EurAuPair

BIENVENIDOS A MEXICO ! ! ! ! MI CASA ES SU CASA !!!!!!

By: Lourdes Espinoza de Gómez, Area-Representative EurAupair

Upon being asked to write an article about Mexico my mind just couldn’t help going back and forth on all the things I wanted to say, and as I did so, many picturesque scenes, together with their aromas appeared. México cannot only be seen, but felt and savoured. I have been an Area-Representative for 6 years now, and this is something I really love doing since I train and guide the Au Pairs as if they were my own. They even tell me they felt me by their side all the way to the YMCA, in New York!! I hope you enjoy this, and so much so that it will make you come visit us now.....buckle your seat belts, and if you are all ready...let us begin our journey!!!!

Historical Heritage: The main prehispanic civilizations which were able to trascend culturally were the Olmeca, Mayan, Teotihuacan, Zapotec, Mixtec, Toltec, and the Mexica. We also had Spanish colonizers and, for this reason, our race is the result of the Spanish and Native mixture. We count on beautiful ruins of temples, pyramids, and colonial towns, voices of antique testimonies, which enchant visitors and the Mexicans as well. The ones who arrived in our lands before us had simpler resources, but not less effective. Thanks to their rock paintings and petroglyphs, among other illustrations in which they left their customs, traditions, ways of life, beliefs, forms of working and playing displayed, we now know more of our origins.

Language: The official language is Spanish, with different accents and words which vary according to the region. They are called regionalisms. A variety of dialects are spoken by the different ethnic groups around the country. We can still find natives who only speak their language and they make sure generation after generation keeps their language, ways and customs.

Natural resources and productivity: México has very diverse geographical regions which go from: forests, rainforests, beaches, mountains, deserts and two chains of mountains “Sierra Madre Oriental and Occidental” which cross the country lengthwise. Our rich and diverse soils are great for the growing of corn, rice, beans, sugar cane and a very wide variety of fresh produce and fruits, making us important exporters of these. We also produce oil, beer, cement, iron, cars, and sugar and have important gold, silver and copper mines. Our great seas are big producers of many species of fish. Therefore, whether “on” or “below” the surface, something important or tasty may be coming up!!!

Government: México went through one revolution and some foreign invasions. In spite of that, since then, we have been considered a peaceful country. During 70 years the government was in the power of the official party, PRI, but at last, in the year 2000, the first president of the nation was elected by the people, and not imposed by the official party. This marked the beginning of a new democratic era.

Religion: In México, there is no race or creed that does not feel embraced, accepted and welcomed by all. The Catholic religion, brought to our country by the Spanish, is an important part of our society. It gives testimony of its presence in the definition of customs and traditions, besides the multiple constructions such as; churches and convents, proof of an exquisite architecture. Other religions present are: Protestant, Evangelist and Mormon. Speaking of our Catholic celebrations we can mention; the Day of the Dead, The Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe, Holy Week, and Lent.

Family Ties and Co-living: In the past, most Mexican marriages used to have many children, (maybe 10!), but the new generations have started having smaller families. Grandparents are very important members of the family and are always treated with a lot of respect. The grandchildren love to sit around them and listen to what life was like when their grandparents were children. Family gatherings are fun, whether dancing, singing or just talking about what has been going on for the rest of the family. It is a custom for all the family to get together especially on Mother and Father’s Day, Christmas and New Year’s Eve, but of course anyone’s birthday is a good occasion to celebrate too. Whenever foreigners are among us, we always try to make them feel like part of the family. Family union has been a good reason for keeping peace and social harmony. It is easy to recognize when a Mexican family is traveling for there is a saying: “Ahi va la familia Burrón”, “There goes the Burrón family,” a comic character who always used to travel with all the family members and even took along the cat, dog, parrot and any other pet they had.

Gastronomy: I am very proud to say that Mexican food is now considered to be one of the five great “cuisines” in the world. Over the years, many traditional recipes have been passed down for generations, and there is a saying we always use to show we are satisfied: “Panza llena, corazón contento.” Translation? “Full stomach, contented heart!” (thanks to Vedia for culture-accurate translation) Throughout México, different dishes are prepared, but of course, you will always find some kind of chile (hot pepper) in them. They say you can find over 100 varieties of chile here, and they are used fresh, dried, powdered, etc…. They go from VERY HOT, to making you say, “GET ME SOME WATER, I´M ON FIRE”!!! But at the same time, making you ask for more. We take pleasure in eating and sharing what we prepare; enjoying both the time and the food. There is a real art in the preparation of many Mexican dishes, since a lot of spices, ingredients and herbs are used. It is impossible to separate food from the memories they bring such as the people, events, places and the wonderful times when we have eaten a particular dish. When the family gathers, we always have tables filled with traditional dishes and just to name a few they could be; capirotada (bread pudding), arroz con leche (rice pudding), guacamole, a variety of tacos, green corn tamales, chicken in mole sauce, red or green chile sauce chilaquiles, mexican pozole (a soup), charro or refried beans, beef or chicken enchiladas, tortilla soup, buñuelos (fritters) with syrup, stuffed chiles, etc…. And to drink, agua de cebada (barley water), jamaica (hibiscus tea), tejuino (corn/barley wine), a delicious Mexican beer or a shot of tequila which, by the way, they say is the best rejuvenator!! So... next time you come, don´t hesitate to try some of our dishes, you won´t regret the weight you may put on for they’re filled with taste, leaving you with a “Panza llena,” and a “corazón contento”!!!!

Folklore and Traditions: In Mexico, as well as in other countries, our culture and traditions have taken us to transmit our essence in many forms; our flag, our music, the way in which we speak and even how we dress. We are very rich in folklore and traditions and since there are 32 states, we can find customs, folkloric costumes, music and traditions which represent each state, all of which are full of vivid colors, lively music, and rich culture. We are known to be so folkloric they say we can even make a “fiesta” out of a burial because in small towns, people get a Tambora or a Mariachi to play the favorite music of the deceased person. So....check twice before joining in, to see if it is a party or a burial, you may get confused and congratulate someone instead of paying your respects.

Music: Music is the manifestation of feelings linked to traditions and customs. It is the expression of everything a town has within. Our best known types of music are the Mariachi band, using a lot of guitars, the Tambora using clarinets, tubas, counter-bass, trumpets, drums, cymbals, trombones, etc., the Trios using only guitars and the Grupos Norteños, using accordions and guitars. Any type of Mexican music is good for getting a party started and of course, getting feet moving. If, however you are feeling romantic, you would definitively want to get a Trio to give your loved one a serenade!!!

Sports: Because of the great variety of geographical regions, we practice different sports, but soccer is by far the most popular. Baseball and basketball are also among the ones with many followers. Now, as a tradition, bullfighting plays an important role and has a special place in the taste of Mexicans.

Crafts: While passing through any of the states in Mexico, you are sure to find and take with you beautiful crafts, full of life and color, hand made of wood, copper, ceramic, silver, blown glass, wool, etc…. Our artists are known worldwide for having a great ability and creativity. The passion with which they weave their creations has taken them far, making us feel proud of them. Nowadays, many of these crafts are being exported to many places in the world and it is a delightful adventure going through our magical towns finding these products. Our EurAupair Au Pairs have received great comments on the many souvenirs they have taken along to give their Host Families.

Behavior and Sense of Humor: Mexicans are known for being fun, talkative, good dancers, noisy, merrymakers, but at the same time warm, friendly, sensitive, loving and sincere. We hunger for making friends and our sense of humor makes us famous because we have an enormous capacity for playing on the double meanings of words which we use to make jokes or just add some “spice” to a conversation, giving us a very particular way of being. I must also admit that we are informal, crazy drivers and late, making people say that...”Mexicans will even be late for their own funerals!”

So....don’t forget that “MI CASA ES SU CASA”, which means “My home is your home” or “Come anytime!” Let us embrace you and I can assure you that upon leaving, you will be making plans to come back very soon to a land touched by God’s hand, full of wonders...and by the way....we promise to tell you more sayings, and a few jokes when you come!

Facts

Country: Estados Unidos Mexicanos (Mexico)

States: 32 States and 1 Federal District

Population: 103,000,000

Capital: Distrito Federal (Mexico)

Language: Spanish

Religion: Mostly Catholic

Government: Democratic

Area: 1’984 sq. km

Climate: From tropical, to hot, cold, desert, and temperate

Terrain: Plains and Mountains

Highest point: Pico de Orizaba 5.754 m

Natural resources: Petroleum, Fishing, Mining, Minerals, Timber, Agriculture, and Cattle Breeding