Whenever we think of Mexico, we envision colorful festivals, wide smiles, and delicious food.
In our present-day Mexico, both Aztec and Mayan civilizations have had an impact, and European colonization played a role as well. As if taken straight from a fantasy novel, their history and culture are fascinating.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful if you could witness it firsthand?
Mexico is undoubtedly one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations right now. Travel enthusiasts will surely fall in love with the country, as well as its burgeoning food scene, thanks to the country’s secret island hideaways and the Caribbean coast.
Mexico has many hidden gems that most people have yet to discover. This entire article is going to help you understand what’s “in” Mexico right now, by explaining how Mexicans live today.
Starting with the basics is a good place to begin, isn’t it?
A widespread misunderstanding about Mexican cuisine is that it mostly consists of Nachos, Fajitas, and Burritos. This is partially correct, but it just scratches the surface.
That mindset is most likely influenced by an American fast-food business that purports to provide “Authentic Mexican food,” but is actually a commercialized imitation of authentic Mexican cuisine. Even tacos should be made using soft corn tortillas rather than firm shells!
Chiles en Nogada is the absolute best way to taste the true essence of Mexican cuisine.
Do yourself a favor and try out these Mexican dishes:
Tacos al pastor - This taco is made with spit-grilled meat, paired with chopped pineapple as a garnish
Tlayuda - A Mexican-style pizza with a crispy tortilla base topped with beans, cheese, mole or any meat of your choosing.
Tortas ahogadas - bread rolls filled with meat or prawns and topped with a spicy tomato sauce
Birria de Chivo - goat stew made with roasted peppers
Chilaquiles - corn tortillas fried in spicy sauces; cheese and cream can also be added on top.
Cochinita Pibil - roasted pork marinated in orange juice and ground achiote seeds
Chile relleno - egg-battered roasted chilis filled with cheese
Pozole - Pork or chicken in a spicy broth with cacahuazintle corn
There are several foods that have endured through the years and have long been regarded as national treasures.
Every area of Mexico has its own style and specialty meals that differ dramatically from one another. If there’s one thing they all have in common, it’s a penchant for sprinkling chili and lime on everything.
With these two condiments, Mexicans can add them to just about any food, fruit, or drink.
The colorful slang of Mexican Spanish is well-known throughout the Spanish-speaking world.
When you’re in Mexico, direct English translations won’t assist you much. Their passion for colloquial phrases has been passed down the generations, so there are a few terminologies that you might not be familiar with unless you live in the area.
Here are a few terms to get you started if you don’t want to seem like a Mexican Shakespeare at a party:
Güey - used to call a close friend. It’s similar to saying “bro” or “man”
Chido - “cool” or “awesome”
¿Qué onda? - how the Mexicans say “what up”
Qué Padre! - Often used as an equivalent of “that’s great” and “wonderful”, although it can also mean father
Un choro - an excuse that sounds like it was made up
¡Órale! - A Spanish word used to describe amazement, similar to “wow”, although Mexicans often used this for anything, so there is no definitive definition of this word
¡Oye! - It is used to catch someone’s attention, just like the word “hey”
Pachanga - a small get-together of friends
Pedo - Literally, this means “fart”, but it also means drunk in the local language
Chafa - describing something that is boring or ordinary
Neta - in the same way as “really?”, it conjures up feelings of wonder and curiosity.
No manches - used to express disbelief and wonder. It’s like telling someone “get out of here” or “no way”
Crudo - in Spanish, it means raw, but in local terms, it can also mean hangover.
Lana, feria, varo - Mexican terms for money
¡A huevo! - an ecstatic way of saying “yeah”, huevo in English means egg
¡Aguas! - Although this word literally means water, it’s a warning that means “watch out”
As you may have seen, a couple of these terms are rather vulgar and have nothing in common with their English counterparts. The more you learn about their vernacular, the easier it will be to form a strong relationship with the locals.
Mexico has a vibrant cultural history and present, as well as a jam-packed calendar of yearly events and festivals to match! They rejoice as if there isn’t going to be another day.
Hay más tiempo que vida
That signifies there is more time than life in English. Most Mexicans live by this adage because they feel that life should be enjoyed to the utmost.
Here are some pointers to help you get started learning how to celebrate Mexican style.
Mexican birthday greetings are distinct in that they do not really sing “Happy Birthday.” They instead sing Las Mañanitas, a traditional Mexican song.
On the celebrant’s birthday, it has become a custom for a loved one to bring a mariachi to their home and perform this song. Mexicans would dump the celebrant’s face in the cake at the end of the song.
Isn’t it quite a cultural shock? This is something that generally happens to children and teenagers.
This law does not apply unless it is a Quinceañera (a coming-of-age event for a Mexicana becoming 15 years old).
Contrary to common belief, Cinco de Mayo is not a very important celebration in Mexico. It is only celebrated in the state of Puebla.
All Mexicans, however, observe one festival.
The Day of the Dead, also known as Dia De Los Muertos, is a two-day holiday observed across the United States on the first two days of November. According to Mexican beliefs, this is the time of year when the souls of their loved ones come to see them.
Day of the Dead traditions include building altars for the deceased and making ofrendas, or offerings.
This may appear to be a depressing holiday at first, but it is actually a happy celebration.
They commemorate a life well spent on this Day of the Dead. They celebrate and have fun while remembering the good moments they had with their loved ones who have passed away.