10 Surprising Facts About Mexican Culture You Probably Didn’t Know

Mexico is a diverse country with a rich culture that spans thousands of years. From ancient Mesoamerican civilizations to the influence of Spanish colonialism, Mexican culture is a blend of traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. In this article, we’ll explore ten surprising facts about Mexican culture that you probably didn’t know.

1. Mexico is home to over 60 indigenous languages.

While Spanish is the most widely spoken language in Mexico, there are over 60 indigenous languages that are recognized as official regional languages. Nahuatl, an Aztec language, is spoken by around 1.5 million people, making it the most widely spoken indigenous language in the country. Other common indigenous languages include Mayan, Mixtec, and Zapotec.

2. The Mexican flag has a fascinating history.

The Mexican flag has three vertical stripes in green, white, and red, with a coat of arms at the center. The green represents hope, the white represents unity, and the red represents the blood of Mexican heroes. The coat of arms features an eagle perched on a cactus with a snake in its beak, symbolizing the ancient Aztec legend of the founding of Mexico City.

3. Tacos weren’t always a popular Mexican dish.

Although tacos are now a staple of Mexican cuisine, they weren’t always popular. In fact, tacos were viewed as street food and were associated with poverty until the mid-20th century. It wasn’t until the 1960s that tacos became popularized in the United States, leading to their widespread popularity across the country today.

4. Mexico is home to one of the world’s most impressive pyramids.

The ancient city of Teotihuacan, located just outside of Mexico City, is home to the Pyramid of the Sun, one of the largest pyramids in the world. Built over 2,000 years ago, the pyramid stands at over 200 feet tall and was built by the ancient Teotihuacan civilization.

5. The Mexican national flower is the dahlia.

The dahlia, a brightly colored flower native to Mexico, was declared the national flower in 1963. The flower is significant in Mexican culture and is often used in celebrations such as the Day of the Dead and the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

6. Mexicans celebrate Independence Day on September 16th.

While many people associate Cinco de Mayo with Mexican independence, the holiday actually commemorates the Mexican victory at the Battle of Puebla in 1862. Mexicans celebrate their independence on September 16th, the anniversary of the country’s declaration of independence from Spain in 1810.

7. Mexicans have a unique way of celebrating Christmas.

In Mexico, Christmas celebrations last from December 12th through January 6th and are known as Las Posadas. During this time, people participate in processions reenacting Mary and Joseph’s search for a place to stay, culminating in a feast on Christmas Eve.

8. Mexico is known for its vibrant art scene.

Mexican art is known for its vibrant colors and bold imagery, often depicting themes of Mexican culture and history. Some of the world’s most famous artists, including Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, were Mexican and continue to influence the art world today.

9. Mexicans take family very seriously.

Family is incredibly important in Mexican culture, with many families living close to one another and participating in regular family gatherings. It’s also common for children to live with their parents until they get married, and for grandparents to play an active role in their grandchildren’s lives.

10. Mexican culture is incredibly diverse.

While we often think of Mexican culture as being uniform, the truth is that it’s incredibly diverse. From the indigenous cultures of the north and south to the influence of Spanish colonialism, Mexican culture is a blend of many different traditions and customs.

In conclusion, Mexican culture is a rich tapestry of traditions and customs that have been passed down through generations. From the ancient Mesoamerican civilizations to the influence of Spanish colonialism, Mexican culture is a melting pot of different cultures and influences. By learning more about Mexican culture, we can gain a better appreciation for this fascinating country and its people.