Mexican Culture

The Republic of Mexico is a unique blend of many different cultures . At different time periods , the people of United States , Europe , Africa and Asia have all influenced and shaped the Mexican culture . Spain had the deepest influence on Mexicans due to its colonization of Mexico for three hundred years . The most widely spoken language is Spanish However , roughly 2 of the country 's overall population speaks HYPERLINK "http /en .wikipedia .org /wiki /Nahuatl " \o "Nahuatl " Nahuatl , a native language derived from the traditional practices of the indigenous Aztecs (Wikipedia

The colonization

and conquest by the Spainairds left Catholicism as the dominant religion of the Mexicans . The missionaries and European settlers in the 19th century played a great role in the growth of evangelical denominations throughout Mexico . After the conquest the indigenious people converted to Catholicism but they continued to hold on to their previous beliefs . The celebration The Day of the Dead was a combination of the Catholic HYPERLINK "http /en .wikipedia .org /wiki /All_Souls 27_Day " \o "All Souls ' Day " All Souls ' Day mixed with their ancestral rites . Mexicans still rely on tranditional healers who use a variety of folk medicine and Christian Faith to cleanse the spirit and cure illnesses . This fusion of old and new religious beliefs can be seen clearly in the southern areas of Mexico where the priest 's traditional attire is altered slightly by weaving indigenous designs and symbols

Mexico is well-known for its spicy , colorful , rich and intense flavoured food . Before the conquest , the diet of Mexicans was based on of corn-based dishes with chilis and herbs along with beans and squash . The conquerors combined their own diet of rice , beef , pork , chicken , wine garlic and onions with the food of pre-columbian Mexicans . This fusion of tastes led to the introduction of many culinary delights such as the HYPERLINK "http /en .wikipedia .org /wiki /Quesadilla " \o "Quesadilla Quesadillas which is a corn HYPERLINK "http /en .wikipedia .org /wiki /Tortilla " \o "Tortilla " tortilla with cheese

Gender roles in Mexico are determined by societal norms and socialization . Traditional Mexican women were expected to be self-sacrificing , dependent , submissive and passive . The husband had more authority than the wife but both had equal importance in the family setting . Fathers earned the income and played minimal role in the upbringing of children . Women brought up the children and sacrificed their education , careers and social lives throughout their lives Traditional gender roles are changing in the urban centers of Mexico and women are being employed in many sectors

One of the most memorable Mexican traditions is the "La Posadas , which is the buildup to Christmas Eve and is celebrated from December 16th and memorizes the journey of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem . All Saints Day and All Souls Day are celebrated in Mexico on Nov 1st and 2nd by reuniting with family members at burial plots , preparing special foods , and displaying fireworks and decorations . The Day of the Holy Innocents is a tradition which commemorates King Herod...