The Fun Loving Mexican People and Culture

Always smiling and happy to laugh and joke about even the toughest situations in life, Mexican people are amazing to be around! You’ll probably already be familiar with how important family is to Mexicans, parents and elders are hugely respected, and children are typically expected to look after them in old age. Children are pushed to do well and also expected to help out in the home, although mothers tend to do the main work of running the household. Fathers are typically classed as the head of the household. The traditional ideals of ‘machismo’, which represents men as being strong and powerful, have made progress in gender equality slow, although these traditional roles are starting to change.

If there’s one thing Mexicans are famous for, it’s for their celebrations! Any aspects of Mexican culture have become international, such as piñatas, which are now a staple focal point of many parties, especially for kids! One of the most famous celebrations is the Quinceañera, which is celebrating a girl’s 15th birthday. It was historically used to introduce a daughter as no longer a child, but a young woman who is available for potential suitors. Although now this is not the case, the celebration is planned like a wedding, with event planners and grand venues, and has built a huge commercial market just for this event.

Another famous celebration is the day of the dead “Día de los Muertos” which celebrates family and friends who have died. Death in Mexican culture is not feared as in other cultures, so this is not a time to be sad, but rather happy as loved ones awaken and celebrate with them. Celebrated on the 1st and 2nd of November, it is a time to visit, clean and decorate the graves of those who have passed, with toys for children, tequila for adults as well as flowers and candles. The skull “calavera” features heavily and is one of the most recognized symbols of the celebration.

Despite popular belief, 5 de mayo is not Mexican Independence Day, but instead a celebration of the Mexican victory over France in the Battle of Puebla on May 5 1862. Today it is celebrated nationally in the United States to represent the unity of Mexican and American culture.

Although Spanish is the most popular language spoken in Mexico, it is not classified as the official language. The Mexican government recognizes 68 national languages, which are indigenous languages of the country. Spanish was inherited and is used by the government, but Mexico has approximately 282 indigenous languages, known as ‘Nahuatl’ or ‘Aztec’. These languages are spoken throughout the country, and many of them are classified as endangered languages.

Another part of Mexican culture which may surprise you is punctuality! In Mexico, you would be rude to appear for a party or meeting early or on time! It is accepted that the earliest you will arrive will be a minimum of 30 minutes after the agreed start time of a meeting, and an hour after the agreed start time of a party! Although frustrating, the lateness does have meaning. Time is precious to Mexicans, and every minute is celebrated and enjoyed. Life is not for stress, and due dates can always be moved to tomorrow. Family, health and life come first, a lesson we could all learn from!