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Mexico has changed rapidly during the 20th century. In many ways, contemporary life in its cities has become very similar to that in neighbouring United States and Europe.
Mexico is the most populous Spanish speaking country in the world. As many as 100 Native American languages are still spoken in Mexico, but no single alternative language prevails. Eighty per cent of those Mexicans who speak an indigenous language also speak Spanish.
The most important of the Native American languages is Nahuati. It is the primary language of more than a million Mexicans and is spoken by nearly one-fourth of all Native Americans in the country. This is followed by Maya, used by 14 percent of Native Americans and Mixteco and Zapoteco, each spoken by about seven percent of Native Americans. No other indigenous language is spoken by more than five percent of Mexico's Native Americans.
 The Spanish arrival and colonisation brought Roman Catholicism to the country and became the main religion of Mexico. Today 95% of the population are baptised Catholics, making the country as the second largest Catholic nation in the world, after Brazil.
Mexico is known worldwide for its folk art traditions, mostly derived from the indigenous and Spanish Craft. The city of Taxco, Guerrero, which is one of the oldest mining sites in America. It is also world renowned for its silver work.
Mexicans celebrate their independence day from Spain on September 16 and other holidays with colourful festivals known as "Fiestas". Every Mexican city, town and village holds a yearly festival to commemorate their local patron saints. During these festivities, the people pray and burn candles to honour their saints in churches decorated with flowers and colourful utensils. They also hold large parades, fireworks, dance competitions, beauty pageant contest, party and buy refreshments in the market places and public squares. In the smaller towns and villages, football, boxing, cockfighting and amateur bullfighting are also celebrated during the festivities.
 "Guadalupe Day" is regarded by many Mexicans as the most important religious holiday of their country. It honours the Virgin of Guadalupe, the patron saint of Mexico, which is celebrated on December 12. In the last decade, all the celebrations happening from mid December to the beginning of January have been linked together in what has been called the Guadalupe-Reyes Marathon.
Pinatas are unique to Mexican celebrations. A pinata is made from papier-mache. It is created to look like popular people, animals or fictional characters. Once made it is painted with bright colours and filled with candy or small toys. It is then hung from the ceiling. The children are blind folded and take turns hitting the pinata until it breaks open and the candy and small toys fall out. The children then gather the candy and small toys.
The family is at the centre of the social structure. The extended family is as important as the nuclear family since it provides a sense of stability. Mexicans consider it is their duty and responsibility to help family members. For example they will help find employment or finance a house or other large purchase for other family members. Most Mexican families are extremely traditional with the father as the head, the authority figure and the decision maker. Mothers are greatly revered, but their role may be seen as secondary to that of their husband.
When greeting in social situations, women pat each other on the right forearm or shoulder, rather than shake hands. Men shake hands until they know someone well, at which time they progress to the more traditional hug and back slapping. Wait until invited before using a Mexican's first name.
 If invited to a Mexican's house, bring a gift such as flowers or sweets; when giving flowers some rules apply. Do not give marigolds as they symbolise death. Do not give red flowers as they have a negative connotation. White flowers are a good gift as they are considered uplifting. When a Mexican gives you a gift, you need to open it immediately with enthusiast.
If you are invited to a party, it is best to arrive 30 minutes late in most places. Quite often arriving on time is considered inappropriate. At a large party, you may introduce yourself.
When eating, make sure you keep your hands visible. Keep your wrists resting on the edge of the table. When you have finished eating, place your knife and fork across your plate with the prongs facing down and the handles facing to the right. Do not sit down until you are invited to and told where to sit and do not begin eating until the hostess starts. It is also polite to leave some food on your plate after a meal. Keep in mind that only men give toasts.
Mexican cuisine is world-renowned for its blending of indigenous and European cultures. Popular dishes include tacos, enchiladas, mole sauce, atole, tamales, pozolo and burritos. Popular alchoholic beverages from Mexico include mescal, pulque and tequila.
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FROM THE DESK
We have been a homestay family for around a year and meeting individuals from around the world is exciting and educational for us.
We were aware when we started that as 2 single males we weren't the traditional nuclear family so we decided that we would offer an alternative homestay experience, that would appeal to mature students and provide them with a safe, supportive and engaging environment where they could develop and grow.
We find they enjoy purely discussions and participating in activities around the home, particularly in sharing their ideas about food and the correct preparation of traditional meals that reflect their culture. Most important is the freedom to acknowledge their feelings about being separated from their family and friends.
Almost all of our students still in the country, visit us on a regular basis. Making so many friends is simply amazing. Being able to participate in both local and foreign celebrations with the students has also given us so much pleasure. 
