7 customs and traditions of Mexico that you will like to know.

A review of the most important Mexican traditions, some of which are pre-Columbian.

Mexican customs and traditions are full of color, celebration and joy, but also mysticism, tradition and history.but also of mysticism, tradition and history. Each one of them is interesting and attractive for the inhabitants themselves as well as for visitors.

A journey through the meaning, culture and manifestations of Mexican traditions is always an invitation to witness and experience them up close. In each festivity there are customs that reflect the historical richness resulting from the combination of two ancestral cultures.

The 7 most representative traditions and customs of Mexico

Get to know closely the traditions and customs of Mexico with more history, more curious or surprising.

1. Day of the Dead

It takes place on November 1 and 2 and is celebrated throughout the country with some variations depending on the region but with aspects that are preserved everywhere. The custom dictates to place an ofrenda in each home with photos of deceased family members and loved ones.

The ofrenda has very particular elements, such as cempazuchitl flowers, colored shredded paper, incense and the food and objects that those being remembered liked when they were alive. Sugar skulls are also placed with the names of the people who are still alive..

Another deep-rooted tradition is to spend the whole night in the cemetery at the tomb of those loved ones, and decorate it with flowers and food, at the same time that you can listen to music, because the atmosphere is more festive than ceremonious. Undoubtedly, this celebration is one of the most typical and recognized among the customs and traditions of Mexico.

2. Three Kings Day

It is celebrated on January 6th. The custom is to eat a sweet bread doughnut with caramelized fruits on top of it. on top and hidden inside it is a small plastic or ceramic doll.

The doughnut is shared among several people so that each person shares his or her portion and discovers if he or she has taken out the doll or not. Whoever discovers the donut doll among the bread, must invite the rest of the people who shared the donut to tamales on Candlemas Day.

Of the customs and traditions in Mexico, this is one of the children's favoritesOn that same day at night, the Three Wise Men leave toys in the houses for the children, who should write a letter and put it in a shoe, so that the Three Wise Men can pick it up and put the toys there.

3. Candlemas Day

On February 2nd the Virgen de la Candelaria is celebrated. The custom is to prepare atole and tamales, two of the most typical dishes in Mexico.. These are invited by the people who on Three Kings Day have found the doll inside the rosca de reyes.

Another custom is to dress the child in baby clothes or clothes representative of the family's tastes, another very typical custom in Mexico. This tradition is not one of the best known worldwide, but it is one of the most important in the country.

4. Independence Day Anniversary

The night of September 15th, the president in turn goes out to the National Palace to perform the so-called "Grito de Dolores", which is how it is known which is the name given to the call made by the priest Don Miguel Hidalgo to begin the rebellion for the struggle for Mexico's independence.

The festivity fills with color, typical food, mezcal and mariachi music all the plazas of the Mexican Republic. On September 16, a military parade and a roll call of the armed forces is held.

5. Guelaguetza

It is a great celebration that brings together dancers from the 8 regions of the State of Oaxaca who perform folkloric dances during a week accompanied by wind music. It is a festival that has prevailed over time, full of color and one of the most ancestral traditions in Mexico.

It takes place on the Fortín hill located in the outskirts of the city of Oaxaca.

6. Papantla Flyers

This Mexican tradition does not have a specific date, it is a ritual that takes place mainly in Papantla, Veracruz, Mexico.. It consists of a series of dances and movements prior to climbing a 30 meter high trunk.

Once at the top, tied to a rope that in turn is tied to a cross at the top of the pole, they descend while they spin around and the caporal plays the flute at the top of the pole. All this is done dressed in their typical costumes, and although it is originally from Veracruz, it is possible to witness this ritual in tourist places for the enjoyment of visitors.Although it is originally from Veracruz, it is possible to witness this ritual in tourist places for the enjoyment of visitors.

7. Mariachis

Mariachi is a musical genre, but it is also known as the group that performs it. Dressed in a typical charro costume including a sombrero, each member is assigned an instrument.

Mariachis are in demand at almost any Mexican fiesta with typical music for dancing or singing.. On the other hand, they are a representative icon of the customs and traditions of Mexico as they are present in the pantheons on the Day of the Dead, in the celebrations of the Independence Day, in the masses of the Candelaria Day.

Bibliographical references:

• Gómez Pérez, M. A.; Delgado Solís, J. A. (2000). Ritos y mitos de la muerte en México y otras culturas. Grupo Editorial Tomo.