1.

Taboo in Mexico

* Money 
Don’t ask people how much they make, nor how much they pay for rent. 

In other societies, this is quite common and there’s nothing wrong with it, but this is
considered a big no-no in Mexico.

To be honest, I wish this changed! ¿Cómo se supone  (How am I supposed) to know how to

face the challenges of adulting if I can’t openly talk about home economics with others?!?! 

*Religion 
En México we don’t have an official religion. The idea of separation between State and
Church plays an important part of our sense of Nation. However, religion or just the belief in
a higher power is still very important for millions of Mexicans… 

La mayoría de los mexicanos son católicos (The majority of Mexicans are Catholics), but
even if one is not Catholic, the influence of Catholicism can be felt through our cultural
landscape. 

Our most important holidays are all related to Catholic traditions: Christmas, Day of the
Dead, Easter, Epiphany… So, be mindful of what you say about God, Jesus, The Pope, Virgin
Mary (Virgen de Guadalupe), etc, etc… 

You see, younger generations are more open-minded and tolerant, but even a non-religious,
super liberal person, like myself, wouldn’t dare to say anything bad against La Virgencita in
front of My Auntie Marcia.

* Politics
Attention: I don’t shy away from discussing anything political. Actually, I believe that
everything is political… 

But for the purposes of this article, let me clarify that when I say that politics are a topic best
left avoided, I’m talking specifically about party politics, presidential politics… the whole
either you love or hate the President.

This topic has completely divided Mexico and it’s just awful to see hermano contra
hermano (brother against brother) calling each other names.

Es triste (It is sad)… So, when in Mexico, si no quieres aguar la fiesta, (if you don't want to
be a party pooper), just refrain from talking about politics. 

And if you hear Mexicans using words like CHAIRO or FIFÍ  in a conversation, run!!!! 

 FYI: these are the words that people who either love or hate the President use to describe one
another.

Chairo  is like using the term Social Justice Warrior in a mocking way and Fifí is an outdated
term (brought back by Mexico’s President himself) to talk about people who are posh, upper
class, or who act as if they were? You see, it’s complicated… 

* Your dislike for a local dish  

Seriously, dude. No lo hagas. (Don’t do it.) No vale la pena. (It’s not worth it). 

Let’s say you’ve heard so much about tamales… you’re all hyped, you tried them and… it's
meh… An underwhelming experience… Keep it to yourself, no one wants to hear about it! 

Mexicans can get very sensitive when it comes to defending what we consider sacred, and our
food is definitely a part of it. 

If you tried the homemade version of a dish —the abuelita (grandma) version of it— and still,
you didn’t like, no digas nada (don’t say anything about it). Nada bueno va salir de
eso.  (Nothing good is gonna come out of it.) 

2. Beliefs

Mexico does not have an official religion. However, Roman Catholicism is the dominant faith
and deeply culturally pervasive. It is estimated over 80% of the population identifies as
Catholic. Many Mexicans see Catholicism as part of their identity, passed on through the family
and nation like cultural heritage. However, not all Mexicans attend church services regularly.
Religiosity is most visible in festivities, events and also the placement of idols throughout
people’s homes and public places. While approximately 5% of the population is thought to be
unaffiliated with any religion, many non-religious Mexicans still engage in Catholic celebrations.
 Catholicism in Mexico
Spanish colonists introduced Roman Catholicism to Mexico in the 16th century. This religion
teaches the doctrine of God as the ‘Holy Trinity’, consisting of the Father, the Son and the Holy
Spirit. Today, Catholicism is synonymous with the culture and society of Mexico. It is deeply
infused in the public life and visible in the language. For example, one might hear the following
phrases on a daily basis: “Si Dios quiere” (God willing), “Dios te bendiga” (God bless you) and
“Gracias a Dios” (thank God). 
 
La Virgen de Guadalupe (Virgin of Guadalupe)
Mexico has a patron saint, known as the ‘La Virgen de Guadalupe’ (the Virgin of Guadalupe).
She is depicted as a darker-skinned version of the Virgin Mary, with more Mexican features. It is
believed she appeared to a peasant, identifying herself as the Virgin Mary by speaking in his
native Aztec language. This image and story of the Virgin Mary is unique to Mexico,
representing the way Catholicism has evolved to suit the Mesoamerican context. The
incorporation indigenous heritage and culture into her origin story and legacy means that the
Virgin of Guadalupe is believed to be the ‘mother’ of all Mexicans. She is Mexico’s most
important national icon and religious cultural symbol.
 
3. Norms

*Throwing quinceañera parties…

Let’s start off with one of Mexico’s (and Latin America’s) most well-known cultural customs –
throwing quinceañera parties for a daughter’s 15th birthday. While this has developed a
reputation for being a bit over-the-top in recent years – and is shunned by many teenage girls – it
is still an undeniably prevalent event on many a Mexican’s social calendar. Involving religious
rituals and princess dresses, the Mexican quinceañera is probably something many outsiders fail
to understand.

* …but not singing happy birthday

However, despite a global reputation for throwing some of the most extravagant birthday parties
in the world, you might be surprised to know that the ‘Happy Birthday’ song is probably not
present at any of them. That’s because Mexicans instead sing ‘Las Mañanitas’ to the lucky
birthday boy or girl. So, if you’re planning on spending an extended period in Mexico, you better
learn the words – there’s nothing more awkward than standing in silence as everyone else sings
along!

*Arriving late

That brings us rather roundly onto our final cultural custom that non-Mexicans may have trouble
adjusting to; constant lateness. If you’re used to arriving on time to things, whether they be
appointments, meetings or just catch-ups with friends, then prepare to spend a lot of time waiting
around in Mexico, as turning up 30 minutes late is pretty normal. This is not a sign of rudeness,
but it can be quite frustrating if you’re perpetually punctual.

* Indulging in copious displays of public affection

In a similar vein to Mexico’s hugging and kissing culture, you’ll definitely be privy to more than
one display of public affection in your time in Mexico. It doesn’t matter if the couple is on
a crowded metro, in an empty plaza or even just waiting to cross the street, you’ll certainly bump
into at least one overly-affectionate pair at some point or another. Unlike many places, where
they’d be stared at until they stopped, in Mexico most people are very accepting of it.

4. Music

Mariachi
Mariachi, also known as Música Ranchera or Ranchero, is the best known regional Mexican
music genre in the world, making it a global Mexican symbol. The topics that Mariachi music
deals with are usually love-related: The genre is especially known for its lyrics involving
heartbreak and drinking to forget. Other songs tend to exalt traditional Mexican values like
courage, hard work, and honor while using country-related lifestyle imagery. The origins of this
music are documented as far back as the 18th century in western Mexican states, most
prominently in Jalisco.

Corridos

Even if some people tend to group Corrido under the Norteño umbrella, Corrido deserves its own
spot as a regional Mexican music genre, as it has a very distinct cultural significance. Corridos
have been present in Mexican and Mexican American culture as far back as the Mexican war of
independence in 1810, where they were used as a vehicle to document the triumphs of war
heroes. For similar reasons, corridos became popular again during the Mexican civil war in 1910.