5 Mexican Traditions and Customs You Should Adopt

Mexico is a diverse country indeed. While many different cultures have influenced the social fabric of Mexico, there are still certain traditions and customs that live on, even beyond the country’s boundaries.

The following list highlights the Mexican traditions, customs and holidays worth celebrating. Fortunately if you live in Santa Rosa, CA you have always a little Mexico close to you with out Mexican restaurant La Palapa.

Common Courtesy

Your manners are important. In Mexico, if you’re invited by a family to their home, it’s traditional to bring flowers with you. Your host will also make it a priority to make you feel welcome and comfortable as their visitor.

Speaking loudly is considered rude, and politeness precedes using words that might hurt someone’s feelings. In fact, if you’re planning to visit Mexico, it will be helpful and beneficial to you to learn kind words such as “please” and “thank you” (por favor and gracias, respectively).

You will even have to practice patience in business-related negotiations, which tend to be slower-paced and generally relaxed compared to some other countries. Expect a 15-20 minute delay if you’re talking business; Mexicans would rather not proceed in a hurry.

Cinco de Mayo

While not a public holiday recognized in Mexico, the 5^th of May is a memorable date in Mexican history. On this day in 1862 the brave Mexican army defeated the invading French forces – the most powerful army at the time – at the Battle of Puebla. The anniversary of the unlikely victory is celebrated sporadically in Mexico.

Changing demographics have since transformed the date into a cultural holiday where Mexican culture is celebrated with festivals, food and drinks. Cinco de Mayo was embraced in the U.S. as a way to build pride among Mexican-Americans, but that meaning has somewhat been lost in translation as the date became a drinking holiday for many.

Whether you wish to celebrate Cinco de Mayo with or without a drink, remember the true meaning of this date: the victory of self-determination.

New Year Rituals

Now this is where it gets interesting. Most of us celebrate the New Year in some fashion with friends or family, but traditional Mexican customs take it a step further. Some rituals have religious backgrounds, while others are just bizarre, but they are each passed on from generation to generation and share the common intention of awakening hope for better days.

Here are a few ways Mexicans celebrate the New Year that you may want to try, too:

• Lentils are spread around the door as a symbol of abundance. Some eat a handful of lentils.
• Placing a coin in your shoe or pocket is thought to attract economic prosperity.
• Sweeping toward the outside of the home, leading away all that was bad from the previous year. In general, thoroughly cleaning the house gets rid of bad vibes and makes room for better things to come.
• It’s customary to turn each house light on when evening comes to radiate prosperity and success throughout the New Year.
• Wearing red underwear to attract love and passion, or yellow underwear to attract happiness and wealth. White is worn to ward off illness and attract good health.
• Making a handwritten wish list for the New Year (quite like resolutions in the U.S.) and keeping it on hand for the rest of the year.
• Preparing and decorating the dinner table with a vibrant tablecloth, the finest silverware, flowers, hues of red and gold, and candles in meaningful colors: blue for peace, white for clarity, green for health, yellow for abundance, red for passion and orange for intelligence.
• A special toast is made with sparkling wine, the bubbles of which represent the spark of happiness that you wish to keep alive all year long.
• It’s traditional to eat 12 grapes when the countdown begins to welcome the New Year. Each grape represents one wish.
• At the stroke of midnight, ringing a bell loudly symbolizes the home’s happiness.
• Throwing a glass of water out of the home and into the street to expel tears, worries and negativity from your home and life.
• To attract marriage, one will sit and stand up on each of the 12 chimes of the clock at midnight.
• To attract a promotion at work, one will stand on a chair or even a ladder to show that they are at a higher level than others.

Day of the Dead

A two-day long national holiday in Mexico, Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos is about honoring and remember deceased loved ones. November 1^st, or All Saints Day, is dedicated to small children who have passed, known as little angels or “angelitos.” November 2^nd, or All Souls Day, is a day to remember older family members and friends.

Contrary to popular belief, Day of the Dead is not the spooky counterpart of Halloween. It is a day of happiness and love, rather than sadness and fear. Celebrations are bright and cheerful, not scary or morbid. Family altars are cheerfully decorated with photographs, gifts, mementos and offerings of food. The inviting scent of pan de muerto, known as the “bread of the dead,” lingers in the air as this traditional Mexican sweet bread is eaten in remembrance.

We could all learn something from Day of the Dead, which is celebrated as an opportunity to reflect on our lives, heritage and ancestors in a positive way.

Traditional Mexican Food

Of course, authentic traditional Mexican food needs to be mentioned here. The culinary heritage of Mexico is a rich and flavorful tradition that many of us are already thankful for. At La Palapa restaurant in Santa Rosa CA, we sure are. Our bright and flavorful dishes would not be here if it were not for the incredible history and journey of traditional Mexican cuisine.

Staple foods used in Mexican cuisine include beans, native corns, chili peppers, avocados, tomatoes and squashes.

Food is a binding force in Mexican families, and it is a Mexican tradition that continues to win over the hearts and taste buds of families around the world.