CULTURE
The people of Mexico are generally a warm and gracious
population. Most Mexicans today are descendants from the original
Indians that inhabited the area, or a combination of Indian and
Spanish lines from the Europeans that settled in the area after
the 16th century. In some areas of southern Mexico the pure Indian
blood is still very dominant, and these cultures have changed
little over the centuries.
The influence of Old Spain is prevalent in many parts of today's
Mexico. In addition to Spanish race being a dominant character
in the looks and heritage of the people, the Spanish language
is the national language of Mexico. Christianity was brought
to the local people in the 16th century by the Spanish, and dominates
the religious signature of the country today. Even the basic
design of most of Mexico's towns, with a central plaza and adjacent
church, came from the design of many of the older cities in Spain.
The Mexican people are proud of
their country and it's history, which has been quite tumultuous,
to say the least. However they
are a hard working people of strong character, and hold a high
value for children, elders and the family unit. This may seem
inconsistent with the "macho" image sometimes portrayed
of Mexican men, but the macho image is set on a foundation of
high respect for family, friends and other human beings.
The Mexican population as a whole is generally young, with the
majority of the people in the country under 40 years old. Economically
they are not wealthy, and in some states they are actually quite
poor. They are slowly evolving from a government system that
was dominantly socialistic and lacking in opportunity for many
years, and are currently working their way towards a more democratic
society as they enter the new millennium.
Mexico is working hard to increase the educational opportunities
for it's young people. Schools are an increasingly important
focus in most cities in Mexico, and help to offer hope that the
Mexicans of tomorrow will be able to enjoy a more prosperous
lifestyle.
Most Mexicans are not dedicated to creating wealth at the expense
of loosing an agreeable daily lifestyle, as is the case with
some western cultures. They finesse the traditions of 'siestas'
and 'manana' into a reasonable quest for the good life, and this
system has worked well for them. What else would you expect from
the people who invented the Fiesta!
