10 customs of Mexicans that every one should know.
(Photo : Reuters)

Cultural customs of a country are very important because they reflect the different traditions that are handed from generation to the other generations and to the generations to come. It also shows how people value the cultural practices of their ancestors.

Mexico has a diverse culture and there are customs that only Mexicans can understand. Their cultural customs are not just practices but these have deep historical roots. It is very important to note that to better understand the Mexican customs is to do and live with it. 

According to the Culture Trip, here are 10 of the Cultural Customs that only Mexicans can understand:

1. Throwing quinceañera parties 

Most of the countries in the world celebrate the 18th birthday of their daughter with 18 roses,18 candles, and more. But in Mexico, the 18th birthday is not the age for them to celebrate the youthfulness of their daughter. The 15th birthday is one of the most well-known celebrations for a daughter in Mexico and Latin America. This is still a prevalent event in the Mexican calendar even though it has developed a reputation in recent years. Celebrants during their 15th birthday wear princess dresses and have some religious rituals. Yet, many still failed to understand this culture.

2. Not singing of Happy Birthday song

Every one of us is familiar with this song. Even children as soon as they start to speak, they also start to learn to sing the Happy Birthday song. However, this is not the song practiced by Mexicans every birthday celebration. Instead, they sing 'Las Mañanitas.' So if you are planning to celebrate the birthday of your Mexican friends or loved ones, you better familiarize the lyrics of the song.

3. Not being able to say no

Mexicans cannot say no every time you ask them. An example of this is asking for a direction in a certain place. Instead of saying "I don't know where that is" they would instead give you vague directions. So if you plan to travel to Mexico, you better ask a couple of persons for the direction, not just one.

4. Constant greetings and goodbyes

If you are used to be introduced only with a simple hello and a nod then you will be surprised once you are introduced in a Mexican home. It is not just a simple hello but you will be introduced by name to everyone followed by hugs, kisses, and handshakes. The most interesting part is you cannot leave the house not unless you join them in their song-and-dance. This is one of the bests in the world yet just tiring sometimes.

5. Indulging in a public display of affection

Being conservative does not mean to be privy in terms of affection. Most of the conservative countries do not kiss their wives along the streets or in any place. But this is not the thing in Mexico, Mexicans kiss their loved ones anywhere and for them, it is something very natural. If you are in Mexico, you will see a lot of couples kissing anywhere. 

6. No pica (Isn't spicy)

If you plan to dine in a Mexican restaurant make sure that you are ready to taste its cuisine. Mexicans love spicy food. They will tell you that the food that is not spicy at all but if you are not used to it, you better prepare cold water or milk to reduce the hot chili pepper in your mouth. This is surely one of the world's best cuisine.

7. Adding lime and chili to everything

One of the distinct features of Mexican food is having chili and lime to all cuisines. If you are in Mexico or planning to dine in a Mexican restaurant do be surprised anymore if there are additional lime and chili in your food. This is part of their custom. Once you experienced this, you can also say "When I was in Mexico..."

8. Using '¿mande?' instead of '¿qué?'

There are some Mexicans who speak using different branches of the Spanish language. Some are more polite because instead of saying "what?" they would tell you "pardon?" only if it seems that there's a gap between your communication. It is also very important to learn and know the cultural background of their language.

9. Making everything a diminutive

Speaking about language, it is also important to note to use it and ita because you might be surprised that the second-serving of food you ordered is not as small as you expected to have. So learn some basic language used by Mexicans.

10. Arriving late

If you are always ahead of the scheduled time in your appointment, then you better adjust your clock if you have an appointment with a Mexican. In Mexico being late in 30 minutes of the set schedule or time is just normal. So don't get frustrated with it. It's part of their culture.