Mexico City, built and heavily influenced by a lot of ancient civilizations, is without a doubt one of the worldâs most culturally rich cities. Its culture is a vastly different domain that encompasses various identities, from ancient civilizations to modern-day European presence.
Mexico, with a population of over 8 million people, is also home to a remarkable array of individuals with a variety of fascinating cultures, vibrant traditions, and an enthralling heritage. Because of its diversity, it is full of contrasts, eccentricities, and strong identities.
Here are some known indigenous tribes that inhabited Mexico during ancient times:
The Olmecs â The Olmecs are thought to be one of Mexicoâs earliest significant civilizations, however, much of their history is unknown. They are also said to have profoundly influenced the agricultural methods of other tribes and were the first ethnic group to initiate ritual bloodletting.
The Aztecs â The Aztecs are undoubtedly the most well-known of all Mexican tribes. Did you know that the Aztec empire was basically an amalgamation of several tribes attempting to coexist in one land? Eventually, they found harmony and became very skillful in developing their homeland.
The Maya â The Maya civilization was perhaps the most influential, with customs and traditions that are still prevalent in the present world. Indeed, even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the Maya were regarded to be extremely advanced in science and mathematics.
Mexican culture is the result of the rise and fall of great civilizations, as well as the fusion of various indigenous cultures, all of which have greatly shaped and defined the fascinating city that it is today.
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in local Mexican culture is to join and experience the cityâs most well-known festivals and celebrations. Mexican festivals are often regarded as the most brilliant and lively in the world. Bring your dancing shoes and a big appetite because these festivities usually include a lot of dancing and eating!
Here are some of the most famous and the best celebrations in Mexico City like no other:
DĂa de la Virgen de Guadalupe â This is an annual religious feast day that honors the Catholic Saint, Our Lady of Guadalupe. This celebration is not only celebrated by Mexicans but also by thousands of religious pilgrims from all over the world.
This is usually signified by having one big mass and then followed by setting off firecrackers, dancing in street parades, and enjoying live music performances from artists all over the country. During this feast, buĂąuelos are popular treats. Thin layers of buttered pastry are covered with luscious honey in these delectable delicacies. Despite having no direct connection to the Catholic saint, this traditional dish has long been a part of every Mexican family culture.
DĂa de Muertos â Popularized by the Disney film Coco, the Day of the Dead is probably one of the most colorful and festive celebrations. In the city, Dia de Muertos is celebrated as a folk tradition rather than a spiritual affair, compared to other parts of the country. As much as it is a day to honor the dead, it is also a celebration of life itself. This holiday is based on the Mexican belief that the dead do not desire to be remembered on a sad note and that death should be a joyful occasion.
If you go to ZĂłcalo, Mexico Cityâs main square, you will witness many cheerful and bright entries in the citywide altar contest. These altars, often known as ofrendas by the locals, demonstrate the Mexican love for all things colorful and beautiful. In fact, some of them may be rather enormous, with music and dancing puppets included!
Independence Day â Independence Day in Mexico is observed every September of the year and is celebrated like every country in the world. The streets will be flooded with patriotic colors of green, white, and red, musical performances everywhere, and street parties by the locals.
This day is affectionately revered by the locals as âGrito de Doloresâ or the "The Cry of Dolores.â Because of this reference, it is customary for the Mexican president at the time to shout from his palace in town. Among the festivities, you can also find an array of delicious traditional food banquets and overflowing drinks of mariachi and tequila.
These festivals are just a few among many culturally rich celebrations in Mexico that you can experience on your next tour in the city.
As recorded in history, most of Mexicoâs indigenous tribes have been conquered during the Spanish colonization. This explains why Roman Catholicism is the most prevalent religion in the country today. More than 80% of the population values the Catholic churchâs practices and doctrines.
Mexican Catholicism is actually an interesting story of conquest, resistance, and faith. Opposed to the devotion of the Mexican people of today to the Catholic church, Spanish conquistadors have been noted to have used forced conversions, livelihood destruction, and violence to subjugate the native people inhabiting the land. They destroyed indigenous symbols and annihilated altars to replace them with Catholic imagery and statues.
The juxtaposition of the destruction of indigenous culture and the infliction of Catholicism on the people may have developed and changed the religious beliefs of Mexico city today. In fact, the synchrony of both beliefs is visible in todayâs Mexican traditions and practices.
The fact that Mexico City is among the richest cities in the world and has had a highly noticeable economic growth over the years makes it one of the most significant global financial centers.
The city is also a pioneer in agricultural innovation. They are world leaders in grassland development, livestock breeding, and maize production. In order to promote economic stability and sustained growth, the Mexican government has also accepted market liberalizations and neoliberal reforms.
There is no better way to understand another culture and its values than experiencing it yourself. Mexico City is a crossroads of Latin American cultures colliding in a thriving metropolis. It has so much to offer that even a lifetime spent there would not be enough time to experience it all. You may still take a tour to experience all the best things to do in Mexico City, and they can still be life-changing and enlightening.
Here are some of them:
Due to its rich history, there is no question that the city has chosen to preserve it as much as they can. Did you know that Mexico City boasts the second-highest number of museums worldwide and the greatest number on the American continent? In fact, it has 186 officially recognized museums and over 200 that lack official recognition. The most well-known of these is the Museo Nacional de Antropologia (MNA), which is so big that a single day will not be enough time to explore the entire museum.
Chapultepec Castle is home to Maximilian I of Mexico, the lone emperor of the legendary Second Mexican Empire. It is the only royal castle on the American continent. If thatâs not enough, you can also roam around the city to find more palaces. Mexico City showcases the largest number of palaces due to it being the former capital of the colonial Mexican and New Spanish Empires. It wonât be hard to find a setting for your fairytale dreams!
Mexico City alone has four amazing landmarks that were deemed to have cultural and historical significance by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). Take your time to visit one or maybe all of them on your next Mexican adventure.
Centro HistĂłrico de la Ciudad de MĂŠxico or the Historic center of Mexico City is actually not your ordinary plaza but it is considered as an indispensable architectural and cultural heritage.
Xochimilco is a district in Mexico city that was considered an ethnic occupation before the Spanish conquest. Itâs a famous weekend spot for Mexicans and tourists around the world for its network of canals or also known as The Floating Gardens of Xochimilco.
Universidad Nacional AutĂłnoma de MĂŠxico is a prestigious institution and is also regarded as the biggest and oldest university in the entire world. More than 30 museums in Mexico may be found in this university alone, along with theaters, cinemas, three orchestras, a soccer club, and more.
Luis BarragĂĄn House and Studio is owned by world-famous architect Luis BarragĂĄn. It is an exceptional illustration of the architectâs innovative work during the post-Second World War era that is located on the outskirts of Mexico City. BarragĂĄnâs work combined traditional and modern creative currents and vernacular components into a fresh synthesis that has had a significant impact, particularly on modern designs for gardens, plazas, and landscapes.
Go on a gastronomic adventure
There is no better place to try the culinary hailed Mexican cuisine than in Mexico City itself. There wonât be a shortage of street vendors, bars, and restaurants that serve excellent local specialties like tacos, burritos, tortas, quesadillas, and enchiladas. A cantina is a traditional drinking establishment in Mexico, where you normally pay for the beverages but receive complimentary food. Mexico is also home to adventurous foodies that donât mind eating a scorpion or two.
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