The Spanish culture in Latin America is full of different traditions. In fact, every Spanish-speaking country has its own traditions. Mexicans have developed their own traditions which have been influenced by Indigenous and Spanish cultures and minor influences from around the world.

The culture of Mexico has undergone a tremendous transformation over the years and the traditions vary widely all over the country. All the cities and towns across the country have world-renowned traditions that encompass their food, costumes, languages, and values.

Here are some examples of those city and rural traditions:

Quinceañera

Quinceañera marks a woman transitioning from childhood to womanhood and this tradition is celebrated when the girl turns 15 years old. The party is divided into two parts: the Mass and the Fiesta.

There is a special Mass in honor of the birthday girl, where she receives Holy communion and commits herself to God and the Virgin Mary. She might also bring a bouquet of flowers for the Virgin Mary. Before the Mass is over the priest blesses the quinceañera.

The party often begins with traditional music and dances. Some of those dances require months of preparation and it usually starts with the father-daughter dance. After the dance, there are gifts, dinner, cake, and photos, some of them even include a show.

Día de la Independencia (Independence Day)

On September 16th, Mexicans around the globe will celebrate the anniversary of the country’s independence from Spain. The day is marked with a national holiday in Mexico and has an array of performances from fireworks to dance routines. It begins the night before when the president of Mexico rings a bell located in the National Palace in Mexico City. It is a public holiday in which the population is off work and schools are closed. This festivity is full of colorful parades, mariachi concerts, and food. People tend to decorate their houses and dress in the colors of the flag.

It is often confused with Cinco De Mayo by people around the world, especially people from the United States. This day marks the moment when Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla made the first cry for independence in 1810.

Día de Los Muertos (Death's Day)

Día de Los Muertos or death day is a celebration of life and death. It is celebrated on November 2nd. When the celebration started in Mexico it was celebrated all around Latin America. The Day of the Dead is unique in its traditions: the ofrenda, the meaning of life and death, the use of calaveras, the style influenced by La Catrina, and more.

Families create ofrendas (offerings) to honor their departed family members that have passed. They create altars in which they put pictures of the departed members, flowers, and their favorite meals.

On this day it is believed that the border between the spirit world and the real world dissolves. During this period the souls of the dead are awake and return to the living world to have fun, drink, eat, and play music.

Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe

This is a religious feast day that is celebrated on December 12th. It honors the Guadalupe Virgin. Every year, thousands of people travel to the Basilica of Guadalupe located in Mexico City to lay their eyes on her and pray for their loved ones. On this day, most people will spend at least a few hours in church, they will also set off firecrackers, march in parades, and attend live musical performances. It is a day to celebrate with family and friends.

Final thoughts

These traditions reflect the culture and customs of a country like Mexico. Some customs are known worldwide and even celebrated in other parts of the world, albeit in a different way. These traditions are passed down from generation to generation and are celebrated throughout the country.