Mexico

Mexico has a rich and diverse history steeped in ancient tribal culture, colonization and political rebellions. As our southern neighbor, we have many connections with this nation. And, despite the complex border issues between the countries, the U.S. and Mexico depend on each other to maintain and support their important relationship.

Mexico is also home to an array of travel destinations, filled with adventure and nature. From the Mayan temples of the Yucatan, to beaches of Cancun and wildlife reserves near Puerto Vallarta, Mexico is a fascinating place to visit and study.

Discover the dynamic relics of the advanced ancient civilizations who lived in present day Mexico and learn more about this fun place to travel.

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Culture

When you think of vibrant colors, cuisines dominated  by chill peppers and avocados, and top beach destinations that won’t break your wallet, Mexico may come to mind. A country steeped in rich ancient history, Mexico’s culture is a fusion of the old and the new, a blend of indigenous and Western customs, and a reminder that one country can indeed have it all.

With the arrival of the Spanish came the introduction of their language. Currently it is the dominant language in Mexico, though most residents are bilingual, speaking Spanish in addition to their native languages. Yet, the government recognizes 68  indigenous languages as official national languages.

Religion is another aspect of Mexico’s culture that is heavily influenced by the Spanish. With 82.7 percent of the population belonging to the Roman Catholic sector, Christianity is the prominent religion. But other regions shouldn’t be discounted, for immigration has brought the appearance of Islam and Buddhism, though their existence is small and limited.

three beef tacos with cheese, lettuce and tomatoes

Now, what is Mexican culture without mentioning its food? Mexican cuisine contains various basics: corn, tomatoes, chill peppers, avocados, and beans, which create some of the foods that famously hail from the country. For example, tacos, empanadas and poblanos. But long gone are the days of the Aztecs’s main meats, turkey and dog. The West introduced eating from domesticated animals, such as pork, chicken, beef, goat and sheep, and introduced cheese.  Such influence, coupled with existing native foods, led to UNESCO recognizing Mexico’s cuisine as an Intangible Culture Heritage of Humanity in 2010.

Behind the Scenes

Tom takes you behind the scenes of his trip to Mexico — scroll through the slideshow below to see what he and Demetrius experienced.

Demetrius films portraits of 43 students who went missing in September of 2014. Authorities suspect the students were murdered by organized criminals. Virtually no traces of the students have been found.

During our trip, we visited the site of mass graves. Local search teams continue to find more graves as they search for their missing loved ones.

A vigilante fighter keeps watch as we patrol to hills of Guerrero, Mexico.

Demetrius and I are taken along with independent militias known as vigilantes. They’ve taken control of areas where federal forces won’t go.

We’re taken to a vigilante held prison to interview drug traffickers being held there.

Policia Ciudadana—the Citizen’s Police.

The Angel of Independence—one of Mexico City’s iconic statues.

An aqueduct in Mexico City that is sinking into the ground.

Everywhere you go in Mexico City, you see subtle (and not-so-subtle) nods to the Aztec Empire. This mosaic takes up the entire side of the library at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.

The literal and figurative heart of Mexico City: the Mexico City Metropolitan Cathedral