Cultural Insights & How To Make Business
History
Mexico's history is a tapestry of ancient civilizations, colonial rule, and the struggle for independence. Today, it stands as a nation rich in culture and heritage, but its path to this point has been marked by numerous transformations and challenges.
Pre-Colonial Mexico: Ancient Civilizations
Before the arrival of Europeans, what is now Mexico was inhabited by indigenous people who had migrated to the Americas over 10,000 years ago. These indigenous people settled in Meso-America, a region stretching from modern-day Panama to present-day Zacatecas, Mexico. Over 5,000 years ago, they began cultivating crops like corn, forming the basis for an agricultural civilization.
Meso-America was home to several significant indigenous civilizations, including the Olmec, often considered the mother culture of Mexico. The Aztecs in central Mexico and the Mayas in the Yucatan Peninsula and southern Mexico are the most famous, but there were many others, such as the Toltecs, Zapotecs, Tarascans, and Purepechas. These civilizations were comparable to the great civilizations of the Mediterranean in their achievements.
During the period from 1400 to 1521, the Aztecs, centered in Tenochtitlan (now Mexico City), built a powerful empire based on tribute that extended throughout central Mexico. They practiced advanced agriculture, constructed pyramids and temples, and had a written language. However, their religion required human sacrifices to appease various gods.
Spanish Conquest: Transformative Impact
The arrival of the Spanish conquistador Hernan Cortez in 1519 marked a turning point in Mexican history. The Spanish had sailing ships, horses, war dogs, metal armor, gunpowder, and firearms, which intimidated the indigenous people, who lacked these technologies. Cortez formed alliances with local indigenous groups, and European diseases to which the natives had no immunity also played a significant role in the conquest.
Between 1519 and 1521, Cortez successfully conquered the Aztecs and expanded control over other indigenous groups in the following decade. This event initiated the era of Spanish colonization.
Colonial Mexico: Spanish Rule and Demographic Changes
Colonization by the Spaniards imposed the Spanish government and Roman Catholic religion on the indigenous people. Spanish rulers gradually took control of the land, wealth, and labor. While the Roman Catholic Church and Spanish monarchs prohibited enslaving Indians, they subjected them to forced labor. This devastation resulted in a drastic reduction in the indigenous population, falling from a peak of around 25 million in 1519 to as low as 2.5 million in 1600. The decline in the indigenous population led to the importation of African slaves.
The Spanish rule in Mexico lasted for three centuries, from 1519 to 1821. The demographic catastrophe and changes in the population demographics over time contributed to the complex social and racial makeup of modern Mexico.
Independent Mexico: The Struggle for Sovereignty
Mexico finally won its independence from Spain in 1821, and September 16th has been celebrated as Independence Day ever since. The first movement for independence was led by radical Roman Catholic priests, such as Miguel Hidalgo y Castillo and Jose Maria Morelos y Pavon. However, the radicals were initially defeated by the Spanish, and independence was ultimately achieved under the leadership of conservative landowners.
Independence, however, did not substantially change the lives of most Mexicans. An elite Spanish (criollo) class continued to dominate politics and landownership, while mixed-race people (mestizos) labored as artisans or workers, and indigenous people (indigenas) worked the land for plantation owners.
The Lost Half Century: Political Turmoil and U.S. Conflicts
Between 1821 and the 1860s, often referred to as the "lost half century," Mexico faced political and military turmoil. A small political elite divided between "Conservatives" and "Liberals" vied for control of the government. Conservatives favored the old Spanish system, while Liberals sought a more industrial and agrarian system akin to that in the United States.
During this period, Mexico experienced numerous devastating defeats and territorial losses, including the secession of Texas and the U.S.-Mexican War of 1847, which saw the loss of over half of Mexico's territory. These conflicts were driven by U.S. expansionism, seeking more land for cotton production and access to Eastern markets.
The Mexican Revolution and Modernization
The Mexican Revolution, which began in 1910 after the authoritative government of Porfirio Diaz was overthrown, brought significant changes to the country. The old government of Porfirio Diaz was overthrown, and the revolutionary government introduced social and economic reforms. Haciendas were divided and distributed to Indian communities and peasants in the form of "ejidos." Labor unions and peasant organizations were recognized and promoted, and foreign-owned industries, including oil, were expropriated.
Under President Lazaro Cardenas, from 1934 to 1940, the Mexican government undertook radical economic and social changes, creating a mixed economy with state-owned and private sectors. This period marked a significant departure from the past and laid the foundation for modern Mexico.
Mexico's history is a story of resilience, transformation, and cultural richness. From its indigenous roots to the challenges of colonization, independence, and revolution, the nation has undergone profound changes and emerged as a vibrant and dynamic part of the global community.
Traditions
Mexico's cultural fabric is woven from a tapestry of traditions and values that emphasize family, music, dance, cuisine, and vibrant celebrations:
Family-Centric Society: Family is the cornerstone of Mexican culture. Families are typically large and include extended relatives, and close friends are often regarded as family. Multi-generational households are common, fostering respect for and learning from elders.
Mexican Music: Mariachi-style folk music is a beloved genre. Mariachi bands, often composed of musicians in charro suits with a range of instruments, create a lively atmosphere with violins, guitars, basses, vihuelas, and trumpets, accompanied by soulful singing.
Mexican Dance: The Jarabe Tapatio, or Mexican Hat Dance, is the national dance. Originally a courtship ritual, it's now performed by dance groups, featuring vibrant, colorful attire and lively movements set to Mariachi or string band music.
Mexican Cuisine: Mexican cuisine is diverse, with staples like tortillas, corn-based foods, peppers, tomatoes, and beans found across the country. Street food is a major part of urban culture. Beverages like tequila and tepache, a fermented pineapple drink, are widely enjoyed.
Holidays and Celebrations: Festivals and traditions play a central role in Mexican culture. Some notable celebrations include:
Quinceañera: A girl's 15th birthday marks her transition to womanhood, celebrated with special gowns and joyful dancing.
Cinco de Mayo: Commemorating Mexico's victory over the French army, it's celebrated in the United States by Mexican-Americans, often with parades and cultural events.
Día de Los Muertos: This joyful remembrance of the deceased takes place on November 1st and 2nd, with ofrendas or altars created to honor loved ones.
Mexico's culture reflects the influences of indigenous heritage, European colonization, and the amalgamation of diverse immigrant communities. While rooted in Catholicism, Mexican celebrations often blend pre-Columbian traditions, creating a vibrant and unique cultural tapestry.
Business & Etiquette
In today's interconnected global business landscape, understanding and respecting the cultural nuances of conducting business in different countries is paramount for building successful international relationships. Mexico, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and growing economy, offers immense opportunities for business ventures. However, to thrive in the Mexican business environment, one must first become familiar with the country's unique business etiquette.
In Mexico, establishing personal relationships and fostering trust is fundamental to conducting business. Mexicans place a high value on interpersonal connections and are more inclined to engage in business with individuals they know and trust. Therefore, investing time in building relationships, both on a personal and professional level, is essential. Taking the time to engage in small talk, getting to know colleagues, and showing genuine interest in their lives helps create a foundation of trust.
It's also essential to learn about Mexican culture, including its values, customs, and communication styles. Familiarizing yourself with social norms, traditions, and business etiquette in Mexico demonstrates your respect and willingness to understand their perspective.
A sense of formality and respect characterizes Mexican business culture. When conducting business in Mexico, addressing people by their professional titles, such as "Señor" or "Señora," followed by their last names is crucial. Using formal language and demonstrating respectful behavior are highly valued. Handshakes are common when greeting business associates, and it is customary to greet the most senior person first. Maintaining eye contact during conversations is seen as a sign of attentiveness and respect.
Acting with formality and respect is the first step toward building trust and credibility. In Mexican business culture, trust is vital for successful partnerships. Demonstrating reliability, respect, and professionalism by adhering to formal behavior can contribute to building trust and credibility with your Mexican counterparts.
While punctuality is generally appreciated in Mexican business settings, it is essential to understand that schedules can be flexible. Meetings may start late, and agendas can be subject to change. Being patient and adaptable is crucial, as rushing or expressing frustration about delays may be seen as disrespectful. Demonstrating flexibility and understanding cultural differences in time management can help build stronger business relationships.
Mexicans tend to have a more relaxed perception of time than cultures that prioritize punctuality. They may view time as fluid and adaptable, allowing for unexpected events or plan changes. This perspective can influence their approach to punctuality, as they may be more tolerant of delays and flexible with schedules.
Communication in Mexico is often indirect and relies on non-verbal cues, such as body language and tone of voice. Mexicans tend to use descriptive and polite language, avoiding confrontations. Paying attention to these subtleties is crucial, as the meaning behind words may differ from their literal interpretation. Additionally, active listening and allowing pauses during conversations demonstrate respect for the speaker's thoughts and opinions.
In business settings, Mexican businesspeople avoid saying "no" directly. It's important to understand that if a Mexican is not interested in a business proposition, they may use phrases like "We are going to study it" or "We'll think about it" instead of a resounding "no." Additionally, when a Mexican says "tomorrow," it may not necessarily mean the next day. It is not considered polite for a Mexican businessman to say "no" directly.
Mexicans place great importance on dressing formally and professionally. Business attire typically consists of conservative and elegant clothing, especially in more traditional industries or formal occasions. Men usually wear suits or dress shirts and trousers, while women opt for business suits or dresses. Paying attention to personal grooming and dressing appropriately indicates respect for the business environment.
Dressing appropriately conveys a perception of competence. Formal attire is associated with competence and expertise. Mexicans believe that dressing professionally enhances their credibility and competence in the eyes of others. It also helps create an impression of seriousness, dedication, and attention to detail, all of which are highly valued traits in business contexts.
Business meetings in Mexico often occur over meals, providing opportunities for further relationship-building. Dining etiquette is crucial during these occasions. When invited to a restaurant, allowing the host to lead the way, order first, and pay for the meal is considered polite. Table manners should be observed, such as keeping elbows off the table and not starting to eat until the host or seniors begin. Engaging in casual conversation and avoiding sensitive topics like politics or religion is advisable.
Displaying good table manners helps project a professional image. Your behavior at the dining table can influence how you are perceived professionally. Exhibiting good table manners reflects your professionalism, attention to detail, and cultural competence, leaving a lasting impression and contributing to your project's overall image in a business setting.
Understanding and respecting business etiquette in Mexico is vital for building successful professional relationships.
By recognizing the significance of personal connections, demonstrating formality and respect, adapting to cultural norms, and effectively communicating, individuals can confidently navigate the Mexican business landscape and achieve their objectives.
Aguilera, A. (2023). Business Etiquette in Mexico: Cultural Insights for Success. Retrieved from https://princemanufacturing.com/business-etiquette-in-mexico-cultural-insights-for-success/
Botz, D. L. (2023). A Brief History of Mexico. Retrieved from https://www.ueinternational.org/a-brief-history-of-mexico/
De La Calle. (2023). Understanding the Mexican Culture and Traditions. Retrieved from https://www.delacalle.mx/blogs/news/mexican-culture-traditions#:~:text=Important%20Values%20in%20Mexican%20Culture,be%20invited%20to%20important%20celebrations.
International Trade Administration. (2022). Mexico- Business Travel and Etiquette. Retrieved from https://www.trade.gov/country-commercial-guides/mexico-business-travel-and-etiquette
Santander Trade. (2023). Mexico: Business practices. Retrieved from https://santandertrade.com/en/portal/establish-overseas/mexico/business-practices