Mexico is the 10th-most populated country in the world and the 14th-largest country by size. So it should come as no surprise that Mexico is one of the most geographically and culturally diverse countries in existence.
But what are the three main Mexican cultures? Before answering that question, it’s crucial to point out that Mexico has 31 regions plus the federal capital of Mexico City. There are almost 70 languages spoken, of which 63 are native languages. That’s an incredible mix of people.
Mexican society has evolved from a complex tapestry that is visible in everything from daily life to fiestas and parades. Let’s look at this fascinating Latin American country, starting with how it became so culturally diverse throughout its history.
What Are the Three Main Mexican Cultures?
Mexican cultures may be divided into geographical or historical sections. While we talk of three principal cultures here, there are many subdivisions in reality. Indeed, there are many Mexicos within these vast categories.
Geographically, Mexico can be said to have northern, central, and southern or south-eastern cultures, three regions with three different cultures. However, the past perhaps gives more clues.
Historically, the pre-Hispanic or pre-Columbian period saw Mesoamerican civilizations living in what is now Mexico. Pre-Hispanic indigenous groups, including Mayas, Aztecs, Zapotecs, Otomis, and Nahuas, form one of the main Mexican cultures.
The second and third occurred after the arrival of the Spanish in February 1517, bringing European and Catholic cultures with them. Over time, their traditions mixed and produced a mestizo, or mixed, culture. Some classify mestizos as predominantly indigenous and European, while others are more European than indigenous, complicating the picture.
A further classification of three Mexican cultures is more straightforward—Mayans, Aztecs, and then Mexican people post-Hispanic influence. All are valid, because the Mexican picture is one that is multilayered.
How Did Mexican History Affect Its Cultures?
The Mayans were among the world’s most remarkable cultures during their peak, between 250-900 CE. They constructed giant temples in their territories of modern-day southern Mexico, Yucatan, and Guatemala. Aztecs occupied central and southern Mexico in the 15th and 16th centuries and built amazing pyramids like Teotihuacán.
The Mexican flag features three vertical stripes; one green (independence), one white (Catholicism), and the final one red (union). But most tellingly, the central image tells of how the Aztecs founded Tenochtitlán, now Mexico City. An eagle stands atop a cactus with a serpent in its beak, a myth that led the Aztecs to establish their empire at Tenochtitlán. It’s an example of how modern-day Mexico connects to its ancient past.
The Spanish conquistadors brought their European influences, which mixed with indigenous cultures. The Catholic religion brought by the Spanish significantly impacted Mexican culture.
Yet it wasn’t until the early 19th century that Mexicans started to itch for change. Here’s a brief timeline of how that agitation played out:
- 1821: Independence from Spain
- 1846–1848: Mexican-American war
- 1858-60: Civil war
- May 5, 1862: Cinco de Mayo Mexican victory over the French at Puebla
These dates form the backbone of many cultural celebrations. For example, Mexicans celebrate their independence on September 16 (not Cinco de Mayo!). The day before Mexican Independence Day, people remember a speech called “Grito de Dolores” that kickstarted the entire independence movement. Yet the cultural melting pot had already been stirred long before this point.
What’s the Population of Mexico by Race?
Almost two-thirds of Mexicans identify as Mestizo (Amerindian-Spanish), while some 15-20% state they are indigenous. Another 10% are classified as other, predominantly European, while 2% of Mexico’s population identifies as African-Mexican. It’s easy to see how different areas developed different cultures, historically and more recently.
What Are the Official Languages of Mexico?
The vast majority (93%) of Mexico’s 130 million-plus inhabitants speak Spanish. Almost 6% of people are bilingual and speak both Spanish and an indigenous language, while just under 1% only speak an indigenous language.
The most commonly spoken indigenous tongues are Nahuatl, with 1.4 million speakers, followed by Yucatec Maya (759,000) and Tu’un Sávi (423,000).
A Closer Look at Mexico’s Best Traditions
Now that we understand how Mexico’s cultures have mixed over the centuries, let’s dive into some of the wonderful results of these continually refried beans. Mexico’s ever-evolving cultures reveal themselves in everything from art to architecture and dance to religion.
What Are Some Important Festivals in Mexico?
Many Mexican traditions are connected to the Spanish arrival and the Catholic church. Tellingly, more than 80% of the country identifies as Roman Catholic.
Holy Week, or Semana Santa, happens around Easter and is enormous. There are processions, some with marching bands and celebrations that vary from Mexico’s mountains down to the Caribbean coast.
Cinco de Mayo on May 5 features battle reenactments and family gatherings. People make mole and other dishes, inviting family members and extended family for drinks to reflect on the date’s importance.
Mexican Independence Day is on September 16. The president recites the “Grito de Dolores” speech to the nation from the National Palace, which overlooks the enormous Plaza de la Constitución, or zócalo. Fireworks, fiestas, and music follow it, and of course, more food. Mariachi bands play, and people enjoy stews like pozole and menudo.
Christopher Columbus arrived at what would become Latin America on October 12, 1492. This date used to be celebrated as Día de la Hispanidad, or Hispanic Day. But since 1917, Mexicans have reclaimed October 12 and call it Día de la Raza, or Day of the Race. Instead of marking the arrival of the Spanish or Columbus, it now recognizes and honors Mexico’s diverse people.
What Is El Día de Los Muertos?
Día de Los Muertos (aka Day of the Dead) combines indigenous Aztec, Nahua, and Toltec beliefs with Catholic theologies.
Mexico’s indigenous peoples believed the dead remained alive as a spirit within collective memory. A month-long summer celebration saw the deceased return to Earth for a short while.
The Catholic Spanish tried to impose their ideologies onto the local people. All Souls’ Day or All Saints’ Day is held on November 1 and 2 to celebrate deceased saints. El Día de Los Muertos became a hybrid of the two, with Mexicans now welcoming their dead back to Earth but on the Catholic All Saints’ Day.
The Day of the Dead is one of joy and remembrance. People clean graves, there’s music, dancing, and dress up. José Guadalupe Posada created the famous skull and skeleton associated with the festival in 1910, an example of Mexico’s mestizo culture going mainstream. Indeed, Día de Los Muertos was awarded UNESCO’s “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity” status in 2008.
What’s the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe?
Another date circled on the Mexican calendar is also a Mestizo mix of cultures. In 1531, Mexican peasant Juan Diego was allegedly visited by the Virgin of Guadalupe, Mexico’s version of the Virgin Mary and the country’s patron saint. According to the legend, she spoke to him in his Nahuatl language.
The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is marked on December 12. Millions make the pilgrimage to the Basilica of the Virgin of Guadalupe in Mexico City, while others build altars at home. There are masses and feasts held. People serve tasty tamales and pozole. You’ll be sure to find sweet, fried dough balls called buñuelos served with sugar, cinnamon, or syrup.
This vast event leads to Christmas, one of the most important times in the Latin American calendar. Mexican Christmas festivities start on December 8 and continue until February 2.
What’s the Most Famous Indigenous Festival in Mexico?
One of the most famous indigenous celebrations in Mexico is the Guelaguetza Festival, held in July in Oaxaca. Traditional dancing, art, food, and music fill the town, making it a spectacle for locals and visitors alike.
What Are Mexico’s Traditional Music and Dances?
In Mexico, Aztec, Mayan, and other indigenous cultures were skilled instrument makers and musicians. As a result, many unique regional styles developed.
The Spanish brought violins, trumpets, and guitars, including a six-stringed guitar called a vihuela. These instruments eventually gave rise to mariachi music, although its origins remain unknown. We do know that mariachi was popular in the states of Jalisco and Guadalajara before spreading across Mexico after independence in 1821.
Popular song genres, many of which appear in a mariachi’s repertoire, include fast-paced sones, country-style rancheras, and romantic boleros. Mariachis dressed in their charro costumes of estancia-owning ranchers are a common sight worldwide.
Several dance styles also exist, and many children are taught the steps at school. Known as the Mexican hat dance, Jarabe Tapatío is Mexico’s national dance. Original Mexican folk dances are called danzas and pre-date European influences. Bailes regionales, or regional dances, are those that communities scattered across the country invented and are often unique. Finally, there are mestizo dances that include waltzes, polkas, ballet, and fandango.
For a modern twist, choreographer Amalia Hernandez fused indigenous dances with ballet when she founded the Ballet Folklórico de México in the 1950s.
Who Are the Most Famous Mexican Artists?
The Mexican Revolution (1910-20) awakened a national spirit in Mexico. A generation of iconic artists helped lead the way with Mexican muralism—the inspiration for modern-day graffiti and street art.
Governments encouraged and funded artists, and murals appeared on public buildings. Many promoted social inclusion messages alongside folk and historical themes. Powerful and clear doctrines were broadcast to everyone; the poor, the rich, the educated, and the illiterate.
Known as “The Big Three,” the painters Diego Rivera, David Siqueiros, and José Clemente Orozco were the most prominent mural artists.
Most have been overshadowed by Frida Kahlo, to whom Diego Rivera was married. Kahlo championed Mexican traditions, realism, and abstract themes within her self-portraits. Many works had feminist and political messages. Frida is now one of the most recognizable artists in the world.
Who Are the Most Famous Mexican Writers?
There still exist some examples of Mayan and Aztec literature. Most have been recorded in alphabetical writing, and much was lost during the conquests.
Popol Vuh is the most important surviving Mayan text. It depicts humankind’s creation, the gods, and history up to the Spanish conquest. The Aztecs had their king of Texcoco, Nezahualcóyotl, who left behind poetry as well as a reputed 100+ children.
So-called colonial writers include 17th-century drama and theater writers Juan Ruiz de Alarcón and Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz. Modern scribes include Nobel Laureate and poet Octavio Paz and novelist Carlos Fuentes.
Is Food One of Mexico’s Most Important Cultures?
When UNESCO lists your food as a worldwide treasure, it’s time to take note. Yes, Mexican cuisine is on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity register.
Mexico’s farming, production, and food preparation form the backbone of many of the country’s societies. UNESCO wishes to preserve the culture and skills that make Mexican food unique and tasty.
It goes beyond tortillas, tacos, and tequila. UNESCO values sustainable farming culture, cooking processes, native ingredients, and food’s use in celebrations and rituals. So remember, next time you tuck into a carne asada, you’re enjoying something deemed of vital importance to humanity!
What Are the Three Main Mexican Cultures? Answer: There Are More
We’ve tried our best to answer the question: What are the three Main Mexican cultures? As we’ve seen, there are too many to provide such a narrow definition.
To achieve this aim, some people divide Mexico into regions, others into historical periods, and a further possibility is by people’s ethnicity. None of these divisions are subtle enough to capture this fascinating nation’s sheer volume of cultural opportunities.
The month-long Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15 is a great way to learn more about Mexico’s multicultural identities. Of course, you can also visit this great nation and experience Mexican cultures up close and personal.
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