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20 Mexican Traditions and Customs You Should Know About

Mexico has a thriving and diverse culture. There is something for everyone to enjoy. The basket to pick from is overflowing with vibrant festivals and delectable cuisine. The 20 most significant Mexican traditions and customs are examined in this article. 

This includes well-known celebrations, such as Dia de Muertos to Cinco de Mayo. Customs also range from festivals, food to the way of life and common music. Learn more about the various ways that Mexicans celebrate their culture by reading this article. Enjoy!

1. Fiestas

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In Mexican culture, fiestas play a significant role. It is an event for people to get together and rejoice. Often, food, music, dancing, and fireworks are included at fiestas. Fiestas come in a wide variety of forms in Mexico. The Dia de Muerto is among the most well-known fiestas. It is a moment to honor and pay tribute to departed loved ones.

2. Dia de Muertos – Day of the Dead

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The Mexican celebration of Dia de Muertos is observed on November 1 and 2. It is a moment to honor and pay tribute to departed loved ones. The celebration combines Catholic teachings with customs from the indigenous people of Mexico. The indigenous inhabitants of Mexico thought that transitioning to another existence after death was not the end of life. By constructing altars and placing gifts of food, drink, and flowers at the graves of their loved ones, they commemorate the deceased. Dia de Muertos has become a vibrant and joyous event. 

3. El Grito de Dolores – The Cry of Dolores

In honor of the beginning of the Mexican War of Independence, El Grito de Dolores is a national holiday. On September 15, crowds assemble in public spaces to hear the president yell “Viva Mexico!” from a balcony. On September 16, 1810, Catholic priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla delivered the cry for the first time. Throughout his war for Mexico’s freedom from the Spanish, Hidalgo was in charge of a troop of rebels. El Grito de Dolores is marked by a number of events, some of which are listed below.

• The president gives a speech from a balcony.
• The crowd shouts, “¡Viva México!”
• There are fireworks and music.
• People eat traditional Mexican food.

4. Cinco de Mayo

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The Cinco de Mayo celebrations, or “the Fifth of May,” honors the Mexican army’s victory against French soldiers. This was at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Although they were outnumbered and outgunned by the French, the Mexican army surprised everyone by winning the fight.

Cinco de Mayo has grown in popularity in the US. It’s frequently observed with tequila, Mexican cuisine, and mariachi music. Mexico’s state of Puebla, where the fight took place, celebrates Cinco de Mayo.

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5. Carnaval 

Pre-Lenten festivals like Carnaval are observed all throughout the world, including in Mexico. It’s a time for fun and celebration. Common features of carnaval include dancing, parades, and costumes.

The Latin term “carne vale,” which means “farewell to flesh,” is where the English name “Carnaval” originates. There are certain common features among the various ways that Carnaval is observed worldwide. Parades, costumes, dancing, and cuisine are a few of these.

6. Semana Santa and Pascua – Easter Week and Easter

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Prior to Easter, there is a week of religious observances called Semana Santa. Christians should take this opportunity to think about the events leading up to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, also known as his “passion.” There are numerous religious processions and festivities throughout Semana Santa.

The floats in these processions frequently depict events from the Passion of Christ. Torrijas and hornazos are only two of the many traditional meals that are consumed during Semana Santa. The Christian celebration known as Pascua commemorates Jesus Christ’s resurrection. Christians all throughout the world rejoice and celebrate on this day.

7. Fiestas Patrias – Independence Day

Mexico observes Fiestas Patrias as its national holiday to commemorate its independence from Spain. The holiday is observed on September 16. Mexicans gather to celebrate their national pride during Fiestas Patrias.

Celebrations take the form of parades, festivals, and other public events take place. Also, the Mexican flag is flown, along with authentic Mexican cuisine and patriotic music. The parades include floats, marching bands, and Mexican costumed participants.

8. Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe – Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

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A significant religious celebration in Mexico is Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe, which is observed on December 12. Mexico’s patron saint is the Lady of Guadalupe. The occasion honors Juan Diego, an Aztec farmer, who saw the Virgin Mary on December 12, 1531.

Juan Diego was instructed by Madonna to erect a church on Tepeyac Hill, the site of her appearance. When Juan Diego approached the bishop, the bishop did not accept him. Juan Diego was finally accepted by the bishop, and Tepeyac Hill saw the construction of a church. Today, Mexico celebrates Dia de la Virgen de Guadalupe as a significant religious occasion.

9. Dia de los Reyes Magos – Day of the Three Kings

Mexico and other Spanish-speaking nations observe Dia de los Reyes Magos on January 6. It commemorates the journey of the Three Kings—Melchior, Gaspar, and Balthazar—who brought presents for the baby Jesus to Bethlehem.

On the evening of January 5, kids in Mexico leave their shoes outside in the hopes that the Three Kings will fill them with gifts and candies. The morning of January 6 finds kids waking up to goodies in their shoes. Family get-togethers and feasting are customary during Dia de los Reyes Magos. 

10. Las Posadas – Night processions

Prior to Christmas, Mexico and other Spanish-speaking nations observe Las Posadas, a nine-day religious festival. The celebration of Las Posadas honors Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem in search of lodging. The Spanish word “posada” literally translates to “inn.”

The festivities start on December 16 and go until Christmas Eve on December 24. A group of people will visit homes every night, singing old melodies and pleading for sanctuary. This recreation of Mary and Joseph’s journey serves as a reminder of the value of kindness.

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11. Noche Buena – Christmas Eve

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Christmas Eve is known in Spanish as Noche Buena. In Mexico, this is a season of family get-togethers and feasting. Tamales, buuelos, and ponche are common dishes served on Noche Buena. Tamales are a form of cornmeal flatbread that are cooked after being stuffed with meat, cheese, or beans.

A form of fried flatbread known as a buuelo is frequently drizzled with honey or syrup. Ponche is a hot beverage mixed with alcohol, fruit, and spices. It is also common to go to midnight church on Noche Buena. Families assemble to share gifts and unwrap presents.

12. Semana Santa

A week-long religious celebration called Semana Santa occurs just before Easter. In addition to various joyful customs like processions and bailes, it is a time for introspection and prayer. Semana Santa translates to “Holy Week” in Spanish.

Christians observe this week as a time to reflect on the events that led up to Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection, or his “passion.” Semana Santa is a significant holiday in Mexico. In every part of the nation, there are several processions and celebrations. Along with praying, people frequently attend church services.

13. Festival de la Guelaguetza

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In Oaxaca, Mexico, there is an annual festival called Festival de la Guelaguetza. It takes place in July and showcases dances, music, dishes, and crafts from many Oaxacan regions. The event first appeared in 1932 with the intention of promoting Oaxacan customs and culture. The Zapotec word “guelaguetza,” which means “to gift,” is the source of the term “Guelaguetza.” Guelaguetza, the habit of sharing resources and food with others, is the foundation of the event.

14. Tacos 

Mexican food known as tacos is prepared with a corn tortilla and a variety of fillings, including meat, beans, cheese, and veggies. In Mexico, tacos are a common street meal that are available all around the nation. Tacos can be served with a variety of toppings such as guacamole or cilantro. It can also be eaten plain. Tacos are a tasty meal that may be eaten at any time. 

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15. Quesadillas

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Mexican cuisine known as quesadillas is prepared with a corn tortilla filled with cheese and griddle-cooked. They are a well-liked street snack in Mexico and are available everywhere. These are some instructions for preparing quesadillas:

• Use a good quality corn tortilla.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the quesadilla.
• Serve with your favorite toppings.

16. Burritos

A huge flour tortilla is used to make the Mexican delicacy known as a burrito. The burrito is then filled with a variety of things such meat, beans, rice, and veggies. In Mexico, burritos are a common street snack that are available all around the nation. Here are some common tortilla fillings:

• Meat: Beef, chicken, pork, or fish
• Beans: Refried beans, black beans, or pinto beans
• Rice: White rice, brown rice, or quinoa
• Vegetables
• Salsa: Mild, medium, or hot salsa
• Cheese

17. Sombreros 

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In Mexico, males generally don sombreros, a style of wide-brimmed hat. They are frequently made of straw or felt, and they are frequently embellished with bands or feathers. The Spanish word “sombra,” means “shadow” in English. Sombreros were initially used as sun protection, but they have subsequently come to represent Mexican culture. 

18. Huipiles 

Long, sleeveless dresses known as huipiles are popular among Mexican ladies. They frequently have vivid colors and elaborate embroidery. Mexican ladies have worn huipiles for generations as a representation of their heritage and culture. Huipiles can be made using cotton, wool, or silk.

They frequently have embroidery on them, which can be simple or intricate. Many elements from Mexican culture, including flowers, animals, and religious figures, are frequently shown in the designs on huipiles. Huipiles are generally worn with a long, wrapped scarf called a rebozo or shawl. These can be used for both casual wear and formal situations.

19. Charro suits

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Men in Mexico wear charro suits, a sort of traditional apparel. They consist of a jacket, a hat, and a pair of pants. Embroidery in silver or gold is a common decoration for charro suits. Although charro outfits were initially worn by Mexican cowboys, they have come to represent Mexican culture.

The majority of charro suits are composed of black or brown wool. Embroidery in silver or gold, which may be simple or intricate, is frequently used to embellish them. Important cultural icons from Mexico, such as horses, cacti, and the sun, are frequently shown in the designs on charro suits.

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20. Mariachi music genre

Mariachi is a type of traditional Mexican music that began in the nineteenth century in the state of Jalisco. It is distinguished by the usage of trumpets as well as stringed instruments including the violin, guitarron, and vihuela. Traditional Mexican dances like the jarabe tapato frequently have mariachi music playing in the background. A group of musicians known as a mariachi band often performs mariachi music. It has between 5 and 12 musicians.

Mexican traditions and customs are a rich and varied fabric that reflect the nation’s extensive and nuanced past. The history of Mexico has shaped the numerous customs and traditions. These are only a few of the traditions and rituals that are observed throughout Mexico. Mexicans from across the world take great pride in participating in them.