22 Interesting and Unique Facts about Mexico, Mexican Culture

(Last Updated On: October 11, 2021)

There are some unique and interesting facts about Mexico culture. The Mexican people have a wide range of traditions and customs. They are proud of their ancestors, and each region has its own traditions and festivals. Many of their ancestors’ historical customs have been preserved, making it a fascinating place to visit. The Nahuas, Otomis, Mayas, Zapotecs, Tzeltales, and Tzotziles are only a few of Mexico’s indigenous groups. In terms of gastronomy, medicine, traditions, and language, all of these have affected Mexican culture. This article will reveal 22 interesting facts about Mexico culture!

Mexico has a variety of traditional festivals and celebrations that are distinct from the rest of the world. The Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de los Muertos, is a celebration that combines pre-Hispanic mysticism with post-Conquest Catholicism. On November 2, the Day of the Dead coincides with the traditional Catholic commemoration of All Souls’ Day. Indigenous people create colorful home altars devoted to a dead loved one in the days leading up to Nov. 2, interesting facts about Mexico culture. The altars are elaborately decked with yellow and purple flowers and ornamented with the departed’s favorite meals and drinks. The idea, which dates back to pre-Hispanic times, is that the recently deceased has been in a spiritual purgatory and will be resurrected on November 1st, the Night of the Dead, interesting facts about Mexico culture.

This distinctively Mexican festival is a celebration of the departed and a humorous wink at the shadow of death, rather than a dismal or terrifying holiday. Stalls selling pink, sugarcoated skulls and sculptures of joyfully dancing skeletons may be found in predominantly indigenous communities such as Patzcuaro in the state of Michoacán and Oaxaca City, interesting facts about Mexico culture. Indigenous families gather at the local cemetery on Nov. 1 to keep a vigil around a beautifully adorned tomb and share food, drink, and laughter with the living and the dead.

In Mexico, Christmas is also observed in a unique way. To begin with, there isn’t much mention of Santa Claus. Mexican children do not get gifts on Christmas Day, as is customary. Instead, they will have to wait until Da de los Reyes, or Three Kings’ Day, on January 6th, interesting facts about Mexico culture. Three Kings’ Day celebrates the Magi’s visit to the infant Jesus, during which they bestowed three gifts on him. Las posadas, a recreation of Mary and Joseph’s arrival in Bethlehem, is another variation on the Christmas celebration.

Mary and Joseph are played by a man and a woman (or occasionally little children) from the community. They’re dressed up and sent out on a donkey, knocking on doors and inquiring whether the inn has any rooms, interesting facts about Mexico culture. The entire neighborhood gathers for warm bowls of pozole and cups of Mexican hot chocolate after being turned away three times. The dramatization is frequently repeated in the run-up to Christmas.

Mexico’s Independence Day, which is celebrated on September 16, is another major Mexican event. On the night of Sept. 15, when families from all across Mexico assemble in town squares to hear the iconic grito, or “shout,” of independence, the most unforgettable aspect of the event occurs. On Sept. 16, 1810, a revolutionary priest named Miguel Hidalgo spoke to a throng assembled in Dolores, Guanajuato, declaring the start of the battle of independence from Spain, interesting facts about Mexico culture. Every year on the night of the 15th, the Mexican president, as well as mayors and governors from around the nation, recreate Hidalgo’s speech, with the audience chanting three times “Viva México!” (“Long live Mexico!”).

Interesting facts about Mexico culture

1. Chocolate originated in Mexico. Chocolate was discovered in Mexico by Meso-Americans. It was first turned into a sweet beverage. Ixcacao, the Aztec Goddess of Chocolate, is even worshipped by the Aztecs.

2. Corn and chilies are also thanks to Mexico. Both corn (Zea maiz) and chilies (Capsicum annuum) were initially grown in Mexico. They’ve become a staple in both Mexican and American cuisines.

3. Mexican culture is dominated by music and dance. Mariachi music has a long and illustrious history, dating back to the 18th century. Traditionally, mariachi ensembles are made up of five musicians dressed in ‘charro’ outfits. If you haven’t previously heard “La Cucaracha” (the cockroach! ), you will most likely hear it during your trip to Mexico, since mariachi bands perform it everywhere – on the street and in restaurants.

4. Folk dance is popular all across Mexico. The Jarabe Tapatio (Mexican Hat Dance) is one of Mexico’s most famous dances, if not its national dance. It is a dance that honors romance and is done while wearing a sombrero.

5. One of the most well-known Mexican customs is the siesta. Siestas are a brief sleep taken early in the afternoon that usually follows a mid-day meal and are prevalent in hot climates.

6. Independence Day is a national holiday in the United States (16th September). This is Mexico’s most significant national holiday, commemorating the country’s 1810 independence from Spanish control. The Cry of Independence is repeated in the Zocalo, followed by fireworks, music, and dancing, making Mexico City an ideal location for this event.

7. Greetings Are Extremely Important. In Mexican culture, ‘hellos’ and ‘goodbyes’ are extremely significant. Men generally greet each other with a handshake or embrace, while women are more likely to exchange a brief peck on the cheek.

8. Festivals and fiestas are very significant in Mexico, and they are held even in tiny towns. Every village has a patron saint, who is commemorated with annual festivities and processions. Everywhere, from the most isolated indigenous town to the most affluent neighborhood of Mexico City, at least one day a year — and frequently many more – is dedicated to a fiesta!

9. Los Posadas is a holiday celebrated in December to commemorate Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem. Las Posadas is known for its traditional cuisine and drink, but it also has a custom of dubbing one kid the “angel,” who is in charge of following family members bearing Mary and Joseph figurines.

10. Because bullfighting is Mexico’s national sport, it has a long history in the country. Bullfighting, also known as Charreria, is one of Mexico’s most popular forms of entertainment. The Plaza Mexico, which seats 48,000 people, hosts some of the most unusual tournaments.

11. The Day of the Dead is a popular holiday in the United States (1st & 2nd November). Offerings are made to the souls of ancestors during this occasion. Shrines are erected in houses to honor dead relatives, and graveside vigils are common. Pan de muertos and colorfully frosted sugar skulls are sold at market booths. A magnificent torch-lighting ceremony, joyful dances, and a ceremony on Janitzio, an island in the middle of the lake, are held in Lago de Pátzcuaro.

12. The Day of the Dead, also known as Dia de Los Muertos, is a two-day Mexican celebration. Dia de los Muertos takes place on November 1st and 2nd and is meant to honor dead friends and family members. While Halloween is a frightening and dismal holiday in the United States, Dia de los Muertos is a joyful celebration that includes cuisine, bright colors, all-night vigils on loved ones’ graves, and dancing.

13. One of the most important days in Mexican culture is Cinco de Mayo. The Cinco de Mayo celebrations are held to celebrate Mexico’s triumph over France in 1862. Cinco de Mayo celebrations include crafts, artwork, music, piatas, and cuisine, which are especially significant to Mexico’s youngsters.

14. Our Lady of Guadalupe’s Feast (12th December). This is a Catholic feast dedicated to the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mary. A pilgrimage to the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City is made by Catholics to see an image of Mary. This is, without a doubt, Mexico’s most important religious celebration.

14. In Mexico, there are literally hundreds of languages spoken. There are 285 distinct living languages spoken in Mexico. The most common language is Spanish, which is spoken by around 90% of the population. Mayan, Nahuatl, Mixteco, Zapoteco, Chipilo, and German are among the indigenous languages spoken by the remaining 10%. Mexican culture benefits immensely from this variety.

15. Festival de Guelaguetza (July). Women dance in the streets while wearing traditional regional attire and holding offerings on their heads. If you visit Oaxaca in July, you might be able to see this indigenous cultural festival that honors the region’s traditions and customs. This colorful festival includes traditional costumes, folk dances, and local delicacies.

16. San Cristobal Fiesta (16th to 25th July). The Fiesta de San Cristobal, which takes place at San Cristobal de las Casas, is also held in July. This colorful and lively fiesta involves fireworks, parades, marimba bands, and celebrations, as well as many Chiapas customs.

17. Mexico isn’t the whole name of the country. The entire name of Mexico is Los Estados Unidos Mexicanos (The Mexican United States). Mexico City, the capital, was the country’s initial name. Mexico-Tenochtitlan was the name of the capital city before it was destroyed during the Spanish invasion and reconstructed to seem like a Spanish metropolis and renamed Mexico City.

18. On December 25th, many Mexican children do not get presents. Many Mexican youngsters typically get gifts on January 6th, rather than on Christmas Day. This day is traditionally associated with the arrival of the Three Wise Men.

19. The World Appreciates Mexican Traditions. Because Mexico has one of the world’s most vibrant and distinctive civilizations, it’s no surprise that traditions like the piata and the siesta have found their way to the United States and other areas of the globe. These customs transcend decades, cultures, and boundaries, harkening back to some of Mexico’s oldest and most distinctive rituals.

20. Santa Semana (Holy Week). This is Mexico’s most important event, a profoundly religious feast commemorating Christ’s resurrection. There are processions and pilgrimages. Go to Iztapalapa, just outside of Mexico City, for a large-scale event that includes buckets of fake blood!

21. A piata is a paper construction that is used to contain candies, tiny trinkets, or other small items. Piatas are typically shaped like animals and strung from high places during a fiesta or celebration. Children are blindfolded and urged to hit a bat at the piata once it has been hanged. Piatas is one of the most well-known and thrilling Mexican customs, thanks to its appeal in American society as well.

22. Food Isn’t Just Food Anymore. Mexican cuisine is very rich in culture, and it has even been recognized by UNESCO as a contribution to humanity’s cultural heritage. Food isn’t just food, as you might expect. Whether you’re a guest or a native, eating in Mexico is an adventure.

We believe you have enjoyed these interesting facts about Mexican culture!