The Culture of Mexico

The influences of the pre-Hispanic Mesoamerican civilizations and the 300-year colonization of Spain have greatly contributed to the culture of Mexico. Strong family bonding, hard working, respect and socialization are very important to Mexicans. Almost 75% of the population of Mexico lives in towns and cities. Highly urbanized metropolitan areas include Mexico City, Guadalajara, Monterrey, Baja California, Chiapas, and Estado de Mexico.

Roman Catholicism is the nation’s primary religion. Mexico has the 2nd largest Catholic believers after Brazil with almost 90% of its population belonging practicing the said religion. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Evangelical, and Jehovah’s Witnesses are amongst other Christian religions observed in Mexico. Following the Mexican revolution were new generations of Mexican artists such as world-renowned painters Diego Rivera, David Alfaro Siqueiros, and Jose Clemente Orozco. Frida Kahlo, Rufino Tamayo and Manuel Alvarez Bravo are other well celebrated artists for their various abtract works. Music plays an important role in Mexico’s culture. No celebration or festivals are complete without the performances of Mariachis. A Mariachi is a popular musical ensemble that performs in streets, fiestas, restaurants and other public places.

Mexican food is one of the most popular cuisines in the world. Maize, tortilla, tacos, tamales, enchiladas frijoles, pozole and atole are certified favorites. Tequila, mescal and pulque are famous Mexican alcoholic beverages. Bullfighting and Charreria are Mexico’s traditional national sports. On the other hand, football remains the most favorite contemporary sport with each state having its own representative. World superstars like Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Julio Cesar Chavez, and Juan Manuel Marquez have positioned Mexico as a boxing champion. Other favorite leisure activities include cockfighting, Jai alai, lucha libre (Mexican professional wrestling), baseball, fishing, and basketball.