Mexico - Culture Smart!: The Essential Guide to Customs and Culture

Don't just see the sights―get to know the people. The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world. This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador HernÁn CortÉs and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today. Culture Smart! Mexico takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There's advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely, communicating, and provides you with the tools you need to make the most of your time in Mexico. Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. The third-largest country in Latin America, Mexico is hugely diverse, having both rural backwaters where time seems to have stood still and manic urban centers like Mexico City, one of the most densely populated and exciting cities in the world. This complex and fascinating country is where European and American civilizations first clashed. The repercussions of the meeting in 1519 between the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés and the Aztec Emperor Montezuma II, and the subsequent devastation wrought by the Spanish conquest, is still felt today. Culture Smart! Mexico takes you to the heart of Mexican society and introduces you to the proud, spiritual, dynamic, fatalistic, and fun-loving people who call this country home. It describes how people socialize, the dynamics of daily life, the importance of family, and the annual cycle of feasts and fiestas. There’s advice on how to negotiate a Mexican menu, as well as information on traveling safely, communicating, and provides you with the tools to make the most of your time in Mexico. Front Cover 1 Title Page 2 About the Author 4 Contents 5 Map of Mexico 8 Introduction 9 Key Facts 11 1. Land and People 14 • Geographical Snapshot 14 • Climate 19 • People 20 • The States of Mexico 21 • A Brief History 22 • Government 42 • The Economy 44 • Covid-19 45 2. Values and Attitudes 48 • Religion 49 • Family Values 50 • Pride, Honor, and Machismo 51 • LGBTQ in a Macho Society 53 • Distrust of Authorities 54 • Attitudes Toward Race 55 • Living for the Moment 57 • Class Divisions 58 • Mexico and the USA 60 • Attitudes Toward Foreigners 62 3. Customs and Traditions 64 • Festivals and Holidays 65 • The Festival Calendar 66 • Saints’ Days and Pilgrimages 79 • “Witchcraft ”and Superstition 82 4. Making Friends 86 • The Language Barrier 87 • What’s in a Name 88 • Fashionably Late 90 • Conversation Starters and Stoppers 90 • The Dating Game 91 • Expat Friendly 93 5. At Home 96 • Rise of the Cities 97 • Madre Knows Best 98 • Home Help 99 • Daily Life 102 • Everyday Shopping 104 • Education 106 • Learning English 108 • The Cycle of Family Life and Rites of Passage 109 6. Time Out 114 • Mexican Food 115 • Drinks 124 • Eating Out 128 • Nightlife 131 • Music 132 • Cultural Activities 134 • Cinema 136 • Sports 138 • Shopping 143 7. Travel, Health, and Safety 146 • Flying 147 • Buses 147 • Trains 149 • Driving 151 • Urban Transportation 154 • Where to Stay 156 • Health 157 • Safety 159 • Hotspots to Avoid 162 8. Business Briefing 164 • Doing Business in Mexico 165 • Personal Relationships 166 • Dress Code 167 • Women in Business 169 • Setting up a Meeting 170 • Punctuality 172 • Meetings and Presentations 172 • Negotiations 173 • Contracts and Legal Considerations 174 • Managing Disagreement 175 • Management Style 175 • Dealing with Red Tape 176 • Organizations That Can Help 177 • Corruption 177 • Gift Giving 178 9. Communicating 180 • Language 180 • Manners and Greetings 183 • Talking Local 183 • Humor 186 • Body Language 187 • Personal Space 187 • The Media 188 • Mail 191 • Cell phones and SIM Cards 191 • Internet and Social Media 193 • Conclusion 194 Further Reading 196 Useful Apps 197 Picture Credits 198 Copyright 198 Index 199 Acknowledgments 201