The document summarizes several Mexican customs and holidays. It discusses the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe which celebrates the Virgin Mary's appearance and is the country's patron saint. Posadas, a nine-day celebration in December, reenacts Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem. The Day of the Dead in November remembers and honors those who have died. Independence Day on September 16th marks Mexico's separation from Spain in 1810.

1. Mexican Customs

2. General information about Mexico
The culture of Mexico has undergone
a tremendous transformation over
the past few decades and it varies
widely throughout the country. Lots
of Mexicans live in cities, but smaller
rural communities still play a strong
role in defining the country’s
collective vibrant community.

3. The feast of our lady of Guadalupe
The feast of our lady of Guadalupe, which is
celebrated on the twelfth of December, is a
major Mexican holiday celebrating the
appearance of the virgin Mary to an Indian
man in the first years of the Spanish rule. She
is the patron saint of the country. This is
followed closely by Posadas, a nine-day
celebration in which people re-enact Mary
and Josheph’s journey to Bethlehem to search
for a place to stay. Families go from door to
door carrying candles and singing, asking for
shelter until the owners open the door, at
which point the party begins.

4. The Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead (Dia de los
Muertos) celebrated on Nov. 2, is
a day set aside to remember and
honor those who have died,
according to the University of
New Mexico. Carnival is also
celebrated in many communities
throughout Mexico to mark the
period before Lent.

5. Independence Day
Independence Day, marking the
country’s separation from Spain in
1810, is celebrated on Sept.16. Cinco
de Mayo, which marks a Mexican
military victory over the French in 1862,
is more widely celebrated in the United
States (as a beer promotion) than it is
in Mexico.

6. Credits to:
Jim Bikos (Text)
Nick Souganidis (Text Editing)
Dora Maroulaki (Information)
Panagiotis Flyntzanis (Images)