What Is Mexico Known for? 16 Things Mexicans Love About Themselves

Mexico is one of the most popular countries in the world. People from all over the world travel to Mexico every year to experience its amazing beaches, its delicious food, its rich historical sites, and its vibrant colors that make the culture of Mexico amazing. But Mexico is known for so many things and Mexicans love that. Even though people think that Mexico may be a place to lay on the beach and drink beer, the reality of the matter is that Mexico is so much more than that. So what is Mexico known for? Let’s take a look at 16 things that Mexicans love about themselves.

1. Rich and Storied History

Mexico’s history is unique. Even before Hernan Cortez set foot in Mexico and conquered the Aztecs and 1521, Mexico’s history has been like a telenovela. Indigenous people like the Aztecs ruled in what is now Mexico with grandiose palaces, pyramids, and temples. As a nation, Mexico has only been around for over 200 years, but its storied history is like no other nation in the world. There have been battles, civil wars, independence declarations, seedy corruption, and many more.

2. Vibrant Culture

Whether it’s celebrating Independence Day or the Day of the Dead, Mexico has a vibrant culture. Mexicans believe in colors and celebrating what Mexico is all about. Mexicans take pride in the Nahuatl language and the Indigenous cultures that lived in Mexico before the Spanish came. The mixture of cultures between the Spanish and the Indigenous natives makes Mexico unique.

3. Delicious Food

Mexico is one of two countries where UNESCO has designated its cuisine as a cultural treasure (the other is French cuisine). Mexican cuisine is unique and amazing. Plus, there are so many foods that have come from Mexico that people all over the world eat today. Those foods include avocado, chocolate, tomatoes, vanilla, sweet potatoes, cactus, turkey, beans, chili peppers, and many more.

4. Tortilla

Even though we already discussed food, tortillas deserve their section. The tortilla is famous in Mexico and extremely versatile. You can do quesadillas with them, you can do tacos, and you can do burritos. There are so many dishes where tortillas are the main ingredient.

5. Tequila

Made from the blue agave plant, tequila is a liquor that is purely Mexican. It is growing primarily in the Guadalajara area of Mexico, namely in the town of Tequila. Tequila has grown to be extremely popular throughout the world. The popular mixed drink, the margarita, which has tequila inside was invented in the city of Ensenada.

6. Pueblos Magicos

Pueblos magicos are cultural sites that are exclusive to Mexico. Basically, Mexico designated these towns pueblos magicos because of their rich history and culture. They are the epitome of what Mexico is all about, and most of all they are colorful and full of vibrancy.

7. Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera

Frida Kahlo and Diego Rivera are two of the most famous artists in the world. They hail from Mexico and transformed the art world with their grand works of art. Kahlo and Rivera were married and together they lived fascinating lives.

8. Festive Holidays

If there’s one thing that Mexico knows how to do is throw a party. There are many holidays throughout the year and Mexico loves to celebrate them with robustness. Whether it’s Mexican Independence Day or the holiday that celebrates the Virgin of Guadalupe, there are traditions and Customs that Ensure a grand festivity. One such holiday that is very important in Mexico is the Day of the Dead or Dia de los Muertos. This is the holiday where Mexicans celebrate their loved ones who have passed away.

9. Pyramids

Egypt is not the only country that has pyramids. Pyramids are also found in Mexico and they were built by the Indigenous population that lived there. One such pyramid is called Chichén Itzá, which is located in the State of Yucatan and is considered one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Mexico also boasts of having the world’s largest pyramid, which is located in Cholula, an area in the city of Puebla.

10. Pristine Beaches

Because Mexico is one of the most visited countries in the world, the country offers so many activities to do while you visit. One of the most popular destinations is the beaches in the country. Mexico has 7,000 miles of coastline and it’s mainly filled with pristine beaches that all tourists can enjoy.

11. Stunning Landscapes

Mexico is a large country — 760,000 square miles. And because it’s so large, Mexico has it all. There are jungles, deserts, over 7,000 miles of coastline, mountain ranges like the Sierra Madre Occidental, forests, 48 active volcanoes, sinkholes, and more. When you visit Mexico, you can enjoy its diverse topography and be amazed at what you see.

12. Biodiversity

The country is the fourth most biodiverse in the entire world. Mexico boasts to have the most reptile species in the world with more than 700. The country also has the second most mammal species in the world with more than 430. The second largest coral reef in the world is located along the Yucatan Peninsula and it’s called the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. There are 65 types of coral, five species of turtles, and more than 500 species of fish that live in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Lastly, the volcano rabbit calls Mexico its home and it is a very rare species.

13. Mexico City and Tenochtitlan

The Aztecs decided to build their capital, Tenochtitlan, on top of a lake because they believed that they needed to build the city where they saw an eagle on top of a cactus devouring a snake. This happened to be on a lake. When the Spanish came, they decided to destroy many of the buildings that the Aztecs constructed and to build the capital of New Spain on top. This capital then became Mexico City.

14. Amazing Inventions

Mexicans have contributed so much of their expertise to the world. Many inventions have come out of the country where Mexicans were the sole inventors. Among the inventions that revolutionized the world were the color television, birth control pills, the Scorpion anti-venom, and the typhus vaccine.

15. Ancient History

We all know that Indigenous people lived in Mexico for thousands of years before the Spanish arrived. However, scientists have found evidence that there was human life over 22,000 years ago in the Tlapacoya archeological site. This archaeological site is one of over 37,000 that Mexico has. Not only is human life tens of thousands of years old in Mexico, but dinosaurs also inhabited what is now the country.

16. Silver Production

There are many things that Mexico produces including avocados, corn, beer, and more. But if there is one thing that Mexico produces the most of in the entire world: it’s silver. Mexico produces a whopping 6,300 metric tons of silver every year.