Cultural Study of Mexico

I would argue that Mexico probably has one of the most celebrated cultures in the world, maybe alongside the Irish, Italian, or Chinese. That is because they have such a distinctive cuisine that is enjoyed all around the world. Tacos, nachos, burritos, guacamole, enchiladas, tamales, quesadillas, fajitas, salsa, and so forth are all staples in modern day kitchens now. They have also contributed many iconic drinks such as tequila, margarita, Corona, Modelo, Dos Equis, Jarritos soda, and the refreshing sweet horchata. Alongside this comes their unique music, dance, and colorful fashion. All of which is often celebrated globally especially during their popular holidays of Cinco de Mayo or the Day of the Dead. 

As I've mentioned in the previous two blogs regarding Mexican history, I have always felt quite accustomed to the Mexican people. With Latin (Colombian) heritage myself I can relate to their Spanish language and Catholic ideals. I've also known many Mexican friends and associates throughout my life and have always found them to be a generous people. I've visited the country twice now. Once was a real authentic experience with a Mexican friend visiting his family's ranch in the countryside. The second time was more of a tourist experience, enjoying the beautiful beachside. Both were great experiences with great weather, great food and drinks, and very friendly people.

The popular culture of Mexico is rooted in it's very rich history and geography. This is a land that is quite tropical, near the equator, it is rich with good soil, water and vegetation, surrounded by oceans on both ends. For this reason the Mesoamerican natives became the first and most dominant ancient civilization in the Americas. And for this reason it later became the main headquarters for the Spanish conquest. Mexico City became a melting point for ancient native cultures mixed with new European cultures. The Mexico we know today is a fusion of their old Mayan/Aztec customs mixed with Spanish traits and especially the Catholic religion. In this post like usual I want to highlight the main categories of what makes up Mexico's culture. 

Mexican Cuisine

Since I already wrote about Mexico's history I'm going to start with what I believe makes Mexico so distinctive, and that's their food. It's among my personal favorite type of food, that offers fresh vegetables mixed with flavorful spicy meats. I think their many forms of salsa and dip are representative of their native crops of corn, avocados, tomatoes, tomatillos, cacao, lime, agave, and all types of peppers. Aside from it's staple contribution of corn and beans, Mexico is home to many iconic peppers such as the jalapeno, poblano, serrano, guajillo, and the dangerous habanero. For this reason it's generally assumed that most their food is going to be at least a little spicy.

Going out to eat at a Mexican restaurant for me is always an enjoyable social experience with family or friends. The environment is always so warm, inviting, and festive with it's colorful décor, Mexican music, and friendly staff. Most Mexican restaurants provide unlimited chips and salsa as an appetizer which is always nice to get an early start. Some of my favorite dishes have always been the chimichanga or the carne asade tacos (Real Mexican tacos shouldn't come with cheese I might add). My mom prefers the rice and fajitas while my dad normally orders a giant burrito. Then there's my favorite fast food spot in Taco Bell, where I especially love their tacos or chalupas. Other staples at home we often eat are usually the tacos, nachos, enchiladas, quesadillas, and one of my chef specialties is the pico de gallo.   

Aside from the Americanized popular dishes there are also many other popular dishes and desserts within Mexican society. This includes their authentic chilles rellenos, huevos rancheros, carnitas, tostadas, chilaquiles, various dishes of frijoles, rice, meat and peppers, and the pozole or menudo soups. While I've never been too crazy about Mexican pastries, they do have some other popular desserts such as the tres leches cake, churros, or flan. Then of course are theirtasty drinks I enjoy especially the Jarritos soda and horchata. Also some of my favorite beers are all Mexican, including Corona, Modelo, and Dos Equis. I'm personally not too crazy about the tequila or margaritas but it would be sacrilegious not to include them as a Mexican staple of cuisine. 

Mexican Architecture

The ancient buildings of Mesoamerica were very impressive, on par with that of Ancient Sumeria or Egypt. This included massive temples and pyramids of stone dedicated to their gods. Just as with the Egyptian pyramids there are great mystery as to how exactly they were built, without modern tools. However it would be far reaching to think anyone other then the Mayans themselves who were very knowledgable in mathematics and hard-working built the monuments in their homelands. Some of the most iconic of these landmarks that still stand to this day include the Tikal (300 BC), Pyramid of the Sun and Moon (200 BC), Uxmal (700 AD), and Chichen Itza (750 AD). 

The Spanish Colonial era brought on a new era of European architecture, specifically the construction of Catholic cathedrals. Mexico City was quickly transformed into the biggest city in the Americas. In the main town square, known as the Zocalo where Tenochtitlan once stood, was erected the iconic Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral. This impressive building of gothic style was constructed from 1573-1813 and has served as the symbol of Mexico City overseeing much history. Other iconic buildings of the colonial period include the National Palace (1522), the Puebla Cathedral (1737), the Zacatecas Cathedral (1752), and the Chapultepec Castle (completed in 1864) where the Austrian Emperor Maximillian lived during the brief tenure of the Mexican Empire. 

Following their independence in the 1800s Mexico began a new push for national identity and also modernization. Porfirio Diaz oversaw new building projects to enhance Mexico's modern identity which included the Palacio de Correos (postal office built from 1902-1907); the beautiful Palacio de Bellas Artes (fine arts museum built from 1904-1934); and the Monument of the Revolution (built from 1910-1938). After the Mexican Revolution came more expressive buildings of Mexican heritage demonstrated thru colorful murals. One of the most iconic examples is the colorful Central Library of the Ciudad Universitaria completed in 1954 commemorating Mexico's native history. Perhaps one of the most futuristic and abstract buildings of Mexico would be the Museo Soumaya completed in 2011. 

Mexican Art

The ancient art of Mesoamerica is demonstrated in all manners of crafts, ceramics, sculptures, and paintings depicting their gods. Some of the earliest and most famous Mesoamerican sculptures are the Olmec colossal heads, dated back to 1500 BC. Within the impressive Mayan architecture of temples and pyramids were very detailed sculpted figures and symbols. The Mayans also made many sculpted patterns on round rocks known as stelaes. Another fine example of ancient art is the iconic Aztec sun stone which measures 12 feet wide, 39 inches thick, and weighs 54,210 lbs. This ancient heirloom was once mounted on the side of the Metropolitan Cathedral.

During the colonial period there were many prominent Baroque influenced painters such as Juan Rodriguez Juarez, Juan Correa, and Cristobal de Villalpando (whose work was found in many cathedrals). Also during this time was the famous apparitions of Mary of Guadalupe in 1531 which inspired many artworks and has ever since become a spiritual symbol of Mexico. Miguel Cabrera became one of the first Mestizo painter (mixed of Spanish and native blood) and one of the most famous painters thru his religious artwork. Aside from portraits and secular art, Mexico also adopted various forms of murals, folding screens known as biombos, and lineage paintings known as castas. 

Mexico experienced a new wave of independence and romantic inspired art during the 1800s. But it was until the Revolution of the 1900s that Mexico truly found it's artistic identity. This was first brought on by a wave of Mexican muralism, artwork displayed on walls and buildings. The most famous muralists referred to as the Big Three were Diego Rivera, Jose Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros. They had created a new style that united Mexico's past with their future. From this tradition came the works of Frida Kahlo, the wife of Diego Rivera, who created her own surreal style of canvas painting. Most of her work was abstract portraits often depicting nature, animals, or some form of inner anatomy. Both Diego River and Frida Kahlo can be considered the greatest of Mexican artists who gave way to the Mexicayotl movement which established an artistic identity.       
 

Mexican Music and Dance

The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Mexican music is their traditional Mariachi bands. They are usually group of 5 to 6 members who play the guitar, violin, bass, and trumpets. They sing loudly and proudly dressed in their snazzy charro suits, cowboy boots, and sombrero hats. This folk style music dates back to the Spanish colonial period and is believed to have originated in the state of Jalisco. Other forms of traditional folk music are the banda, norteno, ramchera, the cumbia, and the corridos. The accordion is one of the more distinctive instruments in their music alongside the guitarron, marimba, and guiro.

Mexico has had many famous popular musicians dating back to the post-Revolution. Perhaps the earliest major superstar was Pedro Infante, a ranchera singer who was in over 60 films throughout the golden age of Mexican Cinema (1930s-1950s). He was like the Elvis of Mexico and is portrayed in the hit Disney film Coco. Jorge Negrete had a similar successful career performing in music and in films. Perhaps the most famous of Mexican musicians is Vicente Fernandez who has sold over 50 million albums throughout his 50 year career. The most successful Mexican musician of all time is Luis Miguel, who has sold approx 60 million albums. The most beloved was in my opinion Selena, who was a major hit during the 1990s before she was tragically murdered by gunshot. Other famous Mexican musicians include Juan Gabriel, Jose Jose, Los Tigres del Norte, Marco Antonio Solis (who produced one of my favorite songs from the movie Y Tu Mama Tambien, Si No Te Huiberas Ido).           

Alongside it's traditional music is also very unique forms of dance that incorporate this folk element. The Jarabe is quite recognizable where the female dancers spin their long colorful dresses known as china poblana. The men where their traditional ranch suits, known as charros, and the pair will often dance in fast and flirtacious steps towards one another. Aside from this dance Mexico also partakes in various other forms of popular Latin American dance such as salsa, mambo, cumbia, merengue, samba, and bachata.  

Mexican Holidays

Another major reason Mexico's culture is so popular (as I mentioned above) is for their holidays. Aside from the usual Christian ones of Christmas and Easter they have several unique ones. One of the most famous is Cinco de Mayo, which is on par with St. Patrick's Day as a day of debauchery. This holiday was established in 1862 to celebrate Mexican's victory at the Battle of Puebla against the invading French Empire. Although France would eventually occupy the nation for a brief period, they were later completely expelled by 1867. The holiday has now become more popular in the United States then in Mexico brought on by the Mexican-American "Chicano" movement of the 1960s.

Mexico's Independence Day is celebrated on September 16th, to commemorate Miguel Hidalgo's Cry of Dolores which called the people to arms against Spain in 1810. The War eventually ended in 1821, and this is also a holiday celebrated as a holiday on September 27th. Other national holidays include celebrating president Benito Juarez's birthday on March 21st (who guided Mexico thru the Reform War and the French Invasion during the 1860s.) Revolution Day is celebrated on November 20th to commemorate all those who fought and died during the Mexican Revolution.

One of the more unique customs of Mexican culture is their celebration of the Day of the Dead on November 1st and 2nd. This holiday is on par with the Catholic All Saints Day but also incorporates some Halloween festivities with gothic and morbid elements. The two day festivity is meant to honor not only the saints but also deceased family and friends. It is customary in Mexico to visit shrines, altars, and graves of their loved ones and honor them with flowers and colorful skulls known as calaveras. This symbol of the calavera is the theme of the festival demonstrated all throughout Mexico whether in parades or face paint. I feel like the festival has become even more popular in the last ten years thanks to the opening scene in the James Bond 2015 film Spectre and the Disney 2017 film of Coco. 

Mexican Sports

As far back as 3000 years ago, the Mesoamerican's partook in a unique ballgame sport known as ulama, where they would use their hips to shoot the ball into a ring. The sport is still played today in ballcourts to commemorate their native ancestry. Various forms of tennis and racquetball were adopted from this sport and played in the ancient sites of Chichen Itza. In the traditions of the Spanish Empire, Mexico adopted the practice of bullfighting during the colonial period and to this day it is still a popular sport. The Plaza Mexico hosts the largest bullring in the world seating up to 41,000. Charreria is also a sport that arose from the Colonial Age, demonstrating ranchers equestrian skills on horse.

The two most popular sports today in Mexico are football and boxing. Some of the greatest lightweight boxers have come from Mexico including Julio Cesar Chavez, Ruben Olivares, and Canelo Alvarez. They also have a passionate Soccer history with famous players such as Hugo Sanchez, Rafa Marquez, and Jorge Campos. Although they have yet to win the world cup, it seems every time they at least make it to the knock-out round. They made it to the quarterfinals twice in 1970 and 1986. Mexico has actually hosted the World Cup twice in 1970 and 1986 in their iconic Aztec Stadium. They have also hosted the Olympics in 1968 and usually their best event is in the diving.    

Movies/Books about Mexico

• 
  Insurgent Mexico (1914): This is a war account by American journalist John Jack Reed (the famed writer of the Ten Days that Shook the World and Russian Communist sympathezier). It gives perhaps one of the best inside accounts into the rebel fighters of Pancho Villa and the Mexican Revolution.
  
• Selena (1997): This biopic film starring Jennifer Lopez depicts the life of Selena Quintanilla Perez. She became a Mexican-American popstar icon with many big hits, managed by her family. Her career however was quite short-lived due to her tragic murder at the age of 23
• Desperado Trilogy (1993, 1995, 2003): This film series directed by Robert Rodriguez first debuted with El Mariachi, the story of an assassin musician who carried his weapons in his guitar case. The story became even more popular in the 2nd film, Desperado starring Antonio Banderas alongside the beautiful Salma Hayek. A 3rd film was release in 2003, Once Upon a Time in Mexico, with an all start cast including Banderas, Hayek, Johnny Depp, Mickey Rourke, William Dafoe, Eva Mendes, Danny Trejo, and Enrique Iglesias.
• 
  Machete Series (2001-2018): The character Isador "Machete" Cortez played by Danny Trejo was first introduced in the Spy Kids film series and later in his own series. I have yet to see the action movies but he is usually depicted as a mean mercenary.   
  
• Y Tu Mama Tambien (2001): One of my all time favorite films directed by Alfonso Cuaron, starring Gael Garcia Bernal, Diego Luna, and Maribel Verdu. It is a bit of a love triangle where two young college kids go on a road trip with a stunning Spanish woman. The movie is filled with comedy and drama in the backdrop of Mexico's modern day society. 
• Frida (2002): This was another film I very much enjoyed starring Salma Hayek in the title role depiction of the famed artist Frida Kahlo. Directed by Julie Taymor and nominated for 5 Oscars, the film gives an artistic portrayal of the young artist who fell in love with Diego Rivera but also established her own identity. The movie has a great soundtrack and an all start cast including Hayek, Alfred Molina, Geoggrey Rush, Antonio Banderas, Edward Norton, Ashley Judd, and Diego Luna. 
• Starring Pancho Villa as Himself (2003): This film starring Antonio Banderas as Pancho Villa depicts the true account of a Hollywood production in 1914 of the Mexican Revolution. Pancho Villa invited American producers to film his real account in hopes to gain political favor throughout the United States.
• 
  Sin Nombre (2009): Another film I have not seen but would like to, it depicts undocumented immigrants traveling thru Mexico to cross the border into America. It is a romance between a Honduran girl and a Mexican boy trying to free himself from gang life. The film is mostly located in Mexico's countryside, and was produced by Diego Luna and Gael Garcia Bernal (from Motorcycle Diaries).
  
• Coco (2017): This very popular animated Disney film depicts the Mexican tradition of Dia de Los Muertes. In the story the young musical boy named Miguel, accidentally crosses over to the realm of the dead, and must partner with his great grandfather Hector to return. The film has a great story, a great soundtrack, and a great portrayal of Mexico's Day of the Dead, demonstrating the facets of family and lost loved ones. 
• Mexican Gothic (2020): This best-selling novel by Silvia Moreno-Garcia is set in the 1950s in rural Mexico, and as the title suggests it is a horror story. I am currently reading the book and find it quite easy and interesting to follow along. I'll later have a full review on this.