Customs and Holidays of Mexico City
Located in the Valley of Mexico, Mexico City is the country's largest city and capital. Mexico City was originally built by the Aztecs as Tenochtitlan on Lake Texcoco, an island in the middle of the city, in AD 1325. Many of the city's modern customs and holidays originate from Aztec culture, as well as from Mexico's struggle for freedom from Spain and France.
Cinco de Mayo
Cinco de Mayo (fifth of May) commemorates the May 5, 1862, Mexican army's victory over the French at the Battle of Puebla. This battle was significant for two reasons: the well-equipped French army had a two-to-one advantage in number of troops over the Mexican army, and no country in the Americas has been invaded by a foreign army since the Battle of Puebla.
Dia de la Independencia
Mexican Independence Day, celebrated each year on September 16, celebrates Mexico's proclamation of independence from Spain in 1810. Pastor Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla in the town of Dolores motivated his parish to rebel against Spanish rule. On September 16, Hidalgo and his parishioners proclaimed "el Grito de Dolores" (the city of Dolores). With this rebellion, the Spanish military withdrew its forces. Mexico gained independence from Spain in 1821.
Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Dia de los Muertos merges pre-Colombian beliefs and modern Catholicism. Aztec worship of the dead and Europe's All Saints' Day contribute to Mexico City's celebration each year on November 1 and 2. On every city block, visitors will see candied skulls and orange marigolds. Meals are prepared in homage to the dead: tamales, mole and Dead Bread (decorated dough that looks like human bones). Food is eaten off marigold petals, candles and photographs.
Las Posadas, Navidad, Dia de Los Santos Reyes
Mexico City observes the Christmas season from December 16 to January 6. December 16 begins Las Posadas, during which Mexico City celebrates Joseph and Mary's search for shelter in Bethlehem with nativity scenes and candlelit processions for nine days. On Navidad, December 25, Mexico City celebrates the Christmas holiday. Dia de Los Santos Reyes, January 6, is the day residents in Mexico City exchange Christmas presents in observance of the three wise men bringing gifts to Jesus Christ.
Harmonipan Players
Harmonipan players are an institution in Mexico City on many sidewalks and street corners. Turning the handle on this hand-cranked organ operates the bellows that enable the pipes to sound. The bellows pass air to the reader, and where there is a hole in the tape, air passes through and off to the corresponding pipe. This street organ has origins in Berlin in the early 19th century.
Etiquette
Traditionally, people of Mexico City believe that a photograph taken of a person affects the subject's soul. For this reason, discretion is advised when snapping photographs. In public areas (e.g., Zocala), taking photographs of individuals performing spiritual rituals is discouraged. In downtown Mexico City, or at a weekend market, residents of Mexico City will look more kindly toward a person taking photographs. Be thoughtful and respectful.
Tags: Mexico City, from Spain, Battle Puebla, Cinco Mayo, City celebrates, Customs Holidays
