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Monterrey>>Culture
Holidays & Celebrations Language & Etiquette
Cultural Differences Family Values & the ASFM Community (pg.13 of the Orientation Booklet)
Religion Arts & Crafts Guide to Mexico
Mexico celebrates many national and religious holidays. These usually take place on the exact date. Celebrations in Mexico are very colorful, rich in symbols and rituals, specially those related to religion. For a more detailed calendar click here
New Year's Day (1)
Epiphany(6)J anuary Carta Magna (5) F ebruary Benito Juarez' Birthday (21) M arch Children's Day (30) A pril Labor Day (1)
The Battle of Puebla (5)
Mother's Day (10)
Teacher's Day (15)M ay Independence Day (15)
Monterrey's Foundation (20)S eptember Columbus Day (12) O ctober Day of the Dead (2)
Revolution Day (20)N ovember Virgen de Guadalupe (12)
Christmas (25)D ecember Language & Etiquette>>Greetings
Most women kiss once on the right cheek when greeting you hello or goodbye. When woman friends kiss in greeting hello or goodbye, they do not actually kiss. They touch cheeks and kiss into the air. Women will greet the men usually with a handshake the first meeting then on subsequent meetings (only if comfortable with it) will "kiss" the men on the cheek. You may opt to wait for the other person to take the initiative, or to kiss anyone you meet! Most people greet with a handshake. Handshakes are less firm. Men have a variety of handshakes, some more 'padre' than others.
¡Gracias a Dios! means "Thank God!" not "thanks, good-bye" which would be "Gracias, adios" ¡Qué padre! Great, cool! ¿Qué tal? How are you? ¿Qué onda? What's up? ¿Mande? Pardon? Mucho Gusto Nice to meet you. Con permiso To pass by someone Disculpe To get someone's attention Perdón I am sorry, excuse me. ¿Puedo usar el teléfono? May I use the phone? Buen provecho Enjoy your meal. Bueno? Hello? when answering a phone call
You may use the Dictionary Online or Spanish Helper for Travelers which offers instant vocabulary. Sound available.Language & Etiquette>>Dress Code
Generally, women dress more formally (pants/skirts rather than shorts), especially when going out.
Men rarely wear shorts around the city. Discos have dress codes. Ask about the dress code before going. People dress well, generally, and take pride in their appearance.
Language & Etiquette>>Timing for Gatherings
Most people arrive later than the time stated on an invitation, sometimes up to an hour later. Expect meals to be served 2-3 hours later, between 8:00pm and 11:00pm. People often leave shortly after eating, though not always. People like to stay out late.
Language & Etiquette>>Phone Calls
You can answer the phone with "Bueno?" for Spanish or "Hello?" to indicate that you speak English (many callers then hang up). Use "Mande?" when you want them to repeat. If you want to speak to someone, say "Se encuentra...?" or "Puedo hablar con...?", both mean "May I speak to...". If you want to know who is speaking, say "Quien habla?". If it is a wrong number, say "Esta equivocado el numero"; "Con quien quieres hablar?" means "With whom would you like to speak?" .
Check the PTA phone book for important numbers and instructions for long distance calls.
Families are of paramount importance to Mexicans, as is the network of school friends.
Purses on the floor are bad luck (and good advice against potential theft).
Do not give the OK sign. It is inappropriate in all company. Thumbs up is a better option.
When bargaining in outdoor markets, expect a 25% markdown on all Artisan wares.
At Mexican parties and gatherings, all ages from baby to the great grandmother are at the same party. All age groups may take part in the conversation of adults if they have something to add.
If you are invited to a party to begin at 9:00 p.m. do not expect to eat until 10:00 p.m. or possibly 11:00 p.m. Also be sure to ask what time the other guests are expected to arrive. If the party begins at 8:00 p.m. the guest may not start arriving until 9:00 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.Cultural Differences: Mexico with Canada & the United States (Mexico Connect)
Non-verbal language and gestures Charades is the name of the game. Use them.
Waving index finger back and forth means "No."
Moving your index finger up and down means "Yes."
Scooping your hand like a shovel, palm facing downwards, means "Come here."Dealing with service industry staff They will always use the formal "Usted".
Maids will usually come to your home while you are out. Have someone write a note for instructions. Keep the note simple. Write out instructions or demonstrate how you like things done if language is a problem. Most have done this before and are very capable.
Tipping of a few pesos to all delivery people is usual.
Tip the kids in the grocery stores for bagging your groceries. They will push the cart to your car and unload the bags as well. Three to seven pesos are fine as a tip.
You may tip gas attendants the same amount.Most of the people in Mexico are Catholic, but there are also some other churches. See list below.
Fatima Catholic church, (8356-1756) on Ave. San Pedro. Col. del Valle. English mass Sunday at 11:00 am in small Chapel. Union Church of Monterrey Non-denominational (8378-4304 & 378-0541)
Basílica de la Virgen de Guadalupe, Catholic, on Castelar 224 W. (8345-6686).Cathedral de Monterrey Catholic on Zuazua 1100 Downtown(8342-7831) Iglesia Metodista de la Trinidad Methodist on Washington 513 W. Downtown (8342-2612) More churches Orientation booklet & PTA phone book.
© 2002
American School Foundation of Monterrey, A.C.
Last Updated
January 22, 2005
