Mexican Customs and Traditions

Mexican culture is marked by the influence of the Mayas, Aztecs and Iberian communities. Spain had colonized Mexico for 300 years. The United States too, has influenced the culture of Mexico to a great extent. These influences are reflected in the customs and traditions of the country.

Traditional Music
The traditional music in Mexico, is diverse in its form and every region has a different flavor of folk music.

Bull Fighting
It is one of the popular traditions in Mexico. Bullfighting is an activity inherited by Mexico from Spain. Though an illegal sport, bullfighting is extremely popular in Mexico and draws large crowds to the arenas.

Weddings
In Mexico, there is a tradition to have Godparents for the marriage ceremonies, who sponsor the wedding and also the benefactors of the newly wed couple. The couple is gifted with a Bible and a rosary by their Godparents. There is a custom in Mexico to tie a 'lasso' around the necks of the couple during the marriage ceremony. It signifies the bonding and love between them.

Cinco de Mayo
It marks the victory of Mexico over France, in the 'Battle of Puebla' on the 5th of May, 1862. On the fifth day of May every year, people celebrate, in memory of the victory. The major activities carried out on the day are to educate the youth about the importance of the day. Exhibitions featuring the crafts and artwork, that signify the importance of the day, are organized on a large scale in Mexico.

Christmas
The specialty of the Christmas celebrations in Mexico is the procession known as 'La Posada'. During the procession, 'the search of shelter by Mary', the mother of Jesus, is enacted. The 'Flame leaf' or the Poinsettia, holds great importance in the Christmas celebrations in Mexico. 'La Misa Del Gallo' is the term used for the midnight mass, that takes place in Mexico at the time of Christmas. People sing lullabies for the newborn Jesus at the midnight mass.

Aztec Story of Creation
Tribal people from the central regions of Mexico, are known as the Aztecs. The Mexican people believe in the Aztec story of creation. According to the story, life began in water. Tezcatlipoca, Huizilopochtli, Quetzalcoatl and Xipe Totec were the four Gods who created water and rest of the Gods emerged from the water.

Interesting Customs and Traditions
Here are some interesting customs in Mexico enlisted below.

• On the eve of New Year, women walk around the streets to collect money at fiestas. People throw money and wish them good luck.
• People leave a lamb at the entrance of their house on New Year's eve. The passersby, keep money near the lamb in order to wish a healthy new year to the family.

The customs and traditions followed in Mexico are varied and diverse. There are many interesting traditions that have been forgotten with time. Being receptive and open to the cultures of different communities, Mexican culture has developed a special flavor of its own. These influences are reflected in the various traditions and customs of Mexico.