16 Surprising Facts About Mexico That Will Blow Your Mind
We think we know everything there is to the country that’s just across the border. And while Mexico’s culinary dynamics, unique gems of nature, and stunning beauty add to its charm, there’s a lot about it that we don’t know or the media doesn’t tell us. Here are some surprising facts about Mexico that will blow your mind and make you want to visit this culturally rich country as soon as possible.
Hawk Guards

We’re all tired of seagulls swooping in when we least expect and flying away with our food. However, many Mexican resorts have trained and employed hawk guards to keep these pestering white birds from ruining tourists’ experience. That’s not all; hawks and other raptors are also deployed at airports for the same reason.
World’s Largest Spanish-Speaking Population

Mexico is the largest Spanish-speaking country in the world. This means that Mexico is a major player in Spanish culture and communication globally. The prevalence of Spanish here shapes the country’s identity and has a huge influence worldwide. The way Spanish is spoken in Mexico has become incredibly influential, setting trends and standards in the Spanish-speaking world.
Robot Servers

Don’t think Japan is the only nation upgrading its customer service; many eateries in Mexico are embracing robot servers, eagerly waiting to take your order. Robot servers are still reasonably new, but eateries nationwide are quickly adopting them.
Avocado Rush

Forget California’s Gold Rush; Mexico has been experiencing its green gold rush with avocados. It started in 2022 when avocados were listed as the second most valuable crop, and eventually, black market dealers in Mexico began to sell the plant. The government even took serious initiatives like GPS tracking trucks carrying the crop.
Spicy Christmas

We’re all aware of Mexico’s love for peppers, but certain regions like Los Cabos take it up a notch during festivities like Christmas. Although not too widespread, several families adorn their Christmas tree head to toe with chili peppers to incorporate their heritage and love for spicy food into a beloved festivity.
Unusual Ice-Cream Flavors

Many Mexican ice cream parlors introduce unusual flavors to keep their customers excited. Some unusual ones include hibiscus flower, beet, prune, corn, melon, and even eggnog. But the weirdest one so far is mole poblano ice cream, which provides mole, a thick, savory sauce made from chile and chocolate; certainly an acquired taste.
No Pants Subway

The subway isn’t everyone’s favorite transport, and it gets even weirder when you step in and are the only one wearing pants. But it isn’t unusual; every year in some parts of Mexico, sometimes even in Mexico City, a day is dedicated to commuters traveling without wearing pants.
Night Of The Radishes

Every year on December 23, citizens all over Oaxaca, Mexico, gather to present scenes fashioned entirely from carved radishes. The tradition initially began as a wood carving event, but farmers changed it to attract customers. Decades later, the Night of the Radishes is a popular activity that most people don’t know about.
Floating Cinemas

Imagine sitting in a boat, enjoying a serene lake, and watching a movie without having to move a bit. But at Lanchacinema, you can rent a paddle-board and paddle your way to a public movie screening. This is one of the most popular activities in Xochimilco, Mexico’s very own Venice.
Pet Day Of The Dead

Dia de Muertos, or the Day of the Dead, is a traditional holiday that honors the memory of those who have passed away. For a long time, Dia de Muertos was solely about humans, but in 2023, the holiday was amended to include an honor ceremony for pets. Since it’s relatively new, most people won’t know about it, but it’s a great way to share a pet’s loss and grief.
Pet Amusement Parks

The one thing almost every pet owner hates when traveling is to leave their fur baby behind. But Mexico brings a pet-friendly initiative into play; it has multiple amusement parks and play parks designed to facilitate pet owners. These parks boast various obstacle courses, splash zones, and even movie theaters for dogs.
Chocolate Spas

Mexico is home to a chocoholic’s dream: massages coated in chocolate. It sounds weird initially, but chocolate spas are operating all over Mexico. Among other basic modes of therapeutic treatment, these spas use locally grown Mexican chocolate, either in the form of hot chocolate or cocoa butter, to massage, moisturize, and nourish the body. It’s honestly quite relaxing.
More Than 68 Indigenous Languages

Mexico is amazingly diverse when it comes to languages, with 68 indigenous languages spoken across the country. This makes it one of the most linguistically rich places in the world. Each language represents a unique culture and history, adding to the Mexican heritage.
Chocolate Origin

Did you know Mexico is the birthplace of chocolate? The ancient Mesoamericans, including the Aztecs and Mayans, were the first to cultivate cacao beans. They loved it so much that they even used it as currency and in their rituals. Today, you can still enjoy rich, authentic Mexican chocolate made from traditional recipes.
Mariachi Music

Mariachi music is a big part of Mexican culture and is even recognized by UNESCO. These vibrant bands, with their violins, trumpets, and guitars, create a lively sound. You’ll find mariachi bands at festivals and celebrations, spreading joy and showcasing Mexico’s rich musical heritage.
Largest University in Latin America

While most tourists are concerned about Mexico’s cuisine or music setting, Mexico’s education isn’t impressive either. In fact, the National Autonomous University of Mexico (NAUM) is the largest university in Mexico and Latin America! It even has a fascinating history; it was founded in 1910 by Justo Sierra, the then-minister of education, because he wanted to establish a Mexican institute based on liberal values.
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This article was first published at Rbitaliablog.