Mexico Real Estate – The Appeal of Culture Part 4: The Magical and Mundane

This is the fourth and final of a four-post series about the appeal of culture for buying Mexico real estate and living in this country. In yesterday’s post, I looked at food and drink. Today I will look at a few other discoveries expats might make along the way – some magical, some not-so-magical!

 

Magic Villages

Mexico has a special, official designation of “Magic Village” for small towns that preserve a unique atmosphere, culture and history in a way that’s accessible to visitors.  These could be anything from abandoned mine towns (like Real de Catorce in central Mexico) to thriving lakefront communities that have preserved local festivities, art traditions and language from long before the Spanish Conquest, like Patzcuaro in the Morelia real estate area.  Whether they are officially recognized as “Magic Villages” or not, residents will find many magical corners of Mexico where centuries of history and a real culture come alive for them in a very immediate way!

Artwork

Mexican art and handicrafts can be anything from a colorfully painted mugs or beautiful blankets to modern paintings or sculptures.  Mexico has a strong and varied culture for art and items can easily be found in galleries, festivals and community art events (often outdoors!) just about anywhere.

Native Cultures & Languages

One aspect of Mexico that many Americans and Canadians are not aware of until they have lived here for a while and dug well below the surface is that there are many native cultures still alive and well.  The most accessible is the Mayan culture; in parts of even major cities (even in the Merida real estate area!), you may walk down a certain street and hear more Mayan than Spanish.  Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs, is still spoken in isolated rural areas of central Mexico.  There are currently over 60 registered native languages.

Expats may also have the privilege of witnessing rituals of native religions.  While some of these are “staged” and are simply re-enactments (very good ones, mind you!), others are completely authentic; some groups don’t have a problem with their rituals being observed by onlookers.

The Local Convenience Store

“What?” you’re thinking.  “That’s not culture!”  Well, no, it isn’t, but what you encounter certainly reflects aspects of cultural attitudes.  If you live on the Yucatan Peninsula for a while and venture into the local (independently owned) convenience store, you may very well find the owner shirtless, having a siesta in his hammock.  Although he’ll usually get up to see if you need anything, or at least to give you change, it’s clear that relaxation is more important than customer service.  In other parts of the country, there is a real urgency to please customers and serve quickly.  In some places (like larger markets), vendors may be taken back if you don’t haggle, in other places, your efforts to get a good deal will just flop. While these are very broad generalizations, anyone who’s lived in different parts of the country will know that there is a difference in what “customer service” means, if it means anything at all!

Mexico’s culture can most certainly be experienced and enjoyed by visitors and travelers; in fact, as a resident of Mexico, you will probably take the opportunity to travel around and get to know other areas.  Yet, there are certain details that you will only discover as you settle into your area a little better and get to know it under the surface.  One thing is for sure – if you choose Mexico retirement or any other reason to live in this country you will never lack new discoveries!

TOPMexicoRealEstate.com; Mexico’s Leading Network of Specialists for Finding and Purchasing Mexican Properties Safely