One important motivation behind buying Mexico real estate is the country’s history and culture. Pyramids, colonial cities, lively festivals, absolutely delicious food and colorful artwork – even many people who don’t choose to live in Mexico find these features of the country’s history and culture very appealing. Yet something people only come to appreciate once they’ve lived in Mexico for a while and gotten past the facade of homogenous “Mexican-ness†put up to keep tourists happy is the rich diversity that the country’s history and culture really offers.
Most expat residents of Mexico will soon begin getting a feel for what defines their area, and how this is different from the idea of “typically Mexican†we’ve come to accept; sure, there are shared historical and cultural elements throughout the country, but rather than forming the homogenous culture we imagine, they actually serve as a kind of “glue†holding together a rich diversity of similar but differing cultures.
The following are a few examples of historical and cultural features expats will get to know, along with some brief comments about the variety to be discovered.
Pyramids
This is a favorite for just about anyone. Most people have heard of Chichen Itza or know something about the Aztec pyramids which are half excavated in the heart of downtown Mexico City. Anyone who has visited these will know that there is a very different style between what the Mayans built and what the Aztecs built; they will also recognize the distinct religious sites of the Olmec people in Tabasco, famous for their giant head statues with the flat noses, for example. Even within the Mayan world, there is a striking difference between Chichen Itza (near Merida, a few hours away from Cancun) and those in Palenque, Chiapas, about 10 hours away. Those who buy Tulum real estate will enjoy a very unique pyramid site where the buildings are up on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean Sea. Not all parts of Mexico have pyramids, but many locations are relatively near nice sites to visit.
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Colonial Cities
Most of Mexico was colonized by Europeans a good century or two earlier than the English-speaking parts of North America. For this reason, there are many beautiful old cities that retain much of their original architecture and colonial charm. With old churches, classic city halls, quaint homes with painted facades and lush, green city squares, colonial cities are a pleasure simply to walk through. Often they offer many activities as well, such as museums, galleries, cafes, lots of live music and festivities. Markets such as Merida real estate, Campeche real estate, Morelia real estate and Mazatlan real estate are examples of well-preserved cities of moderate size that combine their original atmosphere with modern services, where expats can consider buying beautiful colonial Mexico homes for sale!
Old Haciendas & Other Historic Sites
Throughout most parts of the country the estates of the former upper class still exist; in many cases, these can be visited, and in some cases they have been turned into nice restaurants or hotels. For those who like history, they will usually be able to dig up the particular details of any given hacienda – how many people lived there, what was produced and when it went out of use. Of course, for those who just like to see, there’s no need to do anything more! History buffs will also find locations of specific events of battles, important treaties and the like.
This is the first of a four-post series about the appeal of culture for living in Mexico. Tomorrow’s post will be about Religion and Festivities.
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