There are several recent posts in the FamilySearch Blog about genealogy (family history) for Mexico. I am listing 10 of them here with a short introduction. To read the full post on FamilySearch Blog, click the link in the title of each section.
1) Mexican Genealogy: Understanding Mexican Records
Are you trying to find your Mexican ancestors and begin your Mexican genealogy but don’t know where to start? One way to learn more about your ancestors is to search records for information about them.
Thankfully, record keepers in Mexico have been recording information for centuries. Do you know the name of a Mexican ancestor? Search our indexed Mexican records, and see what you can find.
Some records are especially helpful for Mexican genealogy. Understanding what these resources are—and how they can help you—can jumpstart your family history.
2) Discover Your Mexican Heritage
When you connect with your Mexican heritage, you discover that your ancestors are people you are related to and you can relate to.
Your Mexican heritage could be eating pan de dulce together at the end of a long day, celebrating a Quinceañera in your family, gathering together at grandmother’s to enjoy her delicious food, or never being alone because your family always has your back.
In many ways, a Mexican heritage is a heritage of family, and one way you can connect to your heritage is by connecting to your family—past and present.
3) 6 Unique Mexican Traditions
Mexican traditions have become increasingly popular in regions well outside of Mexico, even inspiring the creation of popular films and other media. And it’s no wonder. These traditions reflect the rich history of Mexico and the fun personality of its people so well that it’s easy to fall in love with Mexican traditions.
Celebrations. If there’s one thing Mexico is known for, it’s the celebrations. Values such as family and friendship are deeply embedded in this country’s culture. What better way is there to celebrate both than to gather together for a healthy helping of music, dancing, food, and fireworks?
Learn more about some of the most popular celebrations in Mexico.
4) Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead)
During Day of the Dead, or Día de Muertos, October 31 through November 2, families gather together to remember and honor their deceased loved ones. A sacred, joyous time, Day of the Dead traditions include food and flowers, visits with family members, prayers, and stories about those who have died.
Day of the Dead began as a traditional Mesoamerican celebration in southern Mexico meant to guide the spirits of departed loved ones in the afterlife. Today, the holiday is observed throughout the country and includes Christian influences.
5) Quinceañeras
Quinceañeras mark a young woman’s transition from childhood to adulthood and often feature lively music, dancing, and food. These and other quinceañera traditions are celebrated on a young woman’s 15th birthday. The word quinceañera can refer to either the party itself or the young woman celebrating her birthday.
6) Mexican Last Names: Frequently Asked Questions
There is one thing that is easy to see when researching Mexican names—everyone seems to have more than one. Understanding the reason for multiple Mexican last names (apellidos) and other naming conventions will help you do your Mexican family history.
What Does a Typical Mexican Name Look Like? When looking at Mexican names, you will often see at least two given names (for example, Maria Angelica) and two surnames (for example, Rodriguez Lopez). All put together, a full Mexican name could look like this: Maria Angelica Rodriguez Lopez
7) Traditional Mexican Food—A Treat for All the Senses
Authentic Mexican food is more than just something you eat—it is something you experience.
Traditional Mexican food has a vibrant history and is tied to the heart of Mexican culture and values. Indeed, one of the best ways to understand your Mexican heritage is to understand its food.
History of Mexican Food. Many of the tastes, sights, and sounds of authentic Mexican food stem from three main Mexican cultures: Mayan, Aztec, and Spain, with Spain being the most heavily represented.
Mayan Influence. The Mayans were hunters and gatherers, and some of the most traditional foods come from the Mayan culture. Food made from corn was a staple, which is where corn tortillas derived. Mayans would often eat corn tortillas with a bean paste.
8) Finding Mexican Ancestors: Two Success Stories
Every family has a story to tell—lots of stories, in fact. Some stories get passed down and are told again and again, while others are lost and forgotten, buried in the records. Of course, anything that has been lost has the possibility of being found.
With newly indexed records available, more families with Mexican ancestry are uncovering clues about their families and are again telling their stories. Here are two stories of families who successfully used the records to learn more about their Mexican ancestors….
9) Guelita Survived the Mexican Revolution
Sometimes when I hear stories about Guelita Caro –Carolina Amezcua Salinas—I can hardly believe that the same tiny, frail woman I remember from my childhood could have endured so much.
10) Genealogy Made Easy: 16 Ideas under 20 Minutes
These suggestions apply to Mexican Genealogy as they apply to many other areas.
Want to do genealogy but don’t have a lot of time? No problem! Genealogy is made easy with these quick activities. Learn more about yourself and your family history in just a few minutes.
2 Minutes
- Discover the meaning of your last name, including how many people have the same last name and where the last name comes from.
- Which ancestor do you look most like? Compare faces and find out!
- Note: You will want to add photos of your ancestors in FamilySearch Memories for the best results.
- Put yourself in the shoes of your ancestors, and use FamilySearch’s Picture My Heritage tool.
- See if you are related to your friends! Download the FamilySearch app to try Relatives around Me.
