Mexican Culture Essay
Basic Information Mexico is located in the northern region of the American continent between the Gulf of Mexico on the east and the Pacific Ocean on the west. It’s bordered by the United States on the north and by Guatemala and Belize in the south. It has a population of 122.3 million people. Mexico has the largest population of Spanish speakers in the world. Mexico’s capital, Mexico City is also known as the Federal District. The incredible variety that exists in Mexico’s culture is mirrored by its geography. Mexico is known for its rich history, tradition and culture. The country is made of 31 states and one federal district which is its capital, Mexico City. Despite the political and social changes that occurred over time, evidence of
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its past cultures and events are apparent in Mexico today. Many rural areas in Mexico are inhabited by indigenous people whose lifestyles are very similar to that of their ancestors. The Mexican government recognizes 56 different indigenous groups. The culture of the indigenous people has managed to survive largely because of their rural isolation. These people usually live mostly in poverty. Their main wealth is traditional and spiritual and their way of life is filled with customs and rituals. Even though the majority of Mexico’s population speaks Spanish, different languages are also used. Indigenous groups use other languages such as various types of Mayan, Nahuatl, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. These languages are mostly used in rural areas and many of them are traced back to its early descendants. Mexico seems to govern and arrange their government structure around the ethical theory of utilitarianism. The Mexican people seem to be concerned more with the greatest good for the greatest number of people in all aspects of government. Mexico is a federation with a representative, democratic, and republican government. In 1917 the Mexican constitution was ratified in order to establish three levels of government. These levels include the Federal Union, state governments and municipal governments. Each individual branch carries responsibilities essential for the success of the country. Although the economy is on the rise, the country as whole isn’t. Corruption is deeply embedded culturally and remains persistent at all levels of society, fed by and further entrenching the power of monopolists, party bosses, and other mafias. Mexico biggest setback comes from two major struggles within its borders. Corruption within its government has caused the economy to suffer. Corruption is highly influenced by drug lords and their cartels. Billions of narco-dollars enter Mexico each year from the U.S. Drug lords often pay off local governments in order to continue drug trafficking. Cartels in Mexico are affecting politics particularly at the state and local levels. Contracts are generally upheld, but courts are inefficient and vulnerable to political interference. The ethical dilemma is the corruption that is deeply embedded in Mexico. Most corruption occurs in the municipal governments. Towns are often ran by cartels affecting the way people live. The Mexican government has been fighting a war with drug traffickers since December 2006. At the same time, drug cartels have fought each other for control of territory. More than 60,000 people have been killed from 2006 to 2012, according to Human Rights Watch. Countries such as Colombia use Mexico to move cocaine into the U.S. Ninety percent of the cocaine that enters the U.S. transits through Mexico. Mexico is also a main supplier of marijuana and methamphetamines in the U.S. There are seven major cartels in Mexico. Knights Templar is a group that mostly operates within the state of Michoacán but also has a presence in other central states. The Sinaloa Cartel is widely considered Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organization. The Sinaloa Cartel is believed to operate in 17 of Mexico’s states and several Central and South American countries. Los Zetas Cartel operates primarily on Mexico’s Gulf Coast and Northeast, as well as in Central America. Los Zetas are also thought to be involved in extortion, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Gulf Cartel operates in the northern state of Tamaulipas. This organization has declined in numbers due to numerous reasons including the loss of territory to other cartels. Beltran- Leyva Cartel mostly operates along Mexico’s pacific coast and in the northern state of Sinaloa. Beltran- Leyva Cartel was once part of the Sinaloa Cartel but split up when one of its leaders were killed at the hands of Mexican marines. Juarez Cartel is largely contained within Ciudad Juarez and several parts of the northern state of Chihuahua. Lastly, the Tijuana cartel operates in the border city of Tijuana and the surrounding state of Baja California. These seven drug cartels have negatively influenced Mexico and its people. Mexico’s government has been unable to allocate the needed funds to help decrease its growing poverty levels. This has to do much with the corruption within all levels of its government. The cartels use extreme tactics to keep pedestrians quiet. Mass killings of groups or towns are used to scare the public.
Cultures
There are two major cultures in Mexico. The Meztizos which are the larger of the two groups consists two-thirds of Mexico’s population. This group are a mixed of Spanish and Indian ancestry. The other group are the indigenous people. It consists of fifty-six different sub-groups. The indigenous groups live in rural areas away from population and carry traditions and customs dating back to ancient Aztec and Maya cultures.
Indigenous Culture The indigenous culture is considered to be at the heart of Mexican society. The indigenous cultures carry very strong traditions and customs along with many rituals. Today, the genetic, cultural, and spiritual remains of the first inhabitants of México remain strong within the spirit of the Mexican people. An understanding of this history and the evolution of these people is a key to understanding the pride that Mexican people feel towards their ancestors. The majority of the indigenous populations live in the South or Central-West region of the Mexico. In Mexico, indigenous communities tend to be small and close-knit, and women traditionally marry young. Schools only recently began offering bilingual education, and children are often needed in the fields. Crafts and farming are the main industries, and traditional healers are relied upon more than doctors. Problems are mostly solved by elders instead of a formal government. The indigenous culture may carry a lot of pride and traditions but 72% of its people are considered impoverished. According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), 14.8 million people in Mexico around 12.25% of the population are indigenous people. They often fall victim to the lack of adaptability to modern society. Having carried traditions and customs dating back to the Aztec or Mayan empires have hindered the indigenous population’s ability to adjust to the modern day society. Many indigenous organizations have arisen to fight for better living conditions for this population. They have campaigned for access to education, health services, potable water, credits, fair wages, political representation, consultation and the protection of local environments. The indigenous people gained worldwide recognition in January 1994. Indigenous peasants representing different ethnic groups sprung an uprising on the day of the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect. These efforts went on to be considered failures as the government refused to meet the demands of the indigenous people. Two-thirds of the indigenous population lives in small peasant communities often located in the least developed areas of Mexico. These communities often lack running water or electricity. The indigenous people are often mistreated and are subject to police brutality. They are often thought of as mere peasants in the country. Some of the indigenous populations have taken local forms of organization to defend their culture and livelihoods. While most of the indigenous population have witnessed the collapse of their traditions under the burden of poverty, and believe that they must reject their ethnic identity and integrate into mestizo society if they are to improve their living conditions.
Mestizo Culture The mestizo population is the largest group in Mexico. This population is of Spanish and Indian descent. The mestizo group makes up the world’s largest population of Spanish speaking people. The mestizo population is what you would consider a modern day Mexican. Mexican culture is known for its strong bonds and loyalty to their families. Children often remain with their families until they marry. Mexicans have bonds with all family, not just with what’s considered immediate. Mexicans often live with other relatives to help sustain the family’s level of success. The ethics of this culture seem to involve the deontology of the people. They are concerned with their duty to their families. Family remains among the most important elements in Mexican society, both in private and public life. Large families are considered normal in Mexican cultures.From infancy to old age, an individual’s status and opportunities are strongly influenced by family ties. Mexican families carry generally well-defined roles within the household. The father is considered the head of the house or the one who is in charge of making family decisions. They are often the sole provider for the family. Machismo (manliness) is often found in Mexican families. The father exercises authority in a manner not unlike a dictatorship. It’s the family’s duty to obey the male or head of the house hold. The mother is considered the family’s heart. Women are responsible for maintaining the household and caring for children. Children are to obey both parents. It is not unusual for children to begin learning everyday tasks at an early age. Grandparents play an instrumental role in Mexican families. They are often asked for advice on family matters and sometimes live with relatives. Mexicans grandparents who live under a family member’s roof will help in the development of their grandchildren. They often act as babysitters or caretakers while the head of the house hold is away. Children grow to respect and often idolize their elders. Mexican cultures value “community” within their towns and cities. They believe that by working together, socializing and strong family ties are all key components into a greater society. The family is the most important entity to each individual besides the ideals of religion (Brodwin 2013). Hosting family parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country. Mexican’s have different physical way of communication. For example, men usually greet each other with a handshake. However, those who know each other give a traditional hug. Women generally do not shake hands. They often greet by patting each other on the shoulder or forearms. If women know each other they may greet with a simple kiss on the cheek. Mexican people communicate in a subtle way. They are often polite and greatly appreciate individuals using words as simple please or thank you.
Religion
Catholicism has become the dominant Mexican religion since first being introduced during Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Currently, more than 75 percent of Mexico’s population is Catholic, making Mexico the second-largest Catholic country in the world behind Brazil. The Mexican culture is a strong believer in “La Virgen de Guadalupe” or the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to a Nahua man named Juan Diego in December 1531 on Tepeyac Hill, north of Mexico City. To this day her appearance is commemorated on December 12 each year. The Mexican culture often prays to the Virgin Mary for help or …show more content…
guidance.
Music
Music, much like food, is a mainstay of Mexican social life. The music is diverse and includes both modern and traditional genres. “Ranchero” is the best known Mexican genre. This genre became popular shortly after Mexican revolution. The music focuses on love, patriotism and nature. Mariachi is a Mexican genre that is the most popular among its cultural history. Mariachi music originated in the state of Jalisco located in western Mexico. They are highly noticeable with their customary wide-brimmed hats and cowboy outfits. This genre has enjoyed commercial success and is often featured at festivals, banquets and weddings. Another popular genre is Norteño (northern), which relies on the accordion and 12–string bass guitar for its characteristic stylizations.Banda another Mexican genre is similar to norteño music. Cumbia is heavily influenced by music from the Caribbean islands. More recently Mexican youths have been greatly influenced by the growing popularity of pop, hip-hop and rock-musical in the United States.
Traditional Food Due to various early settlers in the region, current Mexican cuisine has received influences from many different cultures. Although there are many national dishes, geographical and climate differences allow for each region to own their own specialties. Northern Mexico is known for beef, goat and ostrich dishes. Central Mexico is known for carnitas and tamales. Southeastern Mexico typically makes spicy vegetable and chicken dishes. Lastly the regions near the Pacific Ocean tend to lean towards seafood dishes. Corn is the basis of the Mexican diet, as it has been for thousands of years. It can be found in almost every meal, usually in the form of the tortillas. Other traditional foods include beans, rice, tomatoes, chili peppers, avocado, and chorizo, a type of pork sausage. Many traditional dishes include enchiladas, tamales, burritos, soft shell tacos, tortas, quesadillas, stuffed green peppers. Other favorites include soups such as menudo and pozole. Along the coast dishes such as pulpo (octopus) and cevhice (fish typically marinated in lime or lime juice. In Oaxaca and a few other states, fried and spiced grasshoppers are considered a delicacy. Among the preferred desserts are sweet bread, chocolates and empanadas which are handheld pasty pockets that can contain savory or sweet fillings, are popular. Often on city sidewalks and streets, ambulatory vendors push around an insulated carts containing popsicle like treats and ice cream. They are known as paleteros and often announce their presence with bells. Several well-known alcoholic beverages made in Mexico are derived from the maguey and agave plants. Maguey which is often known as the Century Plant is used to make pulque, an inexpensive drink. The plant was cultivated by many small farmers because it could thrive on infertile, rocky soil. Agave, in particular the blue agave, is used to make tequila, Mexico’s national liquor. Another alcoholic drink made from agave is mescal, which is produced primarily in Oaxaca. Mexico is well known for their traditional dishes and the Mexican culture takes a lot of pride in their cooking methods. Food often acts as a binding force for families in Mexico. For mothers and daughters it’s a special bond in which the mother teaches her daughter(s) traditional dishes handed down from previous generations.
Mexican Sports Mexico is very prideful and traditional country that carries a variety of different sports.
One of the most popular being bullfighting, it’s extremely popular and draws large crowds to the arena. Cockfighting is another tradition very similar to bullfighting. Although considered illegal and unethical in some countries, these two sports are excluded from animal protection laws due in part to its roots of origin and cultural significance. “Futbol” or soccer is very popular among the Mexican culture. Just like in many American sports, there are soccer teams in many major cities. The ethical dilemma deals with the treatment of animals. In most countries it’s illegal to bullfight or cockfight and is considered as animal cruelty.
Holidays
The Mexican culture is strong in traditions and customs. Independence Day for the Country of Mexico is on September 16th. This day usually consists of parades and rituals to commemorate Mexico’s independence. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that is well known in the United States. Cinco de Mayo or 5th of May is a celebration of the defeat Mexican militia defeating French invaders in 1862 in a town called Puebla. Mexico being predominantly catholic have adopted similar religious holidays with that of Christian origin. The holiday “El Dia de los Reyes” or (Three Kings Day) is known elsewhere as Epiphany and is celebrated on January 6th in honor of the Three Wise Men. The holiday commemorates the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ.
This day is considered the last day of Christmas festivities and is the day in which individuals exchange gifts. One of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar is the Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, which commemorates the belief that Jesus’ mother appeared in Mexico in 1531. There are public celebrations, masses and fiestas held in honor of Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe. Although it’s considered a religious festival, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans partake in the celebration of Mexico’s Patron Saint. “Dia de los Muertos” or Day of dead is a day that has much significance to the Mexican culture. This ritual dates back to the days of the Aztec Empire and is celebrated on November 1st. The day symbolizes the remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. Mexican culture embraces death as a part of life rather than believing death is the end of life.
Economy
Mexico’s economy seems to be carrying momentum as it has become increasingly active in the manufacturing sector thanks in part to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA has allowed Mexico to increases manufacturing levels which in turn have allowed the country to export more freely into the United States and Canada. Mexico has had an inflation problem which has caused Mexico’s currency (Pesos) to suffer greatly. Most of Mexico’s wealth is held by a small percentage of population. As of 2013, 52.3% percent of the population lives in what is considered poverty. While unemployment has decreased the inflation of pesos makes it hard for a standard family to make ends meet. Many United States based companies use countries like Mexico to reduce overall costs. Often these companies offer minimum paying jobs with little to no benefits for the employees. The ethical dilemma occurs with the unfair treatment of workers within in the country. This dilemma is due to the deontology of wealth. Individuals often refer to their duty to their family rather that their duty to society. The combination of poverty, cartels and corruption has all played an integral role in the crippling of Mexico’s economy. These factors have led many Mexican’s to seek better opportunities north of their borders. The United States offers greater opportunity for success and wealth. It not unusual for Mexican families today to immigrate into the United States despite reinforced and stricter immigration laws in the United States. As of 2013, approximately 11.6 million Mexican immigrants reside in the United States.
Conclusion
Mexico is a land that carries a rich history filled with traditions and customs dating back to its early civilizations such as the Mayan and Aztec empires. The Mexican people are friendly, respectful and courteous people. Mexican’s are a very prideful group as they understand the cultures history. Although its economy is on the rise, its people are not. The war against the cartels is costing Mexico large amounts of currency and Mexican lives. Mexican cultures carry many values and virtue. The two most important values for the Mexican culture is family and religion. The devotion Mexican families show towards their families are unlike other countries. Strong family ties is what has made Mexico and its people rich in tradition and history.
its past cultures and events are apparent in Mexico today. Many rural areas in Mexico are inhabited by indigenous people whose lifestyles are very similar to that of their ancestors. The Mexican government recognizes 56 different indigenous groups. The culture of the indigenous people has managed to survive largely because of their rural isolation. These people usually live mostly in poverty. Their main wealth is traditional and spiritual and their way of life is filled with customs and rituals. Even though the majority of Mexico’s population speaks Spanish, different languages are also used. Indigenous groups use other languages such as various types of Mayan, Nahuatl, Zapotecs and Mixtecs. These languages are mostly used in rural areas and many of them are traced back to its early descendants. Mexico seems to govern and arrange their government structure around the ethical theory of utilitarianism. The Mexican people seem to be concerned more with the greatest good for the greatest number of people in all aspects of government. Mexico is a federation with a representative, democratic, and republican government. In 1917 the Mexican constitution was ratified in order to establish three levels of government. These levels include the Federal Union, state governments and municipal governments. Each individual branch carries responsibilities essential for the success of the country. Although the economy is on the rise, the country as whole isn’t. Corruption is deeply embedded culturally and remains persistent at all levels of society, fed by and further entrenching the power of monopolists, party bosses, and other mafias. Mexico biggest setback comes from two major struggles within its borders. Corruption within its government has caused the economy to suffer. Corruption is highly influenced by drug lords and their cartels. Billions of narco-dollars enter Mexico each year from the U.S. Drug lords often pay off local governments in order to continue drug trafficking. Cartels in Mexico are affecting politics particularly at the state and local levels. Contracts are generally upheld, but courts are inefficient and vulnerable to political interference. The ethical dilemma is the corruption that is deeply embedded in Mexico. Most corruption occurs in the municipal governments. Towns are often ran by cartels affecting the way people live. The Mexican government has been fighting a war with drug traffickers since December 2006. At the same time, drug cartels have fought each other for control of territory. More than 60,000 people have been killed from 2006 to 2012, according to Human Rights Watch. Countries such as Colombia use Mexico to move cocaine into the U.S. Ninety percent of the cocaine that enters the U.S. transits through Mexico. Mexico is also a main supplier of marijuana and methamphetamines in the U.S. There are seven major cartels in Mexico. Knights Templar is a group that mostly operates within the state of Michoacán but also has a presence in other central states. The Sinaloa Cartel is widely considered Mexico’s most powerful drug trafficking organization. The Sinaloa Cartel is believed to operate in 17 of Mexico’s states and several Central and South American countries. Los Zetas Cartel operates primarily on Mexico’s Gulf Coast and Northeast, as well as in Central America. Los Zetas are also thought to be involved in extortion, migrant smuggling and human trafficking. Gulf Cartel operates in the northern state of Tamaulipas. This organization has declined in numbers due to numerous reasons including the loss of territory to other cartels. Beltran- Leyva Cartel mostly operates along Mexico’s pacific coast and in the northern state of Sinaloa. Beltran- Leyva Cartel was once part of the Sinaloa Cartel but split up when one of its leaders were killed at the hands of Mexican marines. Juarez Cartel is largely contained within Ciudad Juarez and several parts of the northern state of Chihuahua. Lastly, the Tijuana cartel operates in the border city of Tijuana and the surrounding state of Baja California. These seven drug cartels have negatively influenced Mexico and its people. Mexico’s government has been unable to allocate the needed funds to help decrease its growing poverty levels. This has to do much with the corruption within all levels of its government. The cartels use extreme tactics to keep pedestrians quiet. Mass killings of groups or towns are used to scare the public.
Cultures
There are two major cultures in Mexico. The Meztizos which are the larger of the two groups consists two-thirds of Mexico’s population. This group are a mixed of Spanish and Indian ancestry. The other group are the indigenous people. It consists of fifty-six different sub-groups. The indigenous groups live in rural areas away from population and carry traditions and customs dating back to ancient Aztec and Maya cultures.
Indigenous Culture The indigenous culture is considered to be at the heart of Mexican society. The indigenous cultures carry very strong traditions and customs along with many rituals. Today, the genetic, cultural, and spiritual remains of the first inhabitants of México remain strong within the spirit of the Mexican people. An understanding of this history and the evolution of these people is a key to understanding the pride that Mexican people feel towards their ancestors. The majority of the indigenous populations live in the South or Central-West region of the Mexico. In Mexico, indigenous communities tend to be small and close-knit, and women traditionally marry young. Schools only recently began offering bilingual education, and children are often needed in the fields. Crafts and farming are the main industries, and traditional healers are relied upon more than doctors. Problems are mostly solved by elders instead of a formal government. The indigenous culture may carry a lot of pride and traditions but 72% of its people are considered impoverished. According to the National Statistics Institute (INEGI), 14.8 million people in Mexico around 12.25% of the population are indigenous people. They often fall victim to the lack of adaptability to modern society. Having carried traditions and customs dating back to the Aztec or Mayan empires have hindered the indigenous population’s ability to adjust to the modern day society. Many indigenous organizations have arisen to fight for better living conditions for this population. They have campaigned for access to education, health services, potable water, credits, fair wages, political representation, consultation and the protection of local environments. The indigenous people gained worldwide recognition in January 1994. Indigenous peasants representing different ethnic groups sprung an uprising on the day of the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect. These efforts went on to be considered failures as the government refused to meet the demands of the indigenous people. Two-thirds of the indigenous population lives in small peasant communities often located in the least developed areas of Mexico. These communities often lack running water or electricity. The indigenous people are often mistreated and are subject to police brutality. They are often thought of as mere peasants in the country. Some of the indigenous populations have taken local forms of organization to defend their culture and livelihoods. While most of the indigenous population have witnessed the collapse of their traditions under the burden of poverty, and believe that they must reject their ethnic identity and integrate into mestizo society if they are to improve their living conditions.
Mestizo Culture The mestizo population is the largest group in Mexico. This population is of Spanish and Indian descent. The mestizo group makes up the world’s largest population of Spanish speaking people. The mestizo population is what you would consider a modern day Mexican. Mexican culture is known for its strong bonds and loyalty to their families. Children often remain with their families until they marry. Mexicans have bonds with all family, not just with what’s considered immediate. Mexicans often live with other relatives to help sustain the family’s level of success. The ethics of this culture seem to involve the deontology of the people. They are concerned with their duty to their families. Family remains among the most important elements in Mexican society, both in private and public life. Large families are considered normal in Mexican cultures.From infancy to old age, an individual’s status and opportunities are strongly influenced by family ties. Mexican families carry generally well-defined roles within the household. The father is considered the head of the house or the one who is in charge of making family decisions. They are often the sole provider for the family. Machismo (manliness) is often found in Mexican families. The father exercises authority in a manner not unlike a dictatorship. It’s the family’s duty to obey the male or head of the house hold. The mother is considered the family’s heart. Women are responsible for maintaining the household and caring for children. Children are to obey both parents. It is not unusual for children to begin learning everyday tasks at an early age. Grandparents play an instrumental role in Mexican families. They are often asked for advice on family matters and sometimes live with relatives. Mexicans grandparents who live under a family member’s roof will help in the development of their grandchildren. They often act as babysitters or caretakers while the head of the house hold is away. Children grow to respect and often idolize their elders. Mexican cultures value “community” within their towns and cities. They believe that by working together, socializing and strong family ties are all key components into a greater society. The family is the most important entity to each individual besides the ideals of religion (Brodwin 2013). Hosting family parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country. Mexican’s have different physical way of communication. For example, men usually greet each other with a handshake. However, those who know each other give a traditional hug. Women generally do not shake hands. They often greet by patting each other on the shoulder or forearms. If women know each other they may greet with a simple kiss on the cheek. Mexican people communicate in a subtle way. They are often polite and greatly appreciate individuals using words as simple please or thank you.
Religion
Catholicism has become the dominant Mexican religion since first being introduced during Spanish colonization in the 16th century.
Currently, more than 75 percent of Mexico’s population is Catholic, making Mexico the second-largest Catholic country in the world behind Brazil. The Mexican culture is a strong believer in “La Virgen de Guadalupe” or the Virgin Mary. According to tradition, the Virgin appeared to a Nahua man named Juan Diego in December 1531 on Tepeyac Hill, north of Mexico City. To this day her appearance is commemorated on December 12 each year. The Mexican culture often prays to the Virgin Mary for help or …show more content…
guidance.
Music
Music, much like food, is a mainstay of Mexican social life. The music is diverse and includes both modern and traditional genres. “Ranchero” is the best known Mexican genre. This genre became popular shortly after Mexican revolution. The music focuses on love, patriotism and nature. Mariachi is a Mexican genre that is the most popular among its cultural history. Mariachi music originated in the state of Jalisco located in western Mexico. They are highly noticeable with their customary wide-brimmed hats and cowboy outfits. This genre has enjoyed commercial success and is often featured at festivals, banquets and weddings. Another popular genre is Norteño (northern), which relies on the accordion and 12–string bass guitar for its characteristic stylizations.Banda another Mexican genre is similar to norteño music. Cumbia is heavily influenced by music from the Caribbean islands. More recently Mexican youths have been greatly influenced by the growing popularity of pop, hip-hop and rock-musical in the United States.
Traditional Food Due to various early settlers in the region, current Mexican cuisine has received influences from many different cultures. Although there are many national dishes, geographical and climate differences allow for each region to own their own specialties. Northern Mexico is known for beef, goat and ostrich dishes. Central Mexico is known for carnitas and tamales. Southeastern Mexico typically makes spicy vegetable and chicken dishes. Lastly the regions near the Pacific Ocean tend to lean towards seafood dishes. Corn is the basis of the Mexican diet, as it has been for thousands of years. It can be found in almost every meal, usually in the form of the tortillas. Other traditional foods include beans, rice, tomatoes, chili peppers, avocado, and chorizo, a type of pork sausage. Many traditional dishes include enchiladas, tamales, burritos, soft shell tacos, tortas, quesadillas, stuffed green peppers. Other favorites include soups such as menudo and pozole. Along the coast dishes such as pulpo (octopus) and cevhice (fish typically marinated in lime or lime juice. In Oaxaca and a few other states, fried and spiced grasshoppers are considered a delicacy. Among the preferred desserts are sweet bread, chocolates and empanadas which are handheld pasty pockets that can contain savory or sweet fillings, are popular. Often on city sidewalks and streets, ambulatory vendors push around an insulated carts containing popsicle like treats and ice cream. They are known as paleteros and often announce their presence with bells. Several well-known alcoholic beverages made in Mexico are derived from the maguey and agave plants. Maguey which is often known as the Century Plant is used to make pulque, an inexpensive drink. The plant was cultivated by many small farmers because it could thrive on infertile, rocky soil. Agave, in particular the blue agave, is used to make tequila, Mexico’s national liquor. Another alcoholic drink made from agave is mescal, which is produced primarily in Oaxaca. Mexico is well known for their traditional dishes and the Mexican culture takes a lot of pride in their cooking methods. Food often acts as a binding force for families in Mexico. For mothers and daughters it’s a special bond in which the mother teaches her daughter(s) traditional dishes handed down from previous generations.
Mexican Sports Mexico is very prideful and traditional country that carries a variety of different sports.
One of the most popular being bullfighting, it’s extremely popular and draws large crowds to the arena. Cockfighting is another tradition very similar to bullfighting. Although considered illegal and unethical in some countries, these two sports are excluded from animal protection laws due in part to its roots of origin and cultural significance. “Futbol” or soccer is very popular among the Mexican culture. Just like in many American sports, there are soccer teams in many major cities. The ethical dilemma deals with the treatment of animals. In most countries it’s illegal to bullfight or cockfight and is considered as animal cruelty.
Holidays
The Mexican culture is strong in traditions and customs. Independence Day for the Country of Mexico is on September 16th. This day usually consists of parades and rituals to commemorate Mexico’s independence. Cinco de Mayo is a celebration that is well known in the United States. Cinco de Mayo or 5th of May is a celebration of the defeat Mexican militia defeating French invaders in 1862 in a town called Puebla. Mexico being predominantly catholic have adopted similar religious holidays with that of Christian origin. The holiday “El Dia de los Reyes” or (Three Kings Day) is known elsewhere as Epiphany and is celebrated on January 6th in honor of the Three Wise Men. The holiday commemorates the day the Three Wise Men gave gifts to Jesus Christ.
This day is considered the last day of Christmas festivities and is the day in which individuals exchange gifts. One of the most celebrated days in the Mexican calendar is the Day of Our Lady Guadalupe, which commemorates the belief that Jesus’ mother appeared in Mexico in 1531. There are public celebrations, masses and fiestas held in honor of Mary, the Virgin of Guadalupe. Although it’s considered a religious festival, hundreds of thousands of Mexicans partake in the celebration of Mexico’s Patron Saint. “Dia de los Muertos” or Day of dead is a day that has much significance to the Mexican culture. This ritual dates back to the days of the Aztec Empire and is celebrated on November 1st. The day symbolizes the remembrance of loved ones who have passed away. Mexican culture embraces death as a part of life rather than believing death is the end of life.
Economy
Mexico’s economy seems to be carrying momentum as it has become increasingly active in the manufacturing sector thanks in part to the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). NAFTA has allowed Mexico to increases manufacturing levels which in turn have allowed the country to export more freely into the United States and Canada. Mexico has had an inflation problem which has caused Mexico’s currency (Pesos) to suffer greatly. Most of Mexico’s wealth is held by a small percentage of population. As of 2013, 52.3% percent of the population lives in what is considered poverty. While unemployment has decreased the inflation of pesos makes it hard for a standard family to make ends meet. Many United States based companies use countries like Mexico to reduce overall costs. Often these companies offer minimum paying jobs with little to no benefits for the employees. The ethical dilemma occurs with the unfair treatment of workers within in the country. This dilemma is due to the deontology of wealth. Individuals often refer to their duty to their family rather that their duty to society. The combination of poverty, cartels and corruption has all played an integral role in the crippling of Mexico’s economy. These factors have led many Mexican’s to seek better opportunities north of their borders. The United States offers greater opportunity for success and wealth. It not unusual for Mexican families today to immigrate into the United States despite reinforced and stricter immigration laws in the United States. As of 2013, approximately 11.6 million Mexican immigrants reside in the United States.
Conclusion
Mexico is a land that carries a rich history filled with traditions and customs dating back to its early civilizations such as the Mayan and Aztec empires. The Mexican people are friendly, respectful and courteous people. Mexican’s are a very prideful group as they understand the cultures history. Although its economy is on the rise, its people are not. The war against the cartels is costing Mexico large amounts of currency and Mexican lives. Mexican cultures carry many values and virtue. The two most important values for the Mexican culture is family and religion. The devotion Mexican families show towards their families are unlike other countries. Strong family ties is what has made Mexico and its people rich in tradition and history.