life. An individual’s status and opportunities are strongly influenced by family ties, from infancy to old age . Many households, in both rural and urban areas, are inhabited by three or more generations because of the economic advantage (or necessity) of sharing a roof as well as traditionally close relationships. Mexicans generally maintain strong links with members of their extended families, including in-laws and “adoptive” relatives—that is, friends of the family who are generally regarded as “aunts” and “uncles.” Because of the importance of family in Mexican life, it is not uncommon to find the elderly, adults, teenagers, and small children attending parties and dances together. As in other countries, weddings are some of the more-lavish family-oriented events in Mexico, but many families also celebrate a young woman’s quinceañera (15th-birthday party) with similar extravagance.

Partly as a consequence of women’s increasing engagement in work outside the home, particularly among the middle and upper classes, there is an increasing tendency to share domestic chores, including infant care, but among the lower classes “women’s work” still tends to be strictly circumscribed. Double standards also tend to prevail in regard to dating, leisure activities, and educational choices. Many males believe that their self-identity is tied to displays of machismo (male chauvinism), whereas women are often expected to be submissive and self-denying—an ideal that may be described as marianismo , in reference to the Virgin Mary. Although many Mexicans have broken away from those molds, violence and discrimination against women remain major concerns. Moreover, most incidents of domestic violence go unreported and unpunished owing to prevailing social attitudes and a deep distrust of the justice system.

For the vast majority of Mexicans of all economic levels, cuisine varies greatly by region but depends heavily on an ancient trinity of staples: corn (maize) , beans —which provide an excellent source of protein—and squash . Rice is another staple usually served side by side with beans. In addition, Mexicans tend to make liberal use of avocados (often in the form of guacamole ), chili peppers , amaranth , tomatoes , papayas , potatoes , lentils , plantains , and vanilla (a flavouring that is pre-Columbian in origin). Hot peppers (often served in a red or green sauce) and salt are the most-common condiments. Maize tortillas are often served on a plate alongside main dishes, and the smell of toasted or burned corn permeates many households. Dairy products and red meat—often in the form of fried fast foods—form a small part of the diet of most poor people but contribute to a high incidence of heart disease and diabetes among the middle classes and elites. However, even poor Mexicans have begun consuming portions of processed foods that have arrived in the form of cheap imports.

The cooked chili sauce known as mole defines the cuisine of central and southern Mexico. Typically, the sauce is made of dried chilies —ancho, guajillo, pasilla, and chipotle are among the most common—and dozens of varieties of mole have been recorded. Mole is often served with chicken, though pork, turkey , and beef are also commonly used. If the sauce is poured over enchiladas (rolled and filled tortillas that are baked) the dish is called enmoladas .

Among the preferred desserts are sweet breads (including iced buns and oversized cookies), chocolates (which originated in pre-Columbian Mesoamerica), and dulce de leche (caramelized milk, also called cajeta or leche quemada [“burned milk”]). On city sidewalks and streets, little bells announce the approach of paleteros , ambulatory vendors whose small insulated carts are filled with frozen paletas (Popsicle-like treats made from creams or juices) and ice cream . Sugar-battered flautas (deep-fried filled corn tortillas), another treat, are popular with children.

Meals are often washed down with aguas frescas (watery sweet drinks, usually chilled), including jamaica (a deep red or purple drink made from the calyxes of roselle flowers), horchata (a milky rice-based drink), and drinks flavoured with watermelon or other fresh fruit. Also popular are soft drinks, licuados (fruit shakes, or smoothies), and fresh-squeezed orange juice. Great fame and potency are attributed to mescal, a class of fermented agave drinks that includes tequila (made from at least 51 percent blue agave in the vicinity of the town of Tequila). Domestic and imported beers are also in great demand among those who consume alcohol. During the Christmas holidays and on the Day of the Dead , one of the more-popular drinks is atole (or atol ), a hot combination of corn or rice meal, water, and spices.

Popular dishes vary by region and individual circumstances, but some of the more widely enjoyed foods include tortillas (flat bread wraps made from wheat or maize flour), enchiladas, cornmeal tamales (cooked within corn husks or banana leaves), burritos , soft-shell tacos , tortas (sandwiches of chicken, pork, or cheese and vegetables enclosed in a hard roll), stuffed chili peppers , and quesadillas (tortillas filled with soft cheese and meat). Other favourites are soups and spicy stews such as menudo (made from beef tripe and fresh vegetables) and pozole (stewed hominy and pork). Seafood dishes such as pulpo (octopus), chilpachole (spicy crab soup), and ceviche (seafood marinated in lime or lemon juice) are more popular in coastal and lacustrine areas. In Oaxaca and a few other states, fried and spiced chapulines (grasshoppers) are considered a delicacy . A favourite among the Nahua Indians is huitlacoche (corn fungus) served within fat-fried quesadillas.

Often eaten in the morning, purchased from street vendors or local coffee bars, and eaten on the way to work or school are churros . These fritters are made of flour-based batter that is piped into extremely hot fat and fried, then rolled in cinnamon-laced sugar, resulting in a treat that is sweet and crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside. They are often dipped in a chocolate sauce.

Many families and households still gather for a large midday meal at 2 or 3 pm , followed by a siesta (afternoon nap), but that tradition—once much associated with Mexican life, at least by foreigners—has become less common owing to company-mandated lunch hours, long commutes in Mexico City , and the demands placed upon farm and factory workers who are distant from their homes. Massive supermarkets now exist alongside local ferias (markets), but, in smaller towns and villages as well as in many urban neighbourhoods, open-air street markets are still active.

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. 

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Mexican American Culture

This essay about Mexican American culture explores its vibrant essence, blending ancient Mesoamerican and Spanish colonial influences with modern American elements. It highlights the significance of culinary traditions, language, art, music, religion, and family dynamics in shaping the community’s identity. The text portrays these cultural expressions as both a connection to the past and a celebration of ongoing innovation, emphasizing the community’s resilience and contribution to American diversity.

How it works

In the kaleidoscope of American cultural diversity, few facets shimmer with the same brilliance as Mexican American culture. It’s a symphony of heritage, a fusion of ancient Mesoamerican roots and the colonial legacy of Spain, blended with the ever-evolving rhythms of modern American life. This unique fusion births a culture that dances between tradition and innovation, weaving a vibrant tapestry of customs, flavors, and values.

Central to the heartbeat of Mexican American culture is its rich culinary tradition. From the tantalizing aroma of sizzling fajitas to the comforting warmth of a bowl of homemade pozole, every dish tells a story of tradition and innovation.

Passed down through generations, recipes are treasured heirlooms, infused with the love and history of those who came before. And in the bustling kitchens of Mexican American households, cooking becomes not just a chore, but a celebration of family, community, and the bonds that tie them together.

Language, too, is a vital thread in the fabric of Mexican American identity. Spanish, with its lyrical cadences and expressive nuances, serves as a cultural bridge, connecting generations and preserving ancestral ties. But alongside Spanish, indigenous languages like Nahuatl and Mixtec whisper their ancient secrets, a reminder of the rich tapestry of cultures that have shaped Mexican American identity over centuries.

Yet, Mexican American culture is not confined to the kitchen or the spoken word; it permeates every aspect of life, from art and music to religion and family dynamics. In the vibrant hues of Chicano murals, artists paint a picture of resilience and resistance, reclaiming public spaces and asserting their cultural identity in the face of adversity. And in the rhythmic beats of conjunto music, the spirit of Mexico comes alive, bridging the gap between past and present, old world and new.

Religion, too, plays a central role in Mexican American culture, blending Catholic traditions with indigenous beliefs in a tapestry of faith and spirituality. From the solemn rituals of Semana Santa to the joyous celebrations of Dia de los Muertos, religious observances serve not only as expressions of devotion but also as opportunities for community bonding and cultural exchange.

At the heart of it all lies the cornerstone of Mexican American culture: family. Strong bonds of kinship and loyalty tie generations together, providing a sense of belonging and support in an ever-changing world. From the cherished memories of childhood summers spent with grandparents to the laughter and camaraderie of holiday gatherings, family serves as a source of strength and resilience, a reminder that no matter where life may lead, one’s roots remain firmly planted in the soil of home.

In conclusion, Mexican American culture is a tapestry woven from the threads of history, tradition, and resilience. It’s a celebration of diversity and identity, a testament to the enduring spirit of a people who have thrived in the face of adversity. As Mexican Americans continue to enrich the cultural landscape of America, their legacy serves as a beacon of hope and inspiration for generations to come.

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6 Reasons Why Mexican Culture Is Important

Mexico is a relatively large country making up a good proportion of North America. With a population of over a hundred million people, Mexico is actually the tenth most populated country in the world. However, although Mexico is a comparatively large country, its cultural reach is actually enormous. All around the world people know elements of Mexican culture. In fact, Mexican culture could be seen as one of the most significant, and important in the world. But why is this? Well, let us explain…

1. Mexico Has A Unique Culture

A first reason why Mexican culture is important is because it is so unique.

Mexican culture is one of the most amazing in the world. The food, music, art, film, television, dress, traditions and customs that come out of Mexico are a defining aspect of the nation. The cultural outputs of Mexico are globally renowned. This shows how important Mexican culture is.

The culture of Mexico is defined by its vibrancy, humanity, humor and liveliness. Mexicans actively keep their culture alive, and many people around the world embrace elements of Mexican culture. Although Mexican culture relates closely to that of other cultures in Latin America, and to Spanish culture, in fact Mexican culture is truly unique. This fact alone makes Mexican culture hugely important.

2. Mexican Culture Is Highly Diverse

A second reason Mexican culture is so important is because it is highly diverse.

Mexico is a huge country covering over 700,000 square miles . It also has a huge population of 126 million people. These two factors alone ensure that Mexico has a very diverse culture. Mexican culture can vary greatly between regions. There are distinct cultural elements in different parts of Mexico, from the food to customs and traditions. The diversity of Mexican culture is a key reason why it is so important.

One factor that adds to the diversity of Mexican culture is the huge Mexican diaspora community in the United States. Millions of Mexicans have migrated north, bringing their culture with them. This has resulted in a merging of elements of American and Mexican cultures. In fact, there are whole parts of American culture – see Tex-Mex food, that now essentially add to the diversity of Mexican culture (even if some would like to disown it).

The enormous diversity that can be found in Mexican culture is one reason why it is so important.

3. Mexican Culture Is Steeped In History

A third reason why Mexican culture is important is because it is steeped in history.

Mexico has a long and fascinating history – from the indigenous cultures that existed before the arrival of the Spanish, to the period of colonization through to independence and the modern Mexican state. Mexican history is varied and complex. This is reflected in the country’s culture and adds significantly to its importance.

The culture of Mexico is a direct reflection of the country’s past. Mexicans embrace their history through their cultural traditions. This includes acknowledging the struggles Mexico has faced, as well as celebrating the glorious times that Mexico has witnessed. Mexican culture is as interesting as the country’s history, and this is another reason why it is so important.

4. Mexican Culture Is Enjoyed All Over The World

Another reason why Mexican culture is important is because it is enjoyed all over the world.

Mexico has an incredible cultural reach. Just see how almost every medium-sized city will have a Mexican restaurant. Ok, many would dispute the authenticity of these, but it still shows how Mexico’s culture has spread around the world.

Millions of Mexicans have emigrated overseas, taking their culture with them. This is especially true in the United States, where Mexican culture is now highly prevalent. The fact that people all around the world feel a connection with Mexican culture, and enjoy it, shows how important it is.

Mexican culture is perhaps one of the best known globally. This is a big reason why its so important.

5. Mexican Culture Has Been Very Influential

One reason why Mexican culture is important is because it has been so influential.

As we’ve said, Mexico has incredible cultural reach. As a result, Mexican culture has had a massive influence on the cultures of other nations. Firstly, throughout Latin America, Mexican culture has impacted the food, art , music, cinema and dress  in many places. Secondly, the United States has had its culture greatly influenced by that of Mexico. Lastly, around the world people’s affinity with Mexican culture means it has had a global influence with many people adopting aspects of Mexican culture.

The extent of a culture’s influence on others is a big indication of its importance. Mexican culture is perhaps one of the most impactful over recent centuries and into the modern day. This shows its significance.

6. Many People Travel To Mexico To Experience Its Culture

A final reason why Mexican culture is important is because millions of people travel to Mexico each year to experience it.

Mexico receives around 66 million international tourists a year. This makes it one of the countries in the world receiving the most international visitors. Mexico’s culture is a big reason why people choose to travel to the country. The food, music, art, traditions, customs and ceremonies in Mexico are amazing, and anyone traveling to the country can experience them. This is why so many people choose to travel to Mexico. It also shows how important the country’s culture is.

With so many tourists visiting Mexico, the country makes significant revenue. In fact, tourism makes up 8% of the Mexican economy. The fact that Mexico’s culture is such a draw for people, combined with the economic benefits Mexico sees from tourism, is another indication of how important Mexico’s culture is.

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

Latina Lista

In guest voz , znew headline.

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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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.

A Mexican American Cultural Experience Essay

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America is the melting pot of the world. One can encounter many different cultures within a community. As a result, there are several options for cultural experiences available. One particular event that occurred within my community was a Mexican American Festival.

This was a festival acknowledging the Day of Dead which was celebrated throughout Mexico on November 1. At first, I thought it was another Halloween party, but it turned out to be something completely different.

In Mexico, the Day of Dead (Día de Muertos) is a traditional holiday to remember all of one’s family members and friends who have passed away. As tradition goes, families will visit the cemetery and decorate the graves with colorful flowers, candles, and other little adornments.

At home, the memorial continues as the families create an alter with a picture of the person who has passed away and they decorate this alter with things that were of interest to the deceased when they were alive. This is followed by a huge family gathering including music, food, and fun for everyone. The belief is that during the Day of the Dead, the deceased love will return and visit their alter.

There were several people from the Mexican culture at the Mexican American Festival. There were several families with many children, seniors, and groups of friends. Many of the Hispanic people were dressed in authentic Mexican clothes including

sombreros and boots for the men and large colorful, flowing dresses for the women. Others were dressed like the current fad. There was a mixture of different clothing, but one could tell it was a Mexican celebration because many had authentic wear or things one would not normally see in the American culture.

The entire hall was decorated with skeletons and skulls which is a traditional Day of the Dead decoration in Mexico. There were also piñatas hanging from the ceiling and the lights were lowered with some disco lights. Each table was nicely decorated with small skulls of many different colors.

There was a huge dance floor in the middle of the hall and a food buffet in the back of the hall. All of the deco rations were symbolistic of the Mexican culture and were very colorful and festive. It was hard to believe that this was a celebration of death. On the largest wall in the hall was a huge piece of while bulletin board paper with some pens where many of the Mexican people wrote the names of the their deceased family members and friends. This paper was full of name.

A form of Mariachi music or salsa music was playing and many people were dancing and having a good time. For awhile, they had a live Mexican band and other times, they had a DJ who played discs. The form of dance was very different from the American way of dancing.

It seemed that all of the couples were dancing in a similar 1-2 step fashion. At times it was a salsa dance and other times it was a cumbia or a bachata dance. Some were dancing as a couple and others were dancing in a circle of friends. The music upbeat and lively throughout the entire party.

There was also a lot of traditional Mexican food that would be eaten during the Day of the Dead in Mexico. One thing that stood out were the sugar skulls. There were little skulls made out of marzipan. In addition, there were also several skulls shaped cookies and cakes.

All of the pastries were in the form of skeleton and skulls just as it is done in Mexico. Dinner was also available for those who were hungry. The menu consisted of tamales, tacos, beans, rice, chicken mole, pozole, and corn on the cob. All meals were served with warm corn tortillas.

The food was free with paid admission and there was more than plenty to go around. Plenty of hot sauce was also available. As for drinks, there were Coca Colas, fruit juices, tea, and of course, Corona, the most famous beer of Mexico. Even though people were drinking alcohol, it was a family event and all was very well-controlled.

The Day of the Day is a very festive day that is celebrated in all parts of Mexico. The Mexican people who live here in the United States continue to celebrate their tradition. I enjoyed the festival and I learned a lot about the Mexican culture. The food, the dance, the decorations and the symbolism behind the reason for the festival was very culturally oriented, educational, and entertaining.

It gave me an entire new respect in the Mexican culture. By attending festivals such as this one, I feel that I better understand a small part of the Mexican culture and it was an honor to be apart of such a sentimental memorial. It was a very important event for each and every participant and their Mexican pride was very evident.

I believe that if more people could attend festivals such as this one; not only from the Mexican culture, but also from other cultures, much of the world’s racism might be eliminated. Racism stems from a lack of understand, and when one is offered opportunities such as this one, an opportunity for understanding the culture is available. Although I did not understand the language, I still had fun and for the most part, understood everything that was going on. Viva Mexico!

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IvyPanda. (2018, October 25). A Mexican American Cultural Experience. https://ivypanda.com/essays/a-mexican-american-cultural-experience/

"A Mexican American Cultural Experience." IvyPanda , 25 Oct. 2018, ivypanda.com/essays/a-mexican-american-cultural-experience/.

IvyPanda . (2018) 'A Mexican American Cultural Experience'. 25 October.

IvyPanda . 2018. "A Mexican American Cultural Experience." October 25, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/a-mexican-american-cultural-experience/.

1. IvyPanda . "A Mexican American Cultural Experience." October 25, 2018. https://ivypanda.com/essays/a-mexican-american-cultural-experience/.

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Mexican-american Reflections

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