Want to learn how to embrace Mexican culture? Whether you live in Los Angeles or are just visiting, look no further than Los Angeles. The city and surrounding Los Angeles County is perfect for learning about and adapting to Mexican culture. Here are a few key tips on how to embrace the culture.
1. EAT!- Per my last blog post, I wrote about going out and getting antojitos, or snacks. Food is central to Mexican culture. We take food very seriously. Mexican mothers love to make sure you are well fed. So our food is made with love and passion. Seriously, TRY OUT FOOD! PSA: Fajitas are not authentic Mexican food! Do not fight me on this LOL!
2. Listen to our music and enjoy the dancing- pretty self explanatory. Music is something we are very proud of. Like, have you ever heard a Vicente Fernandez song? Talk about FEELZ!!! But if you are old enough, go out to a night club. Or if you’re eating at a Mexican restaurant, listen to the mariachi. Trust me, those guitars can make your heart melt!
3. Visit- Visit land marks. Visit predominantly Mexican churches. Visit East LA or the Fashion District in Downtown Los Angeles. Experience the culture by diving in firsthand.
4. Learn- Learn the language! I’m not saying you have to speak fluent Spanish, because let’s be real, it is hard learning a whole new language. I still am learning, and I grew up speaking Spanish. But learn how to order your food, or how to carry out a simple conversation in Spanish. Personally, I appreciate the effort when someone tries to speak Spanish to my grandma. Although she speaks English as well, Spanish is her native language and she is more comfortable speaking Spanish than English. So it is HUGE when someone can speak Spanish. Quite frankly, I find it rather beautiful when we go out of our way to make an effort.
5. Family- Family is one of the biggest aspects of Mexican culture. Whether we are at the park or throwing one of our infamous weekend parties, you can bet that we are more or less with family. Family has your back. And in this culture, its family or nothing. This may seem a little extreme. I know. Trust me, I love my mama. But sometimes they are just too much. (Mom, if you’re reading this I love and appreciate you!) So, if you’re anything like me, you consider your closest friends family. I love to say that I have family everywhere. Because to me, if you have my back, and I have yours, you’re family. Family comes first always.
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