(photo credit Lorinda Tisdall)
We've all seen it. A gringo complaining about the streets blocked off for a cultural/ religious event, funeral, or some other festivity. This is Mexico! Thank goodness they still have a culture and tradition that continues into the 21st century! But it's not always easy on the expat who has entered into this society. Oftentimes, for the people who have been here a while, what was once a delight to see is now something you have to "get through", with choetes (bottle rockets that make an extremely loud bang), closed streets, processions, etc. So ask yourself, "Are you ready to embrace the full culture of Mexico for years to come?" Can you maintain that wide eyed wonder of living in Mexico as the years roll on by? Or will you succumb to being the "grumpy Gringo" in the crowd?
I get it. We are from Canada and the U.S and we have rules, regulations and a different etiquette. But things are different here in Mexico. The timeless traditions of the patron saints for each and every village and town are just that. Timeless!! They continue to this day in (I am assuming) the very same way as they were decades, and even possibly centuries ago. We have nothing like that in Canada and the U.S. Let's face it, we all came from all over the world (mainly Europe originally) and do not carry (or have lost) the culture and traditions because we never had them (particularly if you were born in Canada or the U.S). So getting used to, understanding, and enjoying Mexican culture is difficult for us, and for many of us, after the first several years, can becomes a bone of contention in everyday life in Mexico.
Why am I telling you this? I want to give you all a heads up that Mexico is Mexico and will not change. Their traditions lie deep and and have been going on a long time. You are the guest in their country and, even though the first few times may have been exciting to see, you will need to continue to embrace the culture and lifestyle as long as you live here. For many that may be difficult. You need to be able to continue to look upon these timeless events with a fresh face and with joy and compassion. Re-awaken that love of adventure that drew you to a new country in the first place each and every morning you wake up in Lake Chapala! That's why I often say, that if "cost of living" or "escaping the U.S." is your only reasons for moving to Lake Chapala, then perhaps this move is not right for you and you will soon become embittered with the way of life in Mexico.
Beyond parades, processions, eventos, closed streets for funerals, etc, is the basic cultural aspects of the Mexican people. For instance, when we walk into a store, you can often wait a long time for someone to even look at you. In the states and Canada, employees are trained and required as part of their job to come over and see if you need help. In the states and Canada we've also adopted the "customer is always right" attitude and allow returns of virtually everything. Not so in Mexico and Mexican's in general have not adopted this "customer service" attitude.
Another huge cultural difference is "time". Stores typically do not open on time nor do employees or people show up on time. Time is flexible. A good example is when I was waiting for a store to open at 10:00. At 10:20 an employee came and rolled up the aluminum doors, went inside and put up a sign saying "back in 20 minutes" and promptly left. Did they return in 20 minutes? Who knows. I left because I couldn't wait any longer.
Then there is the afternoon siesta! This is a very important cultural aspect in Mexico and still takes place. Typically this occurs between 2:00 and 4:00 and not only is this the time for eating the main meal of the day, but for spending time with family, and of course a short nap. I recently had an occurrence where I arrived at the store at 3:55 and waited with 2 other Mexican patrons who were already there waiting. By 4:15, with no employees showing up to re-open, I finally had to leave to get to another appointment.
Mexican trades have their way of doing things too. Simple as that.
Construction workers "albaniles" have their own way of doing their work. Telling them that a certain way is better is of no use.
Office workers/government workers, follow their protocols, and although their paper system makes absolutely no sense to us, we cannot change the way things are done.
Mexico is not for everyone. It takes a continued state of mind to simply embrace "what is". Things are not always convenient, simple or organized the way we think that they should be. More often it's inconvenient, complex, and chaotic. But if you can make the mental change, the plus side is a greater sense of freedom and more relaxed attitude to living.
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