Mexican culture — pre-Columbian civilizations + Spain + mestizo blend. Frida Kahlo, mariachi, tequila, tacos, Day of the Dead.
Language
Mexican Spanish — most spoken in the world (130 million). 68 official indigenous languages — Nahuatl (1.5 million), Maya (800k), Mixtec, Zapotec.
Pre-Columbian Civilizations
Olmecs, Mayans (calendar, mathematical zero, astronomy), Aztecs (Mexica). Pyramids Teotihuacán, Chichén Itzá, Palenque, Monte Albán. 35 UNESCO sites.
Day of the Dead
UNESCO 2008. November 1-2 — celebration with deceased, altars (ofrendas), sugar skulls, marigolds (cempasúchil), pan de muerto. Coco (2017) based on this.
Music
Mariachi — UNESCO. Trumpets, violins, guitars. Cielito Lindo informal anthem. Ranchera (Vicente Fernández), bolero, son jarocho. Mexican reggaeton global.
Art
Frida Kahlo, Diego Rivera — world icons. Mexican muralism (Rivera, Orozco, Siqueiros). Rufino Tamayo. Mexican Golden Age cinema (María Félix, Cantinflas). Alfonso Cuarón, Iñárritu, del Toro — Oscar directors.
Cuisine — UNESCO
Mexican cuisine UNESCO 2010. Tacos, mole poblano, chiles en nogada, pozole, tamales, guacamole, ceviche. Chocolate discovered by Mexicans. Tequila + mezcal (UNESCO agave). Margarita, michelada.
Traditions
Independence (September 16) — Cry of Dolores. Cinco de Mayo (more popular in USA). Las Posadas (Christmas). Lucha libre (masked wrestlers — Santo, Blue Demon).