MEXICAN
CULTURE
In Focus
"See more clearly when you are informed"
Mexican Culture
Going back hundreds of years, the people of Mexico’s culture is built upon strong values and given the world some of the most celebrated musicians and artists of all time. The impact Mexican Americans have had on our culture is immense and as such help to shape our national conversation. Below you will find key terms, statistics, and other useful tools to understand and talk about Mexican Culture. If you would like to know more, consider coming to an IYC event. Our next one can be found below in the section labeled Our Events. We host them virtually, on a wide range of topics, discussing policy, civics, and current events.
Key Terms You Should Know
Ofrenda:
Offerings placed on a home altar during the annual Día de Muertos celebration.
Quinceañera:
A 15th birthday celebration & rite of passage signifying a girl's journey from childhood to adulthood.
Mestizo:
A term used to describe citizens of Mexico who share a mixture of European & Amerindian heritage.
Dia de los muertos:
A traditional Mexican holiday celebrated on 11/2 each year. Aka Day of the Dead because souls of the dead are believed to visit family members. Alters are built to welcome and honor them.
Mesoamerican Civilization:
The varied indigenous cultures that developed in Mexico & Central America before Spanish exploration & conquest. These include Maya, Zapotec, Totonac, Teotihuacán, Mexica (aka Aztecs), & Olmec, Mexico's first major civilization.
Moments In History
1517-1521 - European conquistadors arrive.
December 17, 1992 - Adoption of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA).
2008 - U.S. & Mexico's Merida Initiative to work cooperatively against drug cartels & crime.
1910-1920 - Mexican Revolution & establishment of the Mexican Constitution.
2000 - End of Mexico's one-party rule by the Institutional Revolutionary Party.
Statistics
Mexico is the 10th most populous country in the world, with over 128 million people.
78% of Mexicans identify as Catholic.
11% of all U.S. restaurants are Mexican, the most popular ethnic food in the U.S.
Spanish is spoken by 93.8% of the Mexican population.
Ethnic Groups
62% Mestizo
28% Indigenous Central American
10% European Ancestry
Values
Familism
Respect
Religion
Loyalty
Strong Work Ethic
Notable Names
Carlos Slim
Frida Kahlo
Guillermo del Toro
Juan Gabriel
Selena
Quintanilla-Pérez
Symbols
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Our Events
Future
Past
Further Resources
Mexican Culture Infographic
Share what you have learned about Chinese Culture. Our Infographic has been designed to be shared easily by printing, emailing, or posting on social media. Click on the image to view or download the PDF File. (Not for commercial use.)
Celebrate & Create Event Video
Our crafting event for kids was lots of fun! Use your own materials to participate in our craft project. Watch the video to learn how to make your own Ofrenda! You can also make an event out of it by hosting your own Celebrate & Create: Mexican Culture crafting party. Feel free to share this video with others! (Not for commercial use.)
Take Action
Listen to traditional Mexican music genres: banda, mariachi, norteño, & ranchera.
Enjoy authentic Mexican food at a local restaurant.
Commit to a weekly act that helps you understand & celebrate Mexican culture.
Celebrate a Mexican national holiday.
Share our Mexican Culture Infographic with friends, family, and anyone and everyone you think would appreciate becoming more informed!