Culture
Mexico, a civilizations mixture land, and in spite of the disappearance of a large number of Indians during the Spanish conquest, count today with a lot of ethnic groups. Among these, we find…
…the Huichol, which represent the Indian population the best preserved of the country. They live in the States of Jalisco, Nayarit, Zacatecas and Durango, and survive thanks to the hunting, fishing, the food-producing and the commercialization of their handicraft. We count 70 ethnic groups in total presents in the whole country, including the Tzotziles, the Lacandons, the Totonaques, the Purépechas, the Mennonites, the Tarahumaras, and the Seris, one of the more reduced tribes. All those ethnic groups are generally dedicated to agriculture and handicraft, and their traditions often combine Catholicism and ancestral rites. They live outside the « modern society » and their celebrations and traditions are different from the « Mexican traditions ».
Mexico being a celebration country, you might have the chance to be here for a traditional celebration, the opportunity for you to be even more immersed in the national culture. Music, dance, processions, offerings or typical meals will be there! So actually, which events and when?
-The Independence Day or « grito », on September 16. The commemoration really takes place the evening before, on the « zócalo » (the central square) of Mexico City. The president pronounces a speech from the balcony of the national palace, and yells several times the words « viva México » (long live Mexico) then repeated by the crowd, which remind Miguel Hidalgo’s shout in 1810.
– The celebration of the dead people, on November 2. This day, they celebrate the memory of the dead people with their family. In the houses, they make an altar for the dead people, where they leave offerings, such as food or things that the deceased people liked. In some villages, after they decorate the tombs with yellow carnations, people spend the night at the cemetery next to their loved persons (or souls).
– The carnivals, in February. The most important carnivals in Mexico are the ones of Veracruz, Mérida and Mazatlan, but there are also some in other cities like in Campeche, Cozumel or Ensenada. It is the best moment to discover the folklore of different regions of Mexico, thanks to the traditional dances and songs, the suits and decorations, the music, the games, in brief, immerse you in the celebration and traditions that mark this strong moment of the year. A rhythmic, colorful and happy experience not to be missed! – The Easter week, in March-April. Even if for the Mexicans it mainly represents a holiday period that they enjoy going to the beach, you could see in some States or small villages the procession made to represent the Stations of the Cross. The Mexican people are very catholic person, that’s why this staging is done in the most realistic way and is often prepared a long time in advance.
Did you know that…?
Xochimilco is the only place in the world where there is a 365 days a year. For example, you can celebrate the most beautiful flower, the corn, the tortilla, the rabbit…etc.
Xochimilco is a district of Mexico City where you can sail on big colored barks called « chinampas » or “trajineras” because there is a canals network, rests of the former lake Texcoco. It’s a very touristic place, where Mexicans or foreigners are mixed to celebrate birthdays, or simply spend a Sunday, and enjoy a nice ride in the water, around a good meal, and especially, to the sound of the mariachis, which also ride in their bark to suggest songs to the visitors. Mexican ambiance 100% assured!
In Mexico, celebration means obviously music, and especially mariachis! The mariachis represent the emblematic music of the Mexican celebrations and lead people to sing the played tunes, already know familiar to all.
Those musicians with belted and sparkling suits lend their services for any event, at any time, and can play everything you want! You will probably see them in some restaurants, in the street, so keep your eyes open and listen carefully!