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By Tynesia McDowell and Victoria Spaeth Nyce

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The Golden Eagle and Serpent on the Mexican flag

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The Golden Eagle and Serpent on the Mexican flag

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This widely recognized Mexican symbol connects the ancient indigenous societies with present day Mexican culture.  According to legend, Huitzilopochtli, the Aztec god of war, directed the Aztec, or Mexica, to build their great city, Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco where they witnessed a golden eagle eating a serpent.  (The Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica, “Huitzilopochtli,” 2019)  This is now featured on the Mexican flag.

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The Capital of Mexico, Mexico City, has flourished into one of the world's largest metropolis' with diverse neighborhoods encompassing some of the cultural pinnacles of Mexican society, such as the Basilica of our Lady Guadalupe and the National Museum of Anthropology. (“Mexico City,” 2019)

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Catholicism plays a large role in Mexican culture, and baptisms, first communions, and confirmations are important events for Mexican families.  The widely revered Virgin of Guadalupe (pictured), the patron saint of Mexico, is a representation of the Virgin Mary whose brown skin resembles indigenous Mexicans.(Hernandez, 2014)   The Basilica of our Lady Guadalupe is one of the most important Catholic destinations in the world. (Fraser, 2015)

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According to Juan Vaca Garibay, the Mexican American who was interviewed for this project, the extended Mexican family is typically very close.  Although it is traditionally patriarchal, gender equality is become increasingly common within the family.  He stated that although, “it is no secret that Mexican men are perceived to be macho… society is changing and becoming more egalitarian.  More women are entering the workforce and men are helping out with childcare and household duties." (Vaca Garibay, 2019)

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Strong Cultural Ties With Ancient Civilizations

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Strong Cultural Ties With Ancient Civilizations

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Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Palenque are a few of the ancient Mayan and Aztec cities that still exist in Mexico today.   Mexico City currently exists on top of the ancient city of Tenochtitlan, which was predominantly destroyed by the Spaniards during their conquest. Pictured: The Mayan City, Chichen Itza

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Mexican culture reflect elements of their indigenous Mayan and Aztec, or Mexica, ancestors and embraces certain artifacts as cultural symbols.  Long before Europeans conquered and colonized Mexico, these ancient civilizations had built tremendous and complex civilizations.  One of their scientific and artistic masterpieces was the Aztec Calendar Stone which remains a well-known image in modern Mexico. (Palacios, 1921)

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In Mexico, music is an important part of any celebration. Historically, Mexican music is a fusion of Aztecan roots, inspired by African imported slaves, and Spanish influences (Ilich, 2018).  Musical instruments that contribute to the distinct sound of Mexican music include the harp, violin, vihuela (5 string guitar), banjo, and maracas.

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The climate in Mexico varies from dessert like conditions, to humid tropical regions, and areas with frequent heavy rainfall.  Ingredients such as corn, tomatoes, chilies, beans, chocolate, and avocado are found throughout the country and frequently used in traditional cooking. Regional supplies determine what dishes are prepared. Areas of Northern Mexico are known for abundant meat sources such as beef, ostrich, and goat (Smith, 2018). In areas that boarder the Gulf of Mexico fish is widely available and used in similar dishes.

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Traditional Mexican cuisine varies greatly from the Mexican dishes we find in America. While there are a few staple ingredients found throughout the country that are widely used, Mexican food is largely dependent on regional factors (Smith, 2018).

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Mexico faces similar issues to the US regarding access to quality education. It is common for families to migrate to the city for better educational and social opportunities for school aged children. Mexican classrooms are less structured than U.S. classrooms, students frequently work in groups, interact freely, and move around the classroom regularly.