Mexico’s culture is more vibrant than just tacos and tequila. Its rich heritage was influenced by the ancient Aztec and Mayan peoples as well as the fusion of Spanish culture during the three-century occupation. While Spanish is the most widely spoken language, there are 68 indigenous languages recognized in Mexico. And with over 129 million people, Mexico is the 10th most populous country in the world.
Famous Food & Spirits of Mexico
Mexican cuisine is well-known and loved worldwide with corn, hot peppers (chiles), and beans at the heart of many Mexican dishes. Many foods that are popular worldwide originated in Mexico, such as avocados, pumpkins, and chocolate.
Chocolate, in Mexico, has an interesting history. Made from the cacao bean, Mexicans use chocolate in many forms including in their signature “mole” sauce which is made with spices, dried chilis, and onion. The Aztecs even used cacao as currency—talk about money growing on trees! Ancient sites pay homage to the cacao bean with ancient glyph carvings and even remnants of chocolate drinks in jars.
As most people know, Mexico is also the birthplace of tequila and mezcal. Both spirits come from the agave plant that has been cooked and fermented, with mezcal being the one famous for the “worm” (or moth larva) found in many bottles. Spanish winemaking knowledge was added to the tequila process making it the tequila we know today.
Home & Family Life
Food goes hand in hand with family, and family comes first for Mexican families. Most families are typically large, patriarchal, and close-knit with traditional gender roles. The extended family plays a huge role in the family structure, with multiple generations living together. Both sides of the family are considered part of the family and are consulted in any important decisions.
Mexicans focus on uplifting their entire clan—no matter how far away some may live. If family members are facing a financial problem, they’re always ready to help out, by providing/finding employment, temporary residence, or providing money.
Remittances play an important role. In fact, in the first 10 months of 2021, World Bank and Bank of Mexico (Banxico) data show Mexican families received $42.17 billion in remittances, with most of it coming from the U.S. In October 2021, Mexicans abroad sent $4.8 billion home through electronic money transfers and money orders.
Money is easy to send and receive with Western Union Mexico. Service is available at a network of agents, in over 38,000 locations across the 21 states in Mexico. Western Union is available in participating supermarkets such as Bodega Aurrerá, Mi Bodega Aurrerá, Walmart, and Superama.
Faith & Folklore
Roman Catholicism is the dominant religion in Mexico, with 80% of Mexicans identifying as Catholic. The Catholic Church Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe is the most visited Catholic pilgrimage site in the world. With over 20 million pilgrims and tourists each year, it’s a more popular destination for Catholics over the Vatican!
Semana Santa (Holy Week) is a week-long celebration that takes place during the last week of Lent, followed by Easter. Most businesses and schools close during this time, as Mexicans enjoy time with their families and participate in religious worship. The two-week break is considered the country’s “spring break.”
Art, Music, Fashion & Architecture
Finally, Mexico is and has been home to many artists such as Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera, whose paintings and murals depict Mexican life in vibrant colors. Rivera was the pioneer of Muralism and his work can be found in many of the country’s public spaces.
Silversmithing, clay pottery, ornately embroidered cotton garments, wool shawls, colorful woven baskets, and rugs are often associated with Mexican art. For example, the serape (or jorongo), a large blanket cape, is well-known in popular culture. And, you might be surprised to know that the seemingly fancy Mariachi bands’ “charro” costume, including sombrero, is the traditional dress of Mexican cowboys.
Mexico has 35 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage list, more than any other country in the Americas. Architecture is heavily influenced by Spanish and French traditions, with local traditions and indigenous crafts mediating those influences. Mexican cities are built around a central square, zócalo, with the main church or state palace occupying the square, and 80 percent of Mexicans live in these urban areas.
Sending Money to Mexico
Sending money to Mexico using Western Union is easy and reliable. The easiest and most convenient way is through the Western Union mobile app. Via the app, you can digitally transfer money, track the status of your remittance, and get confirmation as soon as the recipient receives your money. You can even store information to use again for repeat money transfers.
Money transfers can also be sent using one of our retail locations or our website. Your information will be encrypted and your loved ones will be able to receive the money quickly.
Send money with the Western Union mobile app
Use the most downloaded money transfer app to send money internationally for pick up in cash or to a bank account anytime, from anywhere.
