The culture of Mexico, one of the most unusual Catholic states, was formed by a mixture of pre-Columbian American and Spanish influences, and in the last century has experienced the strongest influence of the United States. In this unique country, the beliefs of the Indian and European civilizations coexist peacefully, and the locals respect and remember their traditions.
Intertwining Traditions
The traditions of the Aztecs, Mayans, Toltecs, Spaniards and Americans are closely intertwined here. The planting of Spanish traditions had a significant impact on the primitive culture of the Indians. The conquistadors arrived in these territories after learning about the gold reserves of the Aztecs. The colonial period occupies three long centuries in the history of Mexico. At that time, forced labor service was imposed on the indigenous peoples in the form of work on plantations, mines and enterprises, construction, poll tax, in many cases the Indians became hereditary debt slaves. The ancient traditions of Mexico are especially well preserved in the east, for example, in the stateVeracruz.
Culture and customs
Mexicans have a cheerful and good-natured disposition. They love to communicate very much, and therefore often organize fun holidays. Festivities are held everywhere, some Mexicans like to celebrate at home. There are a lot of cars on the noisy streets of cities, music is heard everywhere. The locals are not particularly punctual, but this does not particularly bother anyone.
In Mexico, parents are revered, especially mothers, they love children, pamper them and allow a lot. Often families are not limited to one child. Mexican yards hide high walls from outsiders, and there is almost always a garden in the yard, the windows are protected by metal bars. The houses are furnished modestly, without frills.
Mexicans are quite well-mannered and polite. When communicating, it is customary to address “senior” to a man, “señora” or “señorita” - to a woman (married and unmarried, respectively). When meeting, locals shake hands, and if there is a woman in front of them, they add a kiss on the cheek. Mexicans are very hospitable and love to give gifts. A large bouquet of flowers would be a good present. It is extremely undesirable to appear drunk in public places, but smoking on the street is permissible.
Christmas in Mexico
Both Catholic and local (traditional Indian) holidays are celebrated in Mexico. Christmas begins to be celebrated two weeks before the official date. In each settlement, ritual processions are held, always led by Joseph and Mary, accompanied by children. People are joiningcrowd, everyone is moving towards the temple. Everyone can take part in the theatrical performances that are arranged on the occasion of Christmas.
December 24, the whole family gathers at the same table. It is customary to cook traditional Mexican dishes, sort out gifts that appear under the Christmas tree. There is no Santa or his “substitute” in the national culture, so gifts appear as if by themselves.
Day of the Dead
Mexicans are calm about death. This is not a taboo for them, but a favorite topic for jokes, so the Day of the Dead is the most famous and popular Mexican holiday. Even the Indians believed that after death the human soul goes to the gods. With the advent of Catholicism to these lands, ideas have changed somewhat, but as a result of the mixing of cultures, a secular holiday of the dead appeared. On this day, Mexicans visit the graves of deceased relatives, inviting them to visit, bake special coffee bread and cookies in the form of skulls to decorate their graves.
Funeral processions in Mexico are traditionally accompanied by cheerful music and dancing. Each meeting ends with memories of the departed for a long time. So death in Mexico is not mourning, but only an occasion to rejoice for the deceased, see him off and wish him a good journey. And typical souvenirs are skulls, jewelry in the form of skeletons, especially in the form of a skeleton of a mother holding a baby in her arms.
Carnival Week
Mexican culture is very exotic for a European. Whatonly stands the Carnival week, which is held before Lent. This is a bright period, which all tourists remember with delight. The most amazing tradition in Mexico is the Feast of the Oppressed Husbands. At this time, all men who are dissatisfied with their halves can indulge in the joys of life without fear of subsequent punishment.
Mexican folklore
Local folklore is distinguished by several colorful characters:
- Vaca de pumbre. A demonic cow that rushes through the city streets at night, but does not harm anyone.
- Duende. Tiny people who play the role of brownies. Also found in the folklore of Spain and Portugal.
- La Lorona. The ghost of a weeping woman looking for her children.
- The Nagual. A malevolent monster that an ordinary person or a sorcerer turns into.
- Tl altecuhtli. A huge monster covered with hair, with the gills of an alligator and a toad, on all joints of the creature are heads that bite anyone who dares to approach.
- Chaneke. Demons living in the forest.
- Chupacabra. In Mexican folklore, a mythical creature that kills pets and then sucks their blood.
Culinary traditions
An amazing country of cacti, sombrero, tequila and unique cuisine is a paradise for lovers of spicy food and lots of spices. Culinary traditions of Mexico surprise visitors. There is a lot of curry in the dishes, the composition also includes meat, vegetables, grains, seafood, legumes and corn. Tortilla - cornmeal tortilla, burritos, spicy sauces are popular.
