Viva Mexico! – by Helen Fulton
Mexico – How To Experience The Authentic Nation
Mexico is a country which has an incredible amount to offer. Its history, both cultural and political, is writ large upon the landscape in a fascinating manner. Its culture is unique, its food is spectacular, and its scenery takes a lot of beating for both beauty and variety. However, one of the drawbacks of visiting such an interesting nation is that it can be hard to step beyond the stereotypes and prescribed, sanitized activities which tend to spring up within the tourist industry of such a country. If you’re looking to step beyond the confines of a tourist itinerary, and get to grips with the ‘real’ Mexico, here are a few ideas which may help you to do so:
Try The Local Food
Mexican food is rightfully praised across the world, but it’s at its peak in the nation of its origin. In all honesty, it will be hard not to eat Mexican food while in Mexico! By ‘try the local food’, however, we do not mean ‘eat Mexican cuisine’ but ‘head to the restaurants, bars, and cafes which cater to the locals’.
There are a lot of more touristy chains and restaurants around, but if you truly wish to get to know the real Mexico, eat at the kinds of places that Mexicans eat. Not only will you get to experience Mexican food in its truest form – not altered to cater to the tastes of foreigners – you’ll also get to meet Mexican people on their own terms.
Try ordering from a taqueria (street stall). These are a real benchmark of Mexican culinary culture, and serve up the kind of traditional deliciousness that you’ll never experience at an establishment more designed to cater for tourists.
Don’t Follow The Stereotype Trail
Have an open mind to new experiences which you may not have associated with Mexico before. It’s all too easy to step onto the Tourist Trail and immerse yourself in stereotypically ‘Mexican’ activities. There’s a lot to be said for engaging with Mexican culture. And it’s much better if that culture is authentic than when it’s set up to cater to tourists.
One of the best ways to ensure that you’re getting the genuine article is by stepping out of your comfort zone. Be prepared to do things the actual Mexican way rather than the way you believe to be Mexican. Rather than insisting on drinking tequila, therefore, simply because it is ‘Mexican’, try a michelada instead if someone offers it to you. Munch on a grillo (deep fried grasshopper) after a shot of Mezcal – or watch someone else do the same.
It’s all about engaging with what Mexicans actually do. You’ll discover real Mexican culture in its authentic form, rather than simply partaking of the tourist version of it.
Visit A Festival
Mexico is known for her festivals, and festivals play a huge part in Mexican life. It is not hard to find a festival, whatever time of the year you visit. Smaller local festivals occur at regular intervals throughout the year in every settlement, and there are several larger festivals. You’ll enjoy the local variations in culture as those cultures are celebrated in different festivals.
They’re usually colorful events, and a great party atmosphere prevails! The Feria de San Marcos is a larger festival, taking place in Aguascalientes for three weeks in April. It’s a huge, city-wide party in which you’ll have the chance to mingle with people from all over the country. And you’ll enjoy some of the best culture, food, drink, and general fiesta spirit that Mexico has to offer.
If theater is more your thing, then head to the Festival Internacional Cervantino. Guanajato hosts one every October. Here, you will see an ancient theatrical tradition showcasing plays by Cervantes among other things. For local Mexican talent and culture, you can do no better – and, of course, the fiesta spirit prevails! The best thing that you can do if you really want an authentic Mexican experience is to throw yourself into one of these festivals. There’s no better way to get to grips with the ‘real’ Mexico!
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