an essay about mexican culture

Mexican culture: Customs and traditions

Mexican culture brings together elements of ancient Central-American heritage and European customs.

Population of Mexico

Languages of mexico, religions of mexico, ​​values of the mexican people, mexican food, mexican arts, mexican fashion, doing business in mexico, mexican holidays and celebrations, additional resources and reading, bibliography.

Mexican culture has undergone a tremendous transformation in its recent history with varying impacts in different regions. Many Mexicans live in cities, but smaller rural communities still play a strong role in defining the country's collective vibrant community. 

Mexico can trace some of its cultural heritage back to the Aztec and Maya peoples who once controlled much of Central America, but equally it owes a great deal to the colonial heritage from Spain. Many of the customs in Mexico can be traced back through one of these branches of history.

"Mexico's characteristics set it apart from other Spanish American nations. No other country among them has so actively traced its cultural origins [through] so dramatic a history to such deep roots; none has so thoroughly fused European and non-European cultural influences," wrote Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell in " Culture and customs of Mexico " (Greenwood, 2004).

Mexico is the 10th most populous country in the world, with over 128 million people according to the United States Census Bureau estimate published on July 1, 2021 . According to the Index Mundi , Mexico consists of several ethnic groups. The mestizo (meaning people of mixed indigenous Central American heritage and European heritage) group accounts for 62% of the population. Indigenous Central American or predominantly indigenous Central American people account for 21%, while 10% of the population has a mostly European background. These groups create a culture that is unique to Mexico. However Index Mundi notes that Mexico does not collect census data on ethnicity.

According to the Mexican National Institute of Statistics, Geography and Informatics (INEGI) the median age of the population is 29 years old, which is a jump up from 2015 when it was 27. Index Mundi adds that 26% of the population is under 14-years-old, just under 17% is 15 to 24, 41% is 25 to 54, a little over 8% is 55 to 64 and nearly 8% are 65 or older.

It's estimated that 81% of the total population of Mexico lives in urban areas with Mexico City alone having a population of nearly 22 million in the wider area, according to Index Mundi, making it the fifth most populous city in the world.

The overwhelming majority of Mexicans today speak Spanish. According to the CIA , Spanish is spoken by 93.8% of the Mexican population. About 5.4% of the population speaks Spanish as well as indigenous languages, such as Mayan, Nahuatl and other regional languages. Indigenous Mexican words have also become common in other languages, including English. For example, chocolate, coyote, tomato and avocado all originated in Nahuatl.  

"Much of Mexican culture revolves around religious values and the church, as well as the concept of family and inclusiveness," said Talia Wagner , a marriage and family therapist in Los Angeles. Around 78% of Mexicans identify themselves as Catholic, according to the CIA, although many have incorporated pre-Hispanic Mayan elements as part of their faith. Some of this dates back to the first colonists looking to merge the approaches of Europe and Central America to bring Christianity to the region.

"Public ritual had always been essential to both pre-Columbian religion and Spanish Catholicism. Consequently, priests quickly introduced their aboriginal parishioners to religious plays, music, and festivals, especially at Easter and Corpus Christi, both of which celebrated the Holy Eucharist," wrote Linda A Curcio-Nagy, professor of history at the University of Nevada in " The Oxford History of Mexico " (Oxford University Press, 2010), edited by Michael C. Meyer and William H. Beezley.

Other Christian denominations represented in Mexico include Presbyterians, Jehovah's Witnesses, Seventh-Day Adventists, Mormons, Lutherans, Methodists, Baptists and Anglicans. There are also small communities of Muslims, Jews and Buddhists. 

Especially outside of cities, families are typically large and Mexicans are very conscious of their responsibilities to immediate family members and extended family such as cousins and even close friends. Hosting parties at their homes plays a large part of Mexican life and making visitors feel comfortable is a large part of the values and customs of the country.

"Family units are usually large, with traditional gender roles and extensive family involvement from the external members who assist one another in day to day life," Wagner told Live Science. There is a strong connection among family members. "Parents are treated with a high degree of respect, as is the family in general and there may be constant struggle, especially for the growing children between individual wants and needs and those wants and needs of the family," added Wagner.

One large event in a Mexican family is the quinceañera. This is a celebration of a young lady's 15th birthday. It signifies the girl's journey from childhood to womanhood. The party includes an elaborate dress for the girl of honor, food, dancing, friends and families. Before the party there is often a mass at the girl's church. The girl is accompanied throughout the festivities by her damas (maids of honor) and chambelánes (chamberlains), according to Encyclopedia Britannica .

Mexican cuisine varies widely between regions, as each town has its own culinary traditions, according to "Mexico For You," a publication of the Mexican Cultural Institute of Washington, D.C. Tortillas and other food made from corn are common everywhere, though, as are pepper, tomatoes and beans. Rice is also a staple, according to History.com. 

Many foods that originated in Mexico are popular worldwide, including avocados, chocolate and pumpkins, in fact Mexican food is one of the country's most popular cultural exports. "Salsa now outsells catsup in the United States and $5 billion worth of tortillas are sold internationally each year," wrote Robert Buffington, Suzanne B. Pasztor, and Don M. Coerver in " Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History " (ABC-CLIO, 2004)

Mexico is known for its tequila, which is made from agave cactus that is well suited to the climate of central Mexico. Soda is a very popular drink in Mexico, as the country has a well-developed beverage industry.

Clay pottery, embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls and outer garments with angular designs, colorful baskets and rugs are some of the common items associated with Mexican folk art. Millennia-old traditions continue in silver-smithing, mosaics, textiles, pottery and basket-weaving, according to "Mexico For You."

The country is closely associated with the Mariachi style of folk music. Originated in the southern part of the state of Jalisco sometime in the 19th century, it involves a group of musicians — playing violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas (a five-string guitar) and trumpets — and wearing silver-studded charro suits and elaborate hats. "La Cucaracha" is a well-known Mariachi staple.

Two of Mexico's most famous artists are Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera. Their paintings include vibrant colors and depictions of life in Mexico. Rivera was a pioneer of Muralism, a movement that used expansive wall art to educate the people. Kahlo's work drew from personal pain and also the deep history of Mexico itself. "The work of Frida Kahlo (1907–54) is also steeped in Mexicanness, although it is primarily a record of her difficult life, marked in pain, disappointment, and loneliness," wrote Helen Delpar, a professor of history at the University of Alabama in " The Oxford History of Mexico " (Oxford University Press, 2010). 

Many may not think of Mexico as a place that fosters high fashion, but many fashion designers hail from Mexico, such as Jorge Duque and Julia y Renata. There is also a Mexico Fashion Week . In the cities, fashion in Mexico is influenced by international trends, so the typical urban Mexican dresses similar to people in Europe and the United States.

Traditional Mexican clothing for women includes a sleeveless tunic-like dress called a huipil, according to Don Quijote Spanish School. Originally, these cotton dresses were made very simple with garnishes of color. However, traditional Mexican women's clothing now regularly includes lots of ornate embroidery, often including images and patterns that have symbolic meaning attached to them.

One distinguishing article of traditional men's clothing is a large blanket cape called a sarape. Boots are also a wardrobe staple. The charro suit, with its origins as the outfit worn by Mexican cowboys, is most associated with Mariachi musicians. The suit is also an acceptable substitute for a tuxedo at formal events in Mexico. The charro suit includes the sombrero, a wide-brimmed hat that provides plenty of shade.

Mexico's currency is the peso. Almost 65% of the country's GDP comes from the service sector with industry making up 31% and agriculture contributing 3.6%, according to the CIA. Its primary agricultural products are sugar cane, maize, milk, oranges , sorghum, tomatoes, poultry, wheat, green chillies/peppers and eggs.

Mexican business culture tends to value personal relationships, a strong hierarchy and a clear consciousness of status, according to Santander . "Doing business of any sort is normally preceded by a period of socializing," wrote Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell in "Culture and customs of Mexico."

The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe , which is celebrated on Dec. 12, is a major Mexican holiday celebrating the appearance of the Virgin Mary to an indigenous Mexican in the first years of Spanish rule. She is the patron saint of the country. This is followed closely by Posadas, a nine-day celebration in which people re-enact Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem to search for a place to stay. Families go from door to door carrying candles and singing, asking for shelter until the owners open the door, at which point the party begins.

The Day of the Dead (Día de los Muertos), celebrated on Nov. 2, is a day set aside to remember and honor those who have died, according to the University of New Mexico. Carnival is also celebrated in many communities throughout Mexico to mark the period before Lent.

Independence Day , marking the country's separation from Spain in 1810, is celebrated on Sept. 16. Cinco de Mayo, which marks a Mexican military victory over the French in 1862, is more widely celebrated in the United States (as a beer promotion) than it is in Mexico.

Learn more about the colonial history of Mexico and Central America more widely by reading about one of the men who helped to shape events, Hernán Cortés .

If the culture and life of Central America before the arrival of European colonists is what interests you, then a deep dive into the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán is for you.

• " Culture and customs of Mexico " by Peter Standish and Steven M. Bell (Greenwood, 2004)
• " The Oxford History of Mexico " edited by Michael C. Meyer and William H. Beezley (Oxford University Press, 2010)
• " Mexico: An Encyclopedia of Contemporary Culture and History " by Robert Buffington, Suzanne B. Pasztor, and Don M. Coerver (ABC-CLIO, 2004)
• Mercedes Benz Fashion Week
• "Mexico Business Practices" Santander Trade Markets
• "Our Lady of Guadalupe" Catholic Online
• " The History of Mexican Independence" Mexonline

Sign up for the Live Science daily newsletter now

Get the world’s most fascinating discoveries delivered straight to your inbox.

Kim Ann Zimmermann is a contributor to Live Science and sister site Space.com, writing mainly evergreen reference articles that provide background on myriad scientific topics, from astronauts to climate, and from culture to medicine. Her work can also be found in Business News Daily and KM World. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from Glassboro State College (now known as Rowan University) in New Jersey. 

• Alina Bradford Live Science Contributor

Van Gogh's 'Starry Night' contains surprisingly accurate physics — suggesting he understood the hidden 'dynamism of the sky'

Science news this week: 'Thorin' the last Neanderthal and a 'smiley face' on Mars

Simple trick could lower city temperatures 3.6 F, London study suggests

Most Popular

• 2 People in Scandinavia may have used boats made of animal skins to hunt and trade 5,000 years ago
• 3 Cocaine found in mummified brains reveal that New World drug came to Italy 200 years earlier than thought
• 4 Mysterious sound coming from the Mariana Trench has finally been explained
• 5 Man buried with large stones on his chest to prevent him from 'rising from the grave' unearthed in Germany

Editor's Choice

• Latest Articles
• How to Move Out of the U.S.
• Daily e-Letter
• All Destinations
• Best Places to Retire
• Our Experts
• Testimonials
• Real Estate

Mexican Culture - Guide to Traditions, Customs and Etiquette

By Wendy Justice

Mexico is a multi-faceted, multi-cultural society, with the legacy of indigenous Mayan and Aztec beliefs forming the base, merged with the more recent customs and practices instilled by centuries of European influence. Many of Mexico’s enduring traditions can be traced to one of these two cultural roots.

This diversity varies as you explore the country, through its distinctive regional dialects, varying observances of holidays, a cornucopia of local and traditional culinary specialties, and a mix of architectural styles and influences, but wherever you are, you’ll experience a vibrant society and a proud people.

Get Your Free Mexico Report Today!

Learn more about Mexico and other countries in our daily postcard e-letter. Simply enter your email address below and we’ll send you a free special report – Mexico: The Perfect Close-to-Home Retirement Haven .

By submitting your email address, you will receive a free subscription to IL Postcards and special offers from International Living and our affiliates. You can unsubscribe at any time, and we encourage you to read more about our Privacy Policy .

Mexico’s population is over 129 million, making it the world’s 10th most populous country. Roughly 62% of the population is mestizo—people of mixed Central American and European ancestry. Ten percent of the population has a mostly European background, with the remainder being of an indigenous or predominately indigenous Central American origin.

Mexico is a highly urbanized country, with an estimated 81% of the population living in urban areas; of those, more than 21 million people live in the capital and metropolitan area of Mexico City , the fifth largest city in the world. Mexico has the 15th largest economy, just below those of Spain and Australia. According to the World Bank, Mexico is considered an upper-middle-income country with a GDP of slightly less than $10,000 per capita.

The political structure of Mexico is similar to that of the U.S., with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The president is elected by popular vote and limited to serving a single six-year term. There is no vice president. If something were to happen to the president, the legislature would designate a provisional successor.

The Language: Habla Español?

Though more than 50 indigenous languages are spoken in Mexico, the vast majority of the people speak Spanish—in fact, Mexico has the largest number of Spanish speakers on Earth.

Spanish is the official language of Mexico and the language that is taught in schools, but many private and public schools also offer instruction in English. In urban areas and in places that attract foreigners, finding English speakers will not be a challenge. Even in small towns and rural areas, there will probably be someone who speaks at least some English.

Spanish belongs to the Romance language group derived from Latin, the same as English. Because of its similarities, it’s not considered a difficult language for English speakers to learn, and speaking even a little Spanish will greatly add to your Mexican experience. To learn Spanish or improve your existing skills, schools offering instruction and private tutors are available in most cities and larger towns throughout Mexico. Taking online classes in Spanish is also an option.

Social Conventions in Mexico

Because Mexico is so diverse, social norms vary considerably depending on socioeconomic status, gender, ethnicity, rural versus urban differences, religion, and other factors. A rural farmer in Chiapas lives a very different lifestyle from a successful executive in Mexico City. Even with these differences, though, some similarities are found throughout the country.

Relationships in Mexico

One of the most important elements in Mexican society is the family. It is common to see three or more generations sharing one residence. The status of the individual is strongly predetermined by the status of their immediate and extended family. Parents and grandparents are given a high degree of respect, as are seniors regardless of their family ties.

Because of the strong family ties, Mexican weddings can be especially lavish, but celebrating a young woman’s 15th birthday—her quinceañera—may be similarly extravagant. Large family fiestas with feasting, live music, and dancing late into the night are common in Mexico, attended by everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Mexico has been a male-dominated society for many years, but now, with more women working outside the home, the expectation that men should be macho, and women should be submissive, has been slowly on the decline, especially in urban areas. Traditional patriarchal family roles, where the man supports the family financially while the woman raises the children, does the cooking, and maintains the house are still prevalent in rural areas.

Young Mexicans generally postpone marriage until they have completed their education and have found stable employment. The average age of marriage is 33 for men and 30 for women—a trend that has been steadily increasing in recent years.

Same-sex marriage has been legal throughout Mexico since 2010, and same-sex marriages performed anywhere in the country are recognized in all 31 states and Mexico City. Civil same-sex marriages are recognized by Mexican law; spousal rights, including the right of inheritance, coverage of spouses under the national social security system, and alimony are legally protected.

Food and Drink in Mexico

Mexican cuisine is popular the world over for good reason. Made with wholesome ingredients and infused with complex flavors, it tends to be hearty and satisfying. The most common staples are rice, beans, and corn—all of which are likely to be offered with practically every traditional meal. Other common ingredients include chilies, tomatoes, avocados, mild cheeses, and bell or sweet peppers. Corn tortillas and other foods made from corn are common throughout the country.

Some of the most popular Mexican dishes include tacos, enchiladas, chili rellenos (breaded poblano chilies, stuffed with cheese, covered in salsa, and often topped with even more cheese), burritos (seasoned meat or poultry wrapped in a flour tortilla), quesadillas (cheese and meat or other fillings toasted in a tortilla), cornmeal tamales (steamed in corn husks or banana leaves), and tortas (a sandwich of meat or other fillings on a bolio, or special torta bread).

The best steaks are served in northern Mexico, while coastal areas place more emphasis on seafood dishes such as snapper, ceviche, and fish tacos, while hearty dishes with rich, complex sauces are served most commonly in the south. Traditionally, people will have a light breakfast, then a substantial midday meal followed by a siesta, and a light evening dinner. Outside of tourist areas, it can sometimes be challenging to find a restaurant that’s open past 5 p.m. or 6 p.m.

Mexico is famous for its tequila, a potent alcoholic drink made from the agave cactus, as well as for its smoky and strong mescal. Other popular beverages include aguas frescas—refreshing drinks flavored with watermelon, jamaica (a tea-like drink derived from roselle flowers), guava, melon, or other fruits, as well as licuados (smoothies), horchata (a refreshing, mildly sweet milk-like beverage made from rice), and atoles (thick and warming hot chocolate-like beverages made with corn masa or rice meal).

Etiquette in Mexico

Public behavior.

Mexico is not a quiet country. Wherever you are, you’ll probably hear dogs barking, loudspeakers blaring, and fireworks exploding. Most Mexicans don’t try to keep their voices down and they don’t expect that from others, either. Restaurants will be noisy and music blasts into the early hours from bars and nightclubs. Where there’s noise, there’s life.

Guest Etiquette

Time often moves slowly, even languidly, in Mexico, and the U.S. custom of being prompt is not an expectation here. Time can be quite flexible. If someone says that they will see you mañana, it may mean in the morning, tomorrow, or at some undetermined time in the future. It’s acceptable to arrive at a party 30 minutes to two hours late; coming precisely at the designated time would actually be considered rude, as your host would not yet be ready. The exceptions to this would be arriving within 30 minutes of the designated time for a dinner party, a business appointment, a wedding, a funeral, or a public performance.

If you’re meeting a group of people, greet each individual separately. Handshakes or “fist bumps” are the norm when greeting business associates or being formally introduced to someone. Embraces are also common and a bit more intimate, and cheek kisses among women are also proper.

Gift Giving

It’s customary to bring a small gift when you’re invited to someone’s home for a meal. Flowers are often given; other gifts could include wine, candies, or cakes, or if your guests have children, you could bring toys.

Avoid giving yellow flowers, which symbolize death, purple flowers, which are associated with funerals, or red flowers, which among the superstitious, are believed to cast spells.

Mexicans have two family names; the first one is the father’s and the second is the mother’s. When addressing someone, use their paternal name and title (señor, señora, or señorita), or their honorific (doctora or professora, for example). It’s also polite to use their first name if you’re friends or acquaintances, but err on the side of formality.

It’s common to greet everyone you come into contact with, even if you’re just passing them by. Saying "¡buenos días!" (good morning, usually said before breakfast) and ¡buenas tardes! (good afternoon, which is said after breakfast but before retiring for the night) is polite and generally expected. If you’re unsure of what to say, a simple buen día (good day) is also acceptable.

Mexican Table Etiquette

When eating at a restaurant, the server will likely say provecho or buen provecho (equivalent to enjoy your meal, or bon appetit) when delivering your order. That is the signal that it is time to eat.

¡Salud! (to your health) is the customary toast when consuming alcoholic beverages.

Never cut the lettuce in a salad; instead, fold it with your fork and knife until it can be picked up with the fork.

When dining out, the person who did the inviting usually pays the bill. Most restaurants will split the bill if asked to do so.

When it’s time to request the check, raise your hand or wave to get the waiter’s attention; in Mexico, the bill is never presented until it’s requested. Any earlier than that would be considered rude.

Tipping is customary in Mexico. Tipping 10% for good service is acceptable; if the service was exceptional, then a 15% tip is appropriate.

Most nicer restaurants accept Visa or Mastercard; street vendors and small mom-and-pop restaurants are generally cash only.

It is polite to say provecho or buen provecho when passing by other diners as you leave the restaurant.

Business Protocol

Mexico’s business culture shares many similarities to those of the U.S. and Canada. However, there are a few differences that are important to know.

Always be prompt for business meetings. This is one of the few examples when mañana is not appropriate.

When introducing yourself, offer a firm handshake (or fist bump) and a business card. Writing down your contact information by hand may be viewed as a sign of being disrespectful or disorganized.

Always use the formal titles of señor, señora, and señorita, followed by the paternal surname, unless asked to do otherwise. As with any interaction in Mexico, if you’re uncertain how to politely address someone, use the formal usted form of “you” rather than the informal tu.

In Mexico, looking professional creates the perception of professionalism, while a poor physical presentation may result in an unsuccessful meeting. Although the rules for attire are similar here as they are in the U.S. and Canada, Mexico generally holds a more formal and conservative approach, especially in its major financial cities—Mexico City, Guadalajara , Monterrey, and Puebla . Men should wear a suit, tie, and vest, while women should dress in business suits and skirts. In steamy coastal cities, smart casual attire is acceptable.

Relationships

Relationships are everything in Mexico. Take the time to socialize and get to know each other before discussing any business.

English is the language of business throughout the world, and Mexico is no exception. However, speaking at least a few words of Spanish, even if it’s only to apologize for your poor Spanish, will be greatly appreciated.

If you are not fluent in Spanish, you may want to hire an interpreter to ease any communication challenges.

Meetings and Negotiation

The first business meeting usually takes place in an office. Subsequent meetings will most likely involve a luncheon or dinner.

A business lunch may last for two hours or more and is used to build relationships—a necessity in Mexico—and to discuss business in a leisurely manner. Luncheons will start out casually, with a period of socializing and small talk, before business commences. Lunch usually begins between 2 p.m. and 3 p.m., while dinners may not start until after 7:30 p.m.

Successful negotiations require patience. Deadlines may be considered more as suggestions, and mañana may not mean tomorrow but sometime soon.

Avoid being overly aggressive when negotiating, as it is considered rude.

WhatsApp is commonly used throughout Mexico and can be used for informal communications.

Mexico Deep Dives

Beachfront Property in Mexico

Climate in Mexico

Cost of Living in Mexico

Healthcare in Mexico

Investing in Mexico

Living in Mexico

Making Money in Mexico

Maps of Mexico

Medicare Benefits for U.S. Citizens Living Abroad

Mexico Fast Facts

Moving to Mexico

One Million Americans in Mexico Can’t All Be Wrong

Real Estate in Mexico

Real Estate in Puerto Vallarta

Real Estate in San Miguel de Allende

Retire in Mexico

Retiree Benefits in Mexico

Rolodex of Mexico

Taxes in Mexico

City and Area Guide

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mexican History and Culture

In 129 articles and three volumes, The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mexican History and Culture provides a compendium of the best available scholarship on the nation's rich history and culture. An international group of leading authors, including well-known Mexican scholars, reveals new or little-known dimensions of this past or confirms with new sources previous interpretations of the Mexican experience. Themes include the expected topics of politics and economics, combined with powerful articles on biography, environment, gender, and culture, including music, art, and cinema. Unique to this volume are the essays on digital sources, such as digitized archives and photographic collections, with information on accessing and using them for historical research.

Articles add to topical considerations such as gender and ethnicity, place Mexico into wider dimensions such as the Atlantic World and the Pacific Rim, and offer conclusions on natural phenomena such as flora (yielding pulque) and volcanic eruptions (in a farmer's corn patch). Authors enlighten readers with assessments of Spanish-Aztec warfare, indigenous mastery of the Spanish legal system to bend it to their purposes, songs prohibited by the Inquisition, and more than one hundred other fascinating aspects of the nation's history. Coverage of individuals includes widely known figures such as the monumental Benito Juárez, the hero and traitor Antonio López de Santa Anna, Porfirio Díaz, and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as several outstanding women whose contributions have helped shape Mexican culture and politics. The Tlatelolco massacre of demonstrators in 1968 receives careful assessment and other essays examine the changing popular and political attitudes that followed. The tragedy ushered in events that created Mexico's electoral democracy confirmed in the 2000 presidential election.

Written in clear explanatory prose and incorporating the latest research, the encyclopedia's articles offer a marvelous narrative that will be of use to scholars, students, and the general reader.

• Subscriber Services
• For Authors
• Publications
• Archaeology
• Art & Architecture
• Bilingual dictionaries
• Classical studies
• Encyclopedias
• English Dictionaries and Thesauri
• Language reference
• Linguistics
• Media studies
• Medicine and health
• Names studies
• Performing arts
• Science and technology
• Social sciences
• Society and culture
• Overview Pages
• Subject Reference
• English Dictionaries
• Bilingual Dictionaries

Recently viewed (0)

• Save Search

• Find at OUP.com
• Google Preview

The Oxford Encyclopedia of Mexican History and Culture  

Edited by: william h. beezley.

Over 120 scholarly articles

This work provides a compendium of the best available scholarship on Mexico’s rich history and culture. An international group of leading authors, including well-known Mexican scholars, reveals new or little-known dimensions of this past or confirms with new sources previous interpretations of the Mexican experience. Themes include the expected topics of politics and economics, combined with powerful articles on biography, environment, gender, and culture, including music, art, and cinema. Unique to this work are the articles on digital sources, such as digitized archives and photographic collections, with information on accessing and using them for historical research.

Articles add to topical considerations such as gender and ethnicity, place Mexico into wider dimensions such as the Atlantic World and the Pacific Rim, and offer conclusions on natural phenomena such as flora (yielding pulque) and volcanic eruptions (in a farmer's corn patch). Authors enlighten readers with assessments of Spanish-Aztec warfare, indigenous mastery of the Spanish legal system to bend it to their purposes, songs prohibited by the Inquisition, and more than one hundred other fascinating aspects of the nation's history. Coverage of individuals includes widely known figures such as the monumental Benito Juárez, the hero and traitor Antonio López de Santa Anna, Porfirio Díaz, and Lázaro Cárdenas, as well as several outstanding women whose contributions have helped shape Mexican culture and politics. The Tlatelolco massacre of demonstrators in 1968 receives careful assessment and other essays examine the changing popular and political attitudes that followed. The tragedy ushered in events that created Mexico's electoral democracy confirmed in the 2000 presidential election.

Written in clear explanatory prose and incorporating the latest research, the encyclopedia's articles offer a marvelous narrative of use to scholars, students, and the general reader.

Bibliographic Information

Affiliations are at time of print publication..

William H. Beezley is Professor of History at the University of Arizona and the Editor in Chief of the Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Latin American History . He has achieved an international reputation for his investigations of Mexico's history and culture through such publications as the classic Judas at the Jockey Club and over 25 other books, including The Oxford History of Mexico (2nd edn., 2010). In 2017 the Mexican government awarded him the Ohtli Medal.

• Share This Facebook LinkedIn Twitter
• All Contents

Access to the complete content on Oxford Reference requires a subscription or purchase. Public users are able to search the site and view the abstracts and keywords for each book and chapter without a subscription.

Please subscribe or login to access full text content.

If you have purchased a print title that contains an access token, please see the token for information about how to register your code.

For questions on access or troubleshooting, please check our FAQs , and if you can''t find the answer there, please contact us .

Agrarian Revolt in the Sierra of Chihuahua

Architecture in mexico city, 1940–1980, aztec apocalypse, 1519–1521, benito juárez and liberalism, carlos salinas de gortari and his legacy, caste war in yucatán, catholicism in mexico, 1910 to the present, chiapas and the zapatista national liberation army, chin chun chan : the zarzuela as an ethnic and technological farce, civilian aviation in mexico, convent and family property in new spain, cuauhtémoc cárdenas and the democratization of mexican politics, culture in mexico during the miracle and beyond, 1946–1982, democratizing mexican politics, 1982–2012, digital resources: digital projects in mexico city’s archives and libraries, digital resources: getty research institute digital exhibitions and portals for mexico, digital resources: hispanic american periodicals index (hapi), digital resources: llilas benson latin american studies and collections, university of texas at austin, digital resources: power of attorney, a digital spatial history of indigenous legal culture in colonial oaxaca, mexico, digital resources: the bracero history archive, front matter, publishing information, editorial board, about the oxford research encyclopedia of latin american history, topical outline of articles, preface and acknowledgments, introduction, directory of contributors.

• Oxford University Press

PRINTED FROM OXFORD REFERENCE (www.oxfordreference.com). (c) Copyright Oxford University Press, 2023. All Rights Reserved. Under the terms of the licence agreement, an individual user may print out a PDF of a single entry from a reference work in OR for personal use (for details see Privacy Policy and Legal Notice ).

date: 23 September 2024

• Cookie Policy
• Privacy Policy
• Legal Notice
• Accessibility
• [195.158.225.244]
• 195.158.225.244

Character limit 500 /500

To install StudyMoose App tap and then “Add to Home Screen”

Mexican Culture - Free Essay Examples and Topic Ideas

Culture can affect many aspects of one’s life. Culture simply means “a way of life”, it includes knowledge, belief, religion, morality, food preferences, and many more. In particular, health beliefs and customs can affect one’s view of health as a whole. It can affect acknowledging the problem, understanding the issue, getting treatment, accepting that treatment, and continuing with treatment.

• 📘 Free essay examples for your ideas about Mexican Culture
• 🏆 Best Essay Topics on Mexican Culture
• ⚡ Simple & Mexican Culture Easy Topics
• 🎓 Good Research Topics about Mexican Culture
• 📖 Essay guide on Mexican Culture
• ❓ Questions and Answers

Essay examples

Essay topic.

Save to my list

Remove from my list

• American/Mexican Culture
• Mexican Culture: Customs & Traditions
• Mexican Daily Life
• Mexican American Culture
• Cultural Sensitivity Towards The Mexican
• Mexican Religion Shapes Culture
• Hisory of Mexican Art
• Frida Kahlo’s Impact on Mexican Culture, Feminism, and Popular Culture
• The Injustices of Being Mexican
• Mexican Culture in Poetry of Pat Mora
• A Mexican Tejano in American Texas
• Mexican food Essay
• The Brave Mexican
• Mexican and Italian foods
• Successive ethical dilemma Leadership Attempts in Campus Free Essay Example
• Mexican War and the Spanish American War
• Mexican American War an Exercise in American Imperialism
• Mexican Educational System
• Immigration and Border Patrol Among Mexican and American Lines
• Murder and Mexican American Gangs
• Analysis of Chipotle Mexican Grill
• Chipotle Mexican Grill Fast Food Restaurants

Mexico, Culture and Medical Traditions 

Out of all the countries, Mexico is the 11th most populated country with 124,574,795 people as of July 2017. Mexico is a multiethnic nation; with their largest ethnic group being mestizo which accounts for 62% of their population. After that their ethnic groups are as follows: predominantly Amerindian 21%, Amerindian 7%, other 10% (mostly European). The languages they speak are varied as well, 92.7% speak Spanish only, 5.7% speak Spanish and indigenous languages, 0.8% speak indigenous only, and 0.8% unspecified. Mexico’s major religion is roman catholic at 82.7% of their population. The rest of their religion they classify as are: Pentecostal 1.6%, Jehovah’s Witness 1.4%, other Evangelical Churches 5%, other 1.9%, none 4.7%, unspecified 2.7% (“The World Factbook: MEXICO,” 2018). My question is how do all these factors affect us in the medical field as a whole, in caring for patients of this culture? How exactly can we help patients of this culture in their treatment and there comfort in healthcare? The research in this paper will delve into all aspects of the culture of Mexicans, there food preferences, their religion, their traditional treatment of illnesses, and their family dynamics.

Keywords: Mexicans, culture, healthcare, religion, customs, tradition, food preferences

Mexican Food Habits

I chose to write about Mexican culture because where I work now I interact with people who are Mexican often. I sometimes learn about the different things they do in their culture to heal their illnesses, and I want to learn more about their way of life. In this research, I hope to understand a little more about their personal and traditional culture, and how people of Mexican culture relate to healthcare. Mexican food typically consists of things like: tortillas, beans, rice, chilies, salsas, corn, full-fat milk, and cheeses. This high carbohydrate and high caloric intake can contribute to many factors, one of those being obesity. Mexico has one of the highest youth obesity rates, > 34% of children and adolescents between 5-19 years of age are overweight or obese.

Apart from food habits, children in the Mexican culture have shown consumption of carbonated drinks and sweetened beverages have increased 226% between the years 1999-2006. Excess body fat in children can lead to multiple clinical conditions like fatty liver disease, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, insulin resistance, and hypercholesterolemia (Aceves-Martins, Llaurado, & Giralt, 2016).

Traditional Healthcare and Women’s Health

According to the World Health Organization, diabetes is the leading cause of death in Mexico. I read an article that considered type 2 diabetes as a lifestyle disease because of the people that develop it. Due to the eating habits of the Mexican culture, it has been a growing issue in the past years. One of the big contributors in the management of type 2 diabetes is diet, and in a culture where food is heavily loaded with carbohydrates, this could be a huge factor in the management of this disease. In Mexican culture, they have many beliefs when it comes to their healthcare and healing beliefs. One example is Curanderismo, which encourages the use of plant-based medicines, like aloe vera, cumin, sage, and rue.

This can become a conflict in healthcare possibly when a medication is being prescribed and perhaps the patient either doesn’t want it or doesn’t tell the doctor that they are taking these other herbs that could conflict with the medication. Another healthcare belief the Mexican culture has is that the women are not allowed to use birth control in the Catholic religion, which as we discussed earlier that is the main religion of Mexico. A large family and many children are viewed as a blessing, and the number of children a woman has develops the women’s status. Many Mexican women view pregnancy as a “normal” condition which does not require the assistance of a physician. The elder women in the family will provide support and guidance and prenatal care is avoided. It is believed that when a woman is pregnant she should avoid all things that are “death related’, so she cannot attend things like funerals, or burials, and even visiting cemeteries.

Another thing that is believed by the Mexican culture is that pregnant women should avoid exposure to sun or stand near fire. It is believed that in doing so the excess heat could burn the placenta or heat the baby and irritate the fetus.

Role of Family, Machismo and Marianismo

A big key role in Mexican culture is machismo and marianismo. It describes the roles for males and females. This refers to the man to have a strong work ethic, be a good provider, and a protector of his family. In this role, men are expected to behave in ways that are considered to be masculine or macho. According to the CDC, if they are “True to these values, men are often reluctant to consult physicians for health problems until someone is so ill that a visit to an emergency room is needed. Fathers or husbands may make other family members, especially their wives and daughters, wait until the last minute to obtain care or may take an uncooperative stance on the healthcare needs of family members.” For this culture, family or familismo is where loyalty to one’s extended family is more important than the needs of the one person. So, this can be difficult when a solo patient needs to make independent decisions.

According to Caballero (2011), an example of this being difficult in a situation is where a patient may feel like they need to talk treatment options, like taking certain medications or making lifestyle modifications, with their family members before making a decision on it.

Given all the research and examples of the Mexican culture that could affect health care; it is imperative that we understand a patients culture/lifestyle. In this field, we cannot have cultural blindness when it comes to treating and caring for our patients. We need to understand and know the different cultural influences on health care like: physiologic variations, reactions to pain, mental health, gender roles, language, food and nutrition, family support, and even socioeconomic factors. Understanding these factors affect physical health and being sensitive and aware of these different factors can make a significant difference in health outcomes.

• The world factbook: MEXICO. (2018, September 26). Retrieved from https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/mx.html Aceves-Martins, M.,
• Llaurado, E., Sola, R., & Giralt, M. (2016). Obesity-promoting factors in Mexican children and adolescents: Challenges and opportunities. Global Health Action, 9(1). doi:10.3402/gha.v9.29625
• Caballero, A. E., MD. (2011). Understanding the Hispanic/Latino Patient. The American Journal Of Medicine, 124(10), S10-S15.

FAQ about Mexican Culture

👋 Hi! I’m your smart assistant Amy!

Don’t know where to start? Type your requirements and I’ll connect you to an academic expert within 3 minutes.

Mexico: a Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry

How it works

In the big picture of global migration, Mexico really stands out as a cool place to move to. It’s got this amazing mix of culture, growing job opportunities, and a fun way of life. Folks usually think of Mexico as a place people leave, but it’s also a great spot for people to come to. Let’s talk about why Mexico is such a draw.

• 1 Economic Growth and Opportunities
• 2 Cultural Richness and Historical Depth
• 3 Quality of Life and Lifestyle
• 4 Strategic Importance and Connectivity
• 5 Conclusion

Economic Growth and Opportunities

Mexico’s economy is growing fast, and that’s a huge pull for folks looking for new jobs or starting businesses.

Over the past few years, Mexico’s become one of the biggest economies in Latin America. It’s got a mix of different industries. The manufacturing sector is doing especially well, thanks to being right next to the U.S. and being part of global supply chains. The car and electronics industries are booming, offering tons of jobs for skilled workers.

On top of that, Mexico’s startup scene is really taking off. Cities like Mexico City, Guadalajara, and Monterrey are buzzing with tech startups. There’s a growing network of investors and incubators helping out. The government is also backing innovation and entrepreneurship, making Mexico a great place for professionals looking for exciting career opportunities.

Cultural Richness and Historical Depth

Besides the economic stuff, Mexico’s rich culture and history are big reasons why people are drawn here. The country’s culture is a mix of indigenous, Spanish, and Afro-Caribbean influences, which makes for a unique and lively cultural vibe. This diversity shows up in its festivals, food, music, and art. Events like Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) and the Guelaguetza festival give deep insights into Mexico’s traditions, attracting cultural fans and researchers.

Mexico’s historical sites and natural beauty are another big draw. Places like Teotihuacan, Chichen Itza, and Palenque aren’t just old ruins; they’re glimpses into ancient civilizations. The colonial cities like Guanajuato and San Miguel de Allende, with their charming buildings and lively arts scenes, offer a mix of history and modern culture. For those who love diving into culture and history, Mexico is a treasure trove.

Quality of Life and Lifestyle

Living in Mexico also promises a great lifestyle. The cost of living is pretty low compared to many Western countries, which is great for retirees, digital nomads, and expats. The healthcare system is good too, with plenty of affordable, high-quality medical facilities.

The lifestyle in Mexico is friendly and community-oriented. The people are warm and welcoming. Whether you like the hustle and bustle of Mexico City, the peaceful beaches of the Yucatan Peninsula, or the scenic highlands of Oaxaca, there’s something for everyone. And let’s not forget the food! Mexico’s culinary scene is famous worldwide for its variety and flavor, making everyday dining an adventure.

Strategic Importance and Connectivity

Mexico’s location is another big plus. Being close to the U.S. and acting as a bridge between North and South America makes it a key spot for business and travel. The country has a well-developed network of airports, seaports, and highways, making it easy to get around both internationally and domestically. This connectivity is great for businesses looking to expand and for folks who love to travel.

Mexico is also involved in international trade agreements like the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which boosts its economic prospects and makes it a good place for international business and investment. For companies and professionals aiming for global markets, Mexico is a strategic choice.

In the end, Mexico is a great place for migrants for many reasons—economic opportunities, rich culture, a good lifestyle, and strategic importance. Its growing economy offers plenty of chances for work and business. The cultural and historical richness provides endless exploration. The quality of life is high, with affordable living and great healthcare. And its strategic location makes it a key player in global trade. All these factors make Mexico a place full of opportunities and a fulfilling life.

Cite this page

Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry. (2024, Sep 17). Retrieved from https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/

"Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry." PapersOwl.com , 17 Sep 2024, https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/ [Accessed: 23 Sep. 2024]

"Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry." PapersOwl.com, Sep 17, 2024. Accessed September 23, 2024. https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/

"Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry," PapersOwl.com , 17-Sep-2024. [Online]. Available: https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/. [Accessed: 23-Sep-2024]

PapersOwl.com. (2024). Mexico: A Magnet of Opportunities and Rich Cultural Tapestry . [Online]. Available at: https://papersowl.com/examples/mexico-a-magnet-of-opportunities-and-rich-cultural-tapestry/ [Accessed: 23-Sep-2024]

Don't let plagiarism ruin your grade

Hire a writer to get a unique paper crafted to your needs.

Our writers will help you fix any mistakes and get an A+!

Please check your inbox.

You can order an original essay written according to your instructions.

Trusted by over 1 million students worldwide

1. Tell Us Your Requirements

2. Pick your perfect writer

3. Get Your Paper and Pay

Hi! I'm Amy, your personal assistant!

Don't know where to start? Give me your paper requirements and I connect you to an academic expert.

short deadlines

100% Plagiarism-Free

Certified writers

Home — Essay Samples — Sociology — Indigenous People — Mexico Culture

Mexico Culture

• Categories: Indigenous People

About this sample

Words: 620 |

Published: Mar 19, 2024

Words: 620 | Page: 1 | 4 min read

Table of contents

Indigenous heritage, religion and syncretism, music and dance, art and literature, modern mexican society.

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below:

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr Jacklynne

Verified writer

• Expert in: Sociology

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

1 pages / 583 words

2 pages / 895 words

4 pages / 1656 words

3 pages / 1503 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Indigenous People

Christopher Columbus, the famed Italian explorer who sailed across the Atlantic Ocean in 1492 in search of a shorter route to Asia, is a figure whose legacy remains deeply contested today. While Columbus's voyages marked the [...]

The idea of knowledge could be interpreted as the accumulation of intelligence from posteriori (experimental) learning. As a society, we learn to rely on others to gain information. The prescribed title assumes that any [...]

In The Marrow Thieves, Cherie Dimaline masterfully weaves a dystopian narrative that delves into the heart of humanity's capacity for both destruction and resilience. This gripping novel brings to light the harsh realities of a [...]

The medicine bag, a sacred and revered object in many Indigenous cultures, is a powerful symbol of cultural identity, tradition, and healing. This small pouch, often made of leather and adorned with beads, feathers, and other [...]

Battiste, Marie. (2005). Indigenous Knowledge: Foundations for First Nations. Worm Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium Journal.Foley, D. (2003). Indigenous Epistemology and Indigenous Standpoint Theory. Social [...]

In 1788, a woman named Sacagawea was born and little did we know she would have such a great impact in the world. She was a strong woman figure in the late 1700’s to the early 1800’s and because of her actions she gave women a [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free

Essay Service Examples Sociology Mexican

Essay on Mexican Culture

• Proper editing and formatting
• Free revision, title page, and bibliography
• Flexible prices and money-back guarantee

Our writers will provide you with an essay sample written from scratch: any topic, any deadline, any instructions.

Cite this paper

Related essay topics.

Get your paper done in as fast as 3 hours, 24/7.

Related articles

Most popular essays

A Maquiladora is a Mexican assembly plant that imports materials and equipment on a duty-free and...

• Traditional Family Roles

The term “family’ can hold a varying amount of significance and meaning to each of us. Personally,...

The year is 1909, and the people of Mexico begin to rise up against the tyrannical regime of...

The people fought through the revolution from 1910-1920, to earn their rights. The Revolution was...

Most Americans have heard of the difficulties of life for White Americans during the great...

• Childhood Experience

“Don’t let it end like this. Tell them I said something.” The famous last words of the Mexican...

• Cultural Relativism

An occupational hazard of studying, writing about, and teaching Mexican philosophy is that...

I, Rafael Leal, am Mexican American. I was born in the United States, but the blood and cultural...

• American Culture
• Cultural Diversity

Mexican culture has its similarities and differences with American culture. Not only are there...

Join our 150k of happy users

• Get original paper written according to your instructions
• Save time for what matters most

Fair Use Policy

EduBirdie considers academic integrity to be the essential part of the learning process and does not support any violation of the academic standards. Should you have any questions regarding our Fair Use Policy or become aware of any violations, please do not hesitate to contact us via [email protected].

We are here 24/7 to write your paper in as fast as 3 hours.

Provide your email, and we'll send you this sample!

By providing your email, you agree to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy .

Say goodbye to copy-pasting!

Get custom-crafted papers for you.

Enter your email, and we'll promptly send you the full essay. No need to copy piece by piece. It's in your inbox!

As A Mexican American, I’ve Always Struggled With Not Feeling “Hispanic Enough”

I was born to two amazing parents. My mom is a first gen American, a daughter of two Mexican immigrant parents. My dad is an immigrant himself, having only recently immigrated to the U.S. a few years prior to my birth. So, needless to say, my culture was very strongly upheld in my home growing up. Yet, somehow, no matter how much Spanish I spoke, or Mexican recipes I perfected, there was a long period of my life where I just didn’t feel Hispanic enough . 

The first time I had the notion that I didn’t live up to the expectations of being a “true” Mexican was during a family trip back to the motherland herself when I was around 6 years old. I remember talking to my cousins who lived there, and they could hardly understand me, despite me speaking my best Spanish. They laughed, asked me a million questions about America, and gave me a Spanish spelling bee. While I now know they weren’t trying to make me feel bad, or make me feel lesser than them, the damage was done. That fateful day made me come to the conclusion that, no matter how hard I tried, I would never be as Mexican as they are. 

I’d like to say that experience made me want to lean more into my culture, to perfect my Spanish, but that would be a lie. In reality, I took that night as a sign that I was not cut out to be Mexican. I actually distanced myself from my heritage for the majority of my pre-teen and teenage years. It’s not like I didn’t like it — I’ve always loved Mexican culture, food, and traditions. Not a single bit of me has ever hated being Mexican. However, I began to speak less Spanish, I didn’t listen to any Latin music artists, and I didn’t allow myself to enjoy Mexican parties. I almost completely pushed this part of my identity away. 

I remember when my sister turned 15 and had her quinceañera. I was a dama, which meant I was part of the “court” and had to learn a surprise dance and wear a frilly dress that matched the color of the theme — it was basically like being a bridesmaid. I was so conflicted: On the one hand, I felt honored to be a part of the celebration for my sister. But on the other hand, I thought the whole thing was a waste of time.

Then, in 2017, when I was 13 years old, Disney released the movie Coco , and — as dramatic as it may sound — that movie changed my life. Watching this story about a Mexican boy who doesn’t conform exactly to his family’s ideals, but who gains the love and approval of those around him in the end, made me think about my own life: If Miguel could be himself and still be considered “Mexican enough,” then why couldn’t I? 

This revelation caused me to completely reconsider what it means to be Hispanic, and I decided that there wasn’t a right or wrong way to live out my identity. I realized no matter where you’re from, where you live, what you like, or how you choose to live your life, every single person born of Hispanic heritage is always Hispanic enough, including me. 

A few years later, it was my turn to turn 15, and since I went to a high school with a large Hispanic population, I watched a bunch of my peers have their quinceañeras. However, I made the decision to not have one — not because I was rejecting my culture, but because I didn’t (and still don’t) feel like having a quinceañera aligned with my personality or interests.

Regardless, at the time, my choice to not have a quinceañera labeled me as “the most white-washed Mexican ever” in my classmates’ eyes. I hated the insults they threw at me, but even more than that, I hated that there were these arbitrary rules that seemed to decide what made someone Mexican and what didn’t. I also felt gross that other people felt they could tell me that I wasn’t Hispanic enough.

Admittedly, now as a college student, I still sometimes continue to struggle with feeling “Hispanic enough.” However, the biggest things that help me when I feel this way are finding joy in my culture, and sharing my culture with those around me.

It doesn’t matter if I don’t speak perfect impeccable Spanish, it doesn’t matter if I don’t only listen to Latin artists, and it doesn’t matter if I had a quinceañera or not — because none of that changes what’s in my blood and the experiences I’ve had to make me who I am. I love being Hispanic, I love my Mexican culture, and I will always be a part of this amazing community no matter what path I choose to go on. I’m so glad I realized this, and I hope others who believe the hurtful stereotype of not being “Hispanic enough” come to realize this truth, too.

• Hispanic Heritage Month 2024
• personal essay

CU Boulder '26

We wanna slide into your DMs

(but via email)

The newsletter you won’t leave unread.

• History & Society
• Science & Tech
• Biographies
• Animals & Nature
• Geography & Travel
• Arts & Culture
• Games & Quizzes
• On This Day
• One Good Fact
• New Articles
• Lifestyles & Social Issues
• Philosophy & Religion
• Politics, Law & Government
• World History
• Health & Medicine
• Browse Biographies
• Birds, Reptiles & Other Vertebrates
• Bugs, Mollusks & Other Invertebrates
• Environment
• Fossils & Geologic Time
• Entertainment & Pop Culture
• Sports & Recreation
• Visual Arts
• Demystified
• Image Galleries
• Infographics
• Top Questions
• Britannica Kids
• Saving Earth
• Space Next 50
• Student Center
• Introduction

Smokey’s origins

The real smokey, confusion over smokey’s name.

Smokey Bear

Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.

• Table Of Contents

Smokey Bear , an official mascot of the USDA Forest Service, created in 1944 as part of a national campaign to educate campers and others on forest fire prevention and safety; it is the longest-running public service advertising campaign in U.S. history. A black bear cub that survived a New Mexico forest fire in 1950 became a living embodiment of the cultural icon and was a popular attraction at the Smithsonian Institution ’s National Zoo in Washington, D.C. , for more than two decades.

Smokey’s story begins at the start of the United States’ involvement in World War II (1939–45). Just months after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor , a Japanese submarine shelled an oil field near Santa Barbara , California , raising the fear that nearby Los Padres National Forest might catch fire. It also prompted a broader concern that forests along the coast were at risk of being set ablaze from any future shellings—a particularly troubling thought, given that experienced forest firefighters and other capable personnel, as well as necessary equipment, were no longer readily available, having been drawn into the war effort. In order to educate the country about the importance of forest fire prevention, the Cooperative Forest Fire Prevention (CFFP) campaign was created by the Forest Service, the Association of State Foresters (since 1964, known as the National Association of State Foresters), and the War Advertising Council (after the war, known as the Ad Council). Among its initial slogans were “Our carelessness, their secret weapon” and “Forest fires aid the enemy.”

August 9 is considered Smokey Bear’s official birthday.

The motion picture Bambi (1942), produced by Walt Disney , premiered about the same time as the prevention campaign, and Disney gave the CFFP permission to use Bambi and other characters from the film on its posters for one year. Another mascot would be needed thereafter, and on August 9, 1944, the Forest Service authorized the creation of Smokey Bear. As a result, August 9 is considered Smokey’s official birthday.

Smokey proved extremely popular, and over the years his image has been found on posters, cards, comic books, and more; Smokey Bear has even appeared in the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Interest from the commercial sector caused Congress to pull the mascot from the public domain in 1952 and place him under the auspices of the secretary of agriculture. Fees and royalties collected from the use of Smokey’s image are used to fund wildfire education.

In early 1950 a massive wildfire raged through a forest in New Mexico’s Capitan Mountains, pulling in crews from New Mexico and Texas . Firefighters received a report of a bear cub near the fire line but were too busy to go to its assistance. Shortly after, the fire overwhelmed the firefighters, forcing them to flee to a rockslide, where they lay, face down, for more than an hour as the fire burned around them. The bear cub, which had climbed a tree to escape the inferno, suffered burns on its legs and paws.

A ranger with the New Mexico Department of Game and Fish learned of the cub and recovered it from a firefighting rancher who had taken it home. The cub was flown to Santa Fe , where it received care for its burns. As news of its survival story spread, the country became entranced by the cub. It was presented to the Forest Service, which in turn presented it to the Smithsonian ’s National Zoo , in Washington, D.C. , under the condition that it be part of a national wildfire prevention program. The cub was named Smokey and lived at the zoo until its death on November 9, 1976. Under the terms of a congressional resolution that had been passed two years earlier, Smokey was returned to New Mexico and buried at the Smokey Bear Historical Park in Capitan. His passing was noted in a front-page obituary in The Wall Street Journal .

During his lifetime, the real Smokey Bear quickly became one of the most popular attractions in the National Zoo’s history. Smokey regularly received gifts, such as honey, from fans and received so much fan mail that the bear was given its own ZIP code: 20252. Numerous artifacts from Smokey’s life at the zoo are contained in the Smithsonian’s archives.

In 1971 Smokey was joined at the National Zoo by Little Smokey, an orphaned black bear cub rescued in the Lincoln National Forest, New Mexico, by the Forest Service. During a ceremony on May 2, 1975, Smokey officially retired, and Little Smokey was formally designated Smokey Bear II.

In 2019 a special outdoor exhibit debuted at the National Zoo in celebration of the life of the real Smokey Bear as well as the 75th anniversary of the iconic fire prevention character. Visitors were greeted by a 6-foot- (1.8-meter-) tall statue of the beloved mascot, as well as by archival photos and posters along the path near Smokey’s former habitat at the zoo.