Mexico is a country where traditions are part of every person’s daily life, as they involve celebrations and traditions that have been inherited through generations.

Mexican Customs and Traditions

Those who visit this country, not only do they fall in love with the beautiful landscapes that make up its thirty-two federal entities, but also they set sail on a never-ending trip through cultural, gastronomic, and artistic expressions.

Mexico and Its Customs

For Mexicans, traditions are very important, as they imply a moment of communion with the past. Before each celebration, all kinds of preparations are made, with the objective of enjoying the moment to the fullest. Party, dance, joy, decorations, and delicious food… All that is part of these truly special occasions.

5 Mexican Customs

Listing each Mexican celebration or party would be nearly impossible in such a tiny space. I would have to elaborate through several pages and the information would keep on flowing endlessly, therefore, with the objective of illustrating with examples, here we present you some of Mexico’s most popular customs.

• Day of The Dead

In Mexico, the joy of living takes us to celebrate death; and with this theme, November 1 and 2, the time comes to invite the departed to enjoy themselves with their loved ones. This fantastic celebration is filled with joy and magic, every corner is ornamented with the traditional marigold flowers, we build altars dedicated to those who are no longer with us, and we serve some of the dishes that our loved ones liked the most while alive.

And what would this day be like without the delicious “bread of the dead”? This irresistible bread is prepared with a pinch of anisette and orange, the dough is kneaded to make it look like bones, and sprinkled with sugar and sesame seeds.

• Three Kings Day

In other parts of the world, Christmas is a moment of great excitement for children, as Santa Claus visits their homes to bring them gifts. Though in Mexico Santa also brings gifts for the children, the Mexican tradition is that the Three Wise Men are the ones who visit the children to bring the gifts on the night of January 5.

On the morning of January 6, the children who behaved well all year long, celebrate with joy as they receive the gifts they desired the most, while the whole family savors the traditional king cake.

• Candelaria Day

According to the tradition of cutting the king cake with family and friends, those who find the small figure of Baby Jesus hidden in their slice must buy tamales to savor with everyone present on Candelaria Day, which is celebrated on February 2.

Tamales are made of corn dough and stuffed with different ingredients, which can be chicken, pork, or beef meat, poblano pepper strips, cheese, mole, or several kinds of salsas, according to each one’s favorite variety. Moreover, there are sweet varieties with ingredients like pine nuts, raisins, strawberries, pineapple, and more.

• Independence Anniversary

Maybe this is the most important date for Mexicans, as on September 15, thousands of people gather at the Mexico City Main Square, in order to celebrate the day when Miguel Gregorio Antonio Ignacio Hidalgo y Costilla Gallaga Mandarte (forever remembered as Priest Don Miguel Hidalgo), rang the church’s bells of Dolores, Guanajuato. This occasion marked the beginning of the armed uprising that overthrew the viceroyalty of New Spain.

Each year, the party begins on September 15, waiting for 12 am, when the current president goes out to the balcony of the National Palace, in order to ring the bell and pay homage to the Independence Heroes, just like it happened on September 16, 1810.

• Veracruz Carnival

1866 marked the beginning of the joyful and fun tradition of the Veracruz Carnival, famous for the colorful street celebrations during the parades. Each year, the Jarocho people get ready for these party days, which take place before Ash Wednesday begins.

As you can see, there are more than a thousand reasons to visit Mexico and be part of its joy. Another good way of getting to know wonderful scenery and learning more about the traditions is staying at a spectacular all-inclusive hotel in Cancun, like The Pyramid at Grand Oasis.