Spanish is the language spoken by the vast majority of Mexicans, however there are approximately 50 other indigenous languages spoken. With the Spanish conquest of Mexico, Catholicism was established as the dominant religion of Mexico, which is 96 percent Christian. Forty-six percent of the Mexican population attend church weekly.
About Mexico | Mexican History | Mexican Culture
Music! Mexico is often referred to as the "capital of Spanish-speaking entertainment". The popular music genre in Mexico shows the great diversity of its culture. Available music includes mariachi, banda, duranguense, norteño, ranchera and corridos. Contemporary musicis also available, including Mexican rock, heavy metal, rap, pop, punk, reggaeton, and alternative music.
Art! Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from a combination of the indigenous and Spanish crafts. Particularly notable among handicrafts are the clay pottery made in the valley of Oaxaca and the bird and animal figures made in the village of Tonala. Colorfully embroidered cotton garments, cotton or wool shawls and outer garments, and colorful baskets and rugs are seen everywhere. The painters Diego Rivera, José Clemente Orozco, and David Alfaro Siqueiros became world famous for their grand scale murals.
Cuisine! Mexican gastronomy, in terms of diversity of appealing tastes and textures, is one of the richest in the world, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, and pozole. Traditionally the main Mexican ingredients consisted of turkey, sweetcorn, tomatoes, peppers, chillis, squashes, peanuts, avocados, guavas, chocolate and vanilla. The Spanish influence addiedmilk, cheese, rice, wheat, cinnamon, oranges and peaches.
Sports! The main sport in Mexico is football, or futbol, also known as soccer. Charreria and bullfighting are popular sports in Mexico, and many large cities have bullrings. Other popular sports and activities include soccer, boxing, baseball, basketball, and Jai alai. Mexican sport is also known for its strong competitive boxing, having produced champions such as Erik Morales, Marco Antonio Barrera, Jesús Chávez and Julio César Chávez.