MEXICO CITY – Mexico is renowned for its vibrant and colorful communities, where culture, tradition, and history blend seamlessly to create a rich and diverse interwoven environment.
One of the most striking aspects of Mexican life is its deeply rooted connection to Indigenous heritage, which manifests in various aspects of daily life, festivals and art.
Mexico City’s color can be plainly seen when it comes to the beautiful murals that are on nearly every wall. Murals are an extremely popular form of art in Mexico, with some, like Diego Rivera’s controversial murals – Man, Controller of the Universe, The Russian Revolution, and the Carnival of Mexican Life – prominently displayed in the Palacio de Bella Artes, or Palace of Fine Arts.
The Palace of Fine Arts is also home to the murals of José Clemente Orozco, David Alfaro Siqueiros, Jorge González Camarena, Rufino Tamayo, Manuel Rodríguez Lozano and Roberto Montenegro. Other than their beauty, these murals also depict important political moments in Mexican history.
Katharsis, by José Clemente Orozco, is a vibrant criticism of war, mechanization and mass violence.
Jorge González Camarena’s striking mural Liberation, also known as Humanity Frees Itself from Misery, was the last one commissioned for the Palace of Fine Arts and is meant to symbolize the oppressive past as well as hope for a better future.
From the 1920s through the late ‘50s, Mexico’s revolutionary government greatly encouraged the Mexican mural movement.
Today, street murals continue to thrive, with artists being given permits to paint, as graffiti is illegal in Mexico. Common murals include famous Mexicans like the artist Frida Kahlo. Others depict gods, revolutionary heroes, native plants or even ordinary Mexicans in traditional dress, surrounded by animals like jaguars or wolves.
Artists get permission from the relevant authorities and are often commissioned to paint them, either by the government or the owners of the property themselves. These murals are all over the city and are an amazing sight to see.
The color of Mexico only begins with the murals. In the markets, vendors – often dressed in traditional clothing – greet you with warm smiles and eager eyes, inviting you to explore their goods. The air is thick with the scent of spices, fresh fruits, and roasted nuts.
These vendors do not just sell goods. They are sharing their stories, traditions and passions with each item displaying the rich cultural heritage of Mexico.
These markets have the unique feature of blending past and present, smoothly mixing tradition and innovation.
Mesoamerican crafts, such as pottery and weaving, sit next to magnets with modern designs and Marvel characters. The markets themselves are also filled with vibrant noises, whether it is the lively strains of mariachi music drifting through the air, sounds of sizzling meat or general chatter.
Aromas from colorful spices and herbs entice passersby to sample the local cuisine. These markets often have small restaurants, known as taquerias, tucked within the crowded aisles. They offer a taste of traditional Mexican cuisine with popular dishes like tacos, enchiladas and pozole and are a must-try for visitors.
The markets are also filled with colorful clothes, pouches, toys and other beautiful souvenirs.
Perhaps the most recognizably colorful aspect of Mexican culture is the piñata. These paper-mache creations are all over markets, coming in all sorts of shapes and sizes, whether it looks like Spider-Man or is in a more traditional form, like a star. These are filled with candy and hung at birthday parties, although YJI students also enjoyed them at our conference!
Overall, Mexican culture is vibrant and colorful. It was exciting to see so many striking sculptures, murals, food, and goods around the city and is definitely an experience everyone should enjoy.
Mayama Opare is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Ghana. She co-wrote this story and contributed a photo.
Anya Farooqui is a Reporter with Youth Journalism International from Pakistan. She co-wrote this story and contributed a photo.
Other students contributing photos to this article were Correspondent Anjola Fashawe of London, Senior Correspondent Sreehitha Gandluri of the United States and Associate Editor Holly Hostettler-Davies of Wales, UK.
