My first trip to Mexico was to Playa del Carmen in October 2015. I instantaneously fell in love with the area and the culture. When someone says they “love the culture” what does that really mean? What is it that one likes and how is it different from their own? I spent some time thinking about this and asked others what drew them to the area as well.
Colors Everywhere
Mexico is full of vibrant colors. Architecture, textiles and folk art are all bursting with every hue of the rainbow. Urban artists have created murals and street art throughout the area, expressing themselves with color. I love the energizing power of the color I see around me walking down the streets of Playa del Carmen.
Everyone is Welcoming
I have found the people of the area to be nothing but welcoming. Mexicans are generally charming, courteous and polite. Even in casual encounters they address each other with formality and respect. I have found myself in a store searching for something without the right words in Spanish. Even if you are one struggling to speak Spanish, they are patient and try to help, encouraging you in every way to keep trying and practicing. I think they appreciate the effort.
Family Comes First
It is evident that family is a priority in the Mexican culture. You often see generations of families, enjoying their time together on a Sunday. Whole families often live under one roof their entire lives. Tradition and ritual is very important to most Mexicans and these are done with family. This is represented in Dia de los Muertos, an annual family celebration of the deceased.
A Slower Pace of Life
I have to admit, while I do enjoy this aspect of the Mexican culture, it takes a bit getting used to. As Americans and Canadians we are constantly on the go and we expect everything immediately. In Mexico, there is a much slower, more relaxed pace. An afternoon siesta is common in many areas due to the hot weather between the hours of 1 and 3pm, closing shops and offices for this “long, late lunch break.” With the exception of work and medical appointments, punctuality is somewhat less of a priority for many in Mexico. If you are meeting someone for dinner at 7pm, you can reasonably expect that some members of your group will not show up until 8am or later. Likewise, if a handyman is coming to fix something the same will apply and construction work will continue beyond the quoted time. No disrespect is meant, it is simply the way life goes in Mexico. If this is going to stress you, I suggest give flexible times, show up late yourself, pack a book, and just take the extra time to take a breath and slow down yourself.
There are so many great things to love about the Mexican culture. I would love to hear about your favorites and your experiences. Please share your stories and comments below. Let’s tell others about all the great reasons to want to experience the Mexican culture themselves.
Your article is spot-on. I love Playa Del Carmen for all of the reasons you mention. What struck me immediately during my first trip, was the warmth and kindness that was shown to me by everyone I encountered. This continued throughout my entire stay, and I hoped I wasn’t just experiencing “the resort tourist treatment”. But my subsequent trips have proven otherwise! My stays have been at Vista Del Mar, and that fuzzy feeling always comes back. I am at home there, and have always been welcomed, comfortable, and relaxed.