CDMX: A Love Letter to Culture
In January, I had the opportunity to take a fabulous trip to celebrate a fabulous friend. We spent a few days in Mexico City before heading to San Miguel del Allende. The contrasts couldn’t have been more apparent, but it was a great mix of urban energy and colonial charm. As a lover of cities, it was amazing to explore this huge city and draw conclusions that are so different from what I imagined before I arrived.
What struck me the most about CDMX was the pride that the locals feel for their country. You can sense that via the flags that are flown throughout, perhaps none more relevant than in Zócalo, a main square in the center of town. Each day the military ceremonially raises and lowers this huge flag. This twice daily occurrence often draws crowds to watch… reflecting how seriously national identity is considered.
Murals and public art narrate the country’s history and struggles. In particular, the perfectly preserved murals inside the National Palace visually tell the story of Mexico’s history from ancient civilizations through the revolution. Diego Rivera, perhaps Mexico’s most famous artist, narrates his views regarding Mexico’s identity and struggles. Entrance is free and encouraged which points to cultural pride. It is quite evident that locals want to share these priceless art murals and the history lessons behind them with visitors..
And finally, the food! Restaurant menus are rich with dishes highlighting Mexican ingredients and traditions. The food is full of flavor, made from local ingredients that have been used for centuries. Literally every dish we ate seemed as though it came out of an “abuela’s cocina.” Asking a waiter to describe a dish was a lesson in poetry. There seemed to be a different language altogether when hearing descriptions about recipes that have been passed down for generations.
I left with many reflections: I felt safe everywhere I went. Of course there are dangerous parts to the city, like most every big city, but the streets were full of life… commerce was everywhere from the carts selling freshly grilled quesadillas to policemen patrolling the streets on horseback. I felt an insatiable desire to try new foods because the flavors had such depth and were like nothing I’ve tasted before. Salsa wasn’t just “salsa,” in Mexico City, salsa was a combination of smokey and spicy and a tang of sweet. And rather than having a margarita, in CDMX you have a mezcalita, the local drink made with mezcal rather than tequila. The big difference is that rather than syrup, bartenders use fresh herbs and chilies so flavor variations can be huge. Personally, we alternated between the tamarind and hibiscus ones. But most of all, it was inspiring to be in a place where national pride was viscerally felt. I was reminded that being proud of where you are from doesn’t have anything to do with politics; in fact, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Being proud of your country means respecting the history that was made before you, honoring those who fought for your freedom, and sharing those attributes unique to your country with those who visit.
