TECHNICAL

There's different ways the director could've approached shooting this film. But the brilliant documentary film “Reportero” by Bernardo Ruiz was taken with huge precaution, trying their absolute best to make sure that their staff journalist for the paper company “ZETA” was protected throughout the film and kept private. Considering the repercussions they may face if things went south. Especially because of the cruel history of how journalists in Mexico were treated previously with 50 innocent people murdered when trying to give insight to the cartel. So that being said the government is very controlling with the media and what gets out to the public. But as for “ZETA” and the filmmakers it was a risk they were willing to take making sure that they stood as an independent voice, giving true insight in the world's gang violence and not running away from the issue which most journalists in Mexico have done.

Culture of Mexico

People of Mexico:

Mexican culture is a diverse mix from civilizations before them, whether it was the early Mesoamerican civilizations or the diverse populations they have today mexican people have taken pride in their heritage and culture.

Family ties are the highest value in mexican culture. Parents and elders are treated with the utmost respect and strong links were made to in-laws and other extended family members. Family gatherings and dances are normal especially a girls Quinceanera. A quinceanera is a young girl's transition into womanhood and is celebrated with a big party, before this party there is a church mass. This event is a big deal in all mexican families.

  
https://www.britannica.com/topic/quinceanera( More on the party tradition)

Mexican Cuisine:

Mexican cuisine is different depending on what region you go to, however they are known for their blend of indigenous and European cultures. A big staple for them were corn, beans, and squash.

Outside of those three, other staples for them were rice, avocado, chilli peppers, amaranth, tomatoes, potatoes, lentils, plantains, and vanilla.

Even though the food varies depending on region, some of the more worldly food are tortillas, enchiladas, and cornmeal tamales. Other favorites are pozole and menudo which are spicy soups and stews. Seafood dishes such as pulpo, chipachole, and ceviche are also some favorites.

Favored deserts in Mexico are dulce de leche, sweet bread, and chocolate, however the treat popular with the kids is sugar battered flauta. These are all washed down with fruit waters, horchata, or sweety watery drinks. Another one is cinnamon flavored hot chocolate made with milk or water mixed until it becomes froth.

Mexico is also widely known for their tequila amongst other drinks like pulque and mescal.

https://www.allrecipes.com/article/authentic-mexican-food/ (ingredients for authentic mexican seasoning cabinet)

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipes/1470/world-cuisine/latin-american/mexican/authentic/ (authentic mexican meals)

Religion:

Mexican culture is currently divided between Roman catholics(76.5%), Protestantes(6.3%), Pentecostals(1.4%), Jehovah's Witnesses(1.1%). Outside of these common religions there are people who are non religious or have other faiths(14.7%).

Holidays

Christmas, New Years, and Easter, cinco de mayo, and the country's independence days are widely celebrated in Mexico amongst many other holidays.

The day of the dead followed by all souls day are holidays that allow you to remember and honor the deceased while also celebrating life. The belief is that the living must still tend to the deceased so they will be protected. This holiday has a tradition making altars to honor the deceased, eating their favorite foods and beverages, and bringing it as gifts to the grave site. 

Guadalupe day is the most important religious holiday in Mexican culture. This day honors the virgin Guadalupe, the patron saint of mexico.

  

Music

Traditional and well known mexican music are ranchero and norteno banda and more. Ranchero was made popular after the revolution; it symbolizes love, new national consciousness and focuses largely on love, patriotism and nature. This has become a staple for mariachi bands who also have become big over the years playing at different events.

Mariachi bands perform not only at events but on the streets of Mexico as well. A Mariachi band can consist of singers, violins, a guitarrón, a guitarra de golpe, vihuela, guitars, and trumpets. The most known group is  Vargas de Tecalitlán, which was originally formed in 1897.

Varga de Tecalitlàn ( a sample of their work)

Works Cited

 “Culture of Mexico.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 6 May 2020, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_Mexico#Cuisine.

History.com Editors. “History of Mexico.” History.com, A&E Television Networks, 9 Nov. 2009, www.history.com/topics/mexico/history-of-mexico#section_6.