Essay On Mexican Culture

Right between the United States, South America, the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Mexico, and the Caribbean Sea lies the country of Mexico, known around the world for their bright and festive culture and rich heritage. It is one of the most visited countries in the world, and it has been the primary destination of choice among tourists and religious practitioners. From its food to their national holidays, Mexican influence is prominent and traditions often practiced outside of the country as well.

Four famous civilizations existed within this country—the Mayas, the Olmecs, and the Aztecs—before the Spanish Conquistadors conquered the land in the 1500s. Spain ruled Mexico for the next 300 years until the early 1800s, when the Mexicans first

The vast majority of the nation identifies as Roman Catholic, a form of Christianity with emphasis of worship towards the Virgin Mary, as she is seen as their patron saint and a symbol of unification to the country. It was officially reported that she came unto two men over 400 years ago and performed miracles, such as making flowers bloom in winter and lining their wool with gold. To this day the miracle is celebrated annually with prayers and thousands of pilgrims going to the Basilica de Guadalupe, where the event is said to have occurred. While the bulk of the country is Roman Catholic, it is reported that more urbanized cities have less religious practice and strictness than those that live in provincial parts of the country, but even then it is rare to find a part of Mexico that will not celebrate when a holiday comes about. However, many people have adapted some distinct cultural traditions into the worship and celebration of this religion. For example, the holiday “Dia de los Muertos”, or “Day of the Dead”, is a general combination of the European tradition of praise and celebration of past lives with some Native Mexican customs like shrines adorned with flowers and