Society & culture

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Please note that due to Covid-19,
some circumstances in this country may be inaccurate.

Language

Today, Spanish remains the country’s dominant language. Interestingly, however, the Mexican government doesn’t recognise Spanish as its official language. Instead, it has named 68 indigenous Native American languages as the country’s official ones in an effort to preserve the customs and cultures connected to them. The most common of these is Nahuatl, spoken in various dialects by 1.5 million people – primarily in Central Mexico. Other important languages are Maya, Mixteco and Zapoteco spoken by 14%, 7% and 7% of Native Americans respectively.

80% of people who speak an indigenous language in Mexico also speak Spanish.

Ranked

# 55

for global competitiveness (in a survey of 64 countries by the IMD World Competitiveness Center)

Food

Mexican food is so much more than tacos accompanied by a shot of tequila. The country’s cuisine is steeped in tradition. Techniques for farming and preparation as well as ancient customs and manners surrounding dishes and meals have been passed down from generation to generation. As a result, Mexican cuisine was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Mexico is responsible for introducing chocolate, corn, tequila, and chillies to the world.

Religion

Mexico is a secular state and an open and tolerant society that welcomes people of all faiths. While churches of most major religions can be found in cities, those in the provinces are typically Catholic reflecting the fact that around 89% of the population is Roman Catholic.

Customs & celebrations

Mexico’s Independence Day is 16^th September and commemorates the “cry of independence”, which launched a revolt against Spanish rule in 1810.

The Day of the Dead, on 2^nd November, is when Mexicans celebrate loved ones who have passed away. Also known as All Souls’ Day, people plan throughout the year for the annual fiesta by creating altars as well as gathering gifts and preparing food to offer up to the dead.

Our Lady of Guadalupe is the country’s patron saint, and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe on 12^th December is Mexico’s most important religious holiday. It is believed that this was the day in 1531 that a peasant named Juan Diego first encountered the Virgin Mary on the Hill of Tepeyac.

Useful phrases

English: Mexican Spanish
EN: Good morning: MexSp:
Buenos días
EN: Good afternoon: MexSp:
Buenos tardes
EN: Good evening: MexSp:
Buenos noches
EN: Goodbye: MexSp:
Adiós
EN: How are you?: MexSp:
¿Cómo estás?