Adapting to your new life

An intriguing place

Mexico’s historical, geographical and cultural richness and variety cannot be overstated. It’s a land that was home to both the Mayan and Aztec cultures, as well as a land that was colonised for more than 300 years by the Spanish. It has lived through many wars, including that which gave the country its independence in 1821, and has experienced both a dictatorship and a revolution. Mexico also has the single largest number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the whole of the Americas and the sixth largest number worldwide.

Beautiful climate

The fact that the Tropic of Cancer practically runs through the middle of its landmass means that Mexico benefits from both tropical as well as temperate climes — making it a hugely appealing place to relocate to.

Mexico not only has bustling, exciting cities and stunning beaches that attract tourists year-round, but also two mountain ranges that run from the north down to the south of the country, the Sierra Madre Oriental and the Sierra Madre Occidental. These extend down from the Rocky Mountain Range in North America, making for dramatic landscapes and adding to Mexico’s unique climate. There are also extensive desert-like areas in the north of the country with their consequent frontier histories and traditions.

Rich cultural heritage

The huge variety of traditions across Mexico are in large part due to the fact that the country is a federation of 31 distinct states, each with its own history and culture. That said, native Mexicans are hugely patriotic with a strong sense of their nation’s joint identity. In public schools, children sing the national anthem every Monday morning and Spanish is spoken by over 95% of the population. The massive influence of Roman Catholicism across Mexico is also a huge unifying factor. The Virgin of Guadalupe is the Mexican version of the Virgin Mary, a dark-skinned woman who is seen as the mother of the nation. Her shrine can be found in Mexico City, and in many areas a holiday is observed in her name in December.

Good food

Mexico has an extensive and varied cuisine and much that is typically considered Mexican, such as tacos, are not only stock items in daily life for many people who live there, but also cheap options for visitors and expats alike. Usually costing less than a dollar, this kind of meal is a nutritious lunchtime choice, packed with plenty of flavour.

Mexicans eat out a lot, and most small restaurants have cost-effective fixed price menus known as commida corrida. Eating is a central feature of Mexican culture and the most important meal of the day is taken in the siesta period from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Both secular and religious occasions and festivals in Mexico have special food associated with them.

Immerse yourself in art

Steeped in so many fascinating and colourful traditions, Mexico is known for its colourful art, especially its murals. The country’s history and people are celebrated in murals across the nation and decorate its public buildings. Arguably the country’s most famous artist, Frida Kahlo is now world-renowned, her vivid paintings and revolutionary life being the subject of a major Hollywood biopic starring Salma Hayek.

A new country means so many new things to explore: food, culture, art and architecture. Taking care of the practical things gives you more time for the pursuits you love. Pick up the phone today and talk to one of our knowledgeable team about your health care cover and let us take care of it for you, so you can enjoy all the riches your new home has to offer.

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