15 Typical Features That Make Mexico a Unique Country, But Hard to Explain to a Foreigner

Each country has its characteristic customs that, most of the time, are incomprehensible to foreigners. With Mexico it is no different. The country, known, among other things, for its soap operas, the Aztec culture, its rich gastronomy and the “Día de los Muertos”, has a lot of history and incredible traditions. A unique universe to be discovered by those who are not from there.

O awesome.club presents, in this post, some peculiarities of this unique and fascinating culture that sometimes confuse those who are not originally from the country.

Mexican fruits are delicious, as the country has a number of different climates that allow the cultivation of different species. However, it is possible to “add a little Mexican” to these flavors by adding a spicy and contrasting touch. It can be with sauces, chamoy or different types of chili powder (which they call chili). One thing is for sure: wherever you go, there will be a spicy option for fruit.

Mexicans do not eat eggs and beans, but fried “eggs and beans” (huevitos with refried frijolitos🇧🇷 In the same way, you don’t have a migraine, but a “little pain” in your head. Several linguists have studied and continue to study the importance of using the diminutive for Mexican. They consider that this is an affective way of, say, “facing life”. However, there are other studies that relate this peculiarity of the Spanish spoken in the country to the influence of the Nahuatl language.

Sitting down to eat at a restaurant in Mexico implies tasting some spiciness; but this spiciness has nuances. It is common for a Mexican, when he sees a foreigner eating, to indicate which sauce “is spicy” (arde) or not. Unfortunately, this difference will only be noticed by more experienced palates – usually the Mexicans themselves. The options of more or less strong peppers are offered mainly in the street food stalls.

The pre-Hispanic tradition still present in Mexican culture has several ingredients that are now known and appreciated throughout the world. One of them, however, remains “exclusive” to some Mexicans: insects. They are common in some regions and those who have eaten it say they don’t taste like anything. In Oaxaca, insects are served with lemon, salt, and sometimes hot sauce. And they are often part of other dishes.

The “Happy Birthday” is a kind of universal song, known and sung all over the world – usually repeating the phrase “Happy Birthday to you”, without many variations. In Mexico, however, there is a specific song called las mananitas, of uncertain origin. It has different versions, some very long and even one sung live by ex-Pink Floyd Roger Waters.

A foreigner’s questions when he hears this word are usually: “Is this a bar? Is it a river? Is it a restaurant?” Yes, yes and a thousand times yes! Xochimilco is an area of ​​Mexico City that has a multitude of channels in which trawlers navigate (trajineras), vessels where street food is sold. A fun ride. Some of these boats offer bands in addition to the traditional mariachis. The scenery gives an idea of ​​what life was like in ancient Tenochtitlán, capital of the Aztec empire founded on Lake Texcoco.

Piedrazo is a street food from Oaxaca and consists of a very hard bread that is dipped in vinegar. The longer it stays in the liquid, the softer it gets. It is accompanied by Valentina sauce and has a very strong smell. Simply inexplicable until you experience it.

Mexico is a country that receives thousands of tourists. But if you want to get a “real Mexican diploma”, you need to at least learn to eat a taco like a real local. And the technique most used by Mexicans to taste this delicacy involves tilting your head at 45 degrees and biting it holding it with just three fingers. Now, if you want to go to the “advanced level”, you have to master the technique of holding a plate and a bottle of soda with the other hand at the same time. But this technique is only for experts. If you’re at the beginner level, don’t even try.

“Mexican time” has its peculiarities. When a person says “ahorita” (now) he is not referring to that exact moment. Do not expect, therefore, that a person who has promised you something for “ahorita” will do “that something” immediately. On the other hand, the same expression does not necessarily mean “later”. Finally, a paradox of the Mexicans.

It is very easy to identify a Mexican abroad with a simple word: “send”. From childhood, Mexican mothers instruct children to be kind and prudent. Answering a dry “what” to a misunderstood question or someone’s call is considered very rude. The most appropriate answer, in this case, is “send” and a foreigner is really confused by asking “what should you send”.

In some countries, stores and restaurants have specific opening hours and close early or adopt a siesta time. Arriving at an establishment at one of these times can mean having an empty stomach. In Mexico, however, there is street food offered all day. If you are unable to eat at a restaurant, there will certainly be a food stall available. Going hungry, however, is not an option.

Mexico is the country of hospitality. Foreigners are usually very well received when shopping – sometimes even too well received. Salespeople often try to convince their customers using expressions like “güerito”, “friend” or even “cousin”. Everything serves to show kindness and closeness.

This expression is common, but its meaning depends entirely on the tone in which it is said. It may be a surprise: “orale, I wasn’t expecting it”; encouragement, “orale, calm down”; agreement or approval “orale, let’s make an appointment” and, less frequently, greeting “orale, how are you?”

The best-known Mexican festival also has its particularities. It has its origins in the pre-Hispanic tradition of honoring death, believing that our ancestors are always present. At the same time, it shows how happy the Mexican is even to commemorate a sad event.

An indispensable item in any Mexican’s diet is the guajolota, or tamal pie, a corn-based dish. For those who haven’t tried it, it’s hard to understand, because, to put it simply, it’s a loaf of bread inside a loaf of bread, which doesn’t look very appetizing. But just take the first bite to fall in love.

Did you know all these peculiarities of Mexico? Have you been to the country? Do you like Mexican food? Tell us.