- Mexico's divorce rate is relatively low, and in the last 20 years, it has remained under 20 percent. Although divorce is not a difficult process, society still frowns upon it. As such, Mexican couples must take their marriage vows seriously, and Mexican couples have average engagement periods of two or more years. The average age of a Mexican bride is 22, and the average age of a Mexican groom is 24 years old.
Most Mexican weddings traditions are derived from historical Aztec traditions. Catholicism is the main religion in Mexico, and traditional Mexican weddings have incorporated a Catholic Mass into the ceremony. - Traditionally, Mexican marriages are usually paid for by godparents who function as "padrinos," or marriage sponsors. Padrinos provide emotional support to the married couple throughout their lives. Typically, padrinos provide the bride and groom with a Bible and rosary during the wedding.
- Mexican grooms provide their wives with 13 coins made of gold immediately prior to receiving his vows. This tradition symbolizes the groom's love and eternal commitment to his bride. Once the couple completes the marriage ceremony, guests toss red beads at them as a way of wishing them good luck.
During the wedding reception, guests hold hands and arrange themselves in the shape of a heart around the bride and groom while they perform their first dance together as a couple.
A heart-shaped pinata or animal-shaped pinata full of candy is strung from the ceiling. During the ceremony, children swing at the pinata, and guests share the contents.
Rum-flavored cakes are the traditional flavor of Mexican wedding cakes. - It is a Mexican tradition to invite the entire village to a couple's wedding, and most parties actually last more than a few days. Blaring loud music, guests dance, drink, and eat during the wedding party.
- Traditionally, Mexican families may consist of the new bride and groom, his parents, and possibly, her parents. This extended living arrangement is more common in lower-class neighborhoods. Eventually, couples that are able to save enough money choose to move out, but it is not uncommon to see children in their late 30s residing with their parents after marriage.
Domestic abuse is a very serious problem in Mexico. Mexico is still a very patriarchal society, and men are the head of Mexican households. Because divorce is relatively uncommon, many brides remain loyal to their abusive husbands for this reason.
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