Mexico, heir to two great cultures (Mexican Flag)
Summary
- Mexico is a country with a rich cultural heritage and history that spans more than three millennia.
- Before the Spanish conquest, Mexico was inhabited by many indigenous civilizations, each with their own languages and traditions.
- The Aztecs established a great empire in Mexico, which was equaled in the New World only by that of the Incas of Peru.
- The combination of indigenous and Hispanic cultures over hundreds of years has resulted in much of the unique Mexican culture that exists today.
- Mexico ranks first in the Americas and seventh in the world for the number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, making it a major tourist destination.
- Mexico’s rich cultural and biological heritage, as well as varied climate and geography, make it a fascinating and diverse country to explore.
The heirs of great civilizations like the Aztecs, Mayas, and Olmecs bequeathed us a magical world, a mystical relationship with nature and fascinating history. Combine this with the culture of the European conquerors, and it will result in one single civilization.
Both cultures led to the result of a mixture in our country of a very ample diversity and wealth that can be appreciated in the majority of our festivities.
Our Mexican festivities reflect that we are a mestizo race where natives and Spaniards not only mixed their genes, religion and food but in addition also created an extensive calendar of festivities.
Cathedral and Kiosk of Guadalajara Jalisco Mexico
At present, there are national and regional festivities but the ones most deeply rooted are of a religious character. If all of them are tallied up, the total, according to the “general office of popular cultures,” comes to more than 10 thousand, 5083 of which are religious. Civic festivities commemorate historical events; battles won and heroes of the motherland.
Voladores de Papantla, Mexico
The most important festivities in Mexico are Independence Day, celebrated on September 16th and Patron’s Day, which honors the local patron saint. Both enjoyed at the main square of each town, with dances and mariachi music, framed by the traditional multicolored lights of the fireworks.
Despite the different regionalisms existing in Mexico, three symbols stand out that identify us in the world:
The Mexican cowboy called charro, tequila and mariachis.
A charro is a full-dressed Mexican horseman. He is noble and courageous; he may brandish a machete or a gun, he carries out hard ranch work and feats of skill with his rope. This Mexican-type rodeo is considered our national sport.
Harvesting the Blue Agave, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico
Among the Aztecs, tequila was consumed only by leaders and priests during religious events and holidays. The legend goes that it was discovered when lightning hit an agave plant. The blow broke off the heart of the plant, and the lightning heat made it boil for a few seconds. The natives were stunned and noticed that an aromatic nectar come up from the inside which they drank with fear and reverence as it was a miraculous gift from their Gods. When the Spaniards arrived, Moctezuma II offered Hernan Cortes, whom he believed to be Quetzalcoatl, a banquet with tequila.
(Vallarta Dancers) Mariachi Monument on the Vallarta Malecon
The mariachi is the most genuine expression of traditional Mexican music, its sounds and songs reflect the passion of the Mexican people. Together with charros and tequila, they are the vivid expression of mixed-raced Mexico, and they are always present at all major events.
Mexico has millennia or tradition and heritage
They are a way to maintain our cultural and social ties, they are acts that bring families together, and at the same time, they reflect the joy, spirit, and flavor of the Mexican people. You can enjoy these celebrations throughout the year across the whole country.
Experience Mexico’s traditions!
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