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Business etiquette, language & culture
Overview
English is widely spoken in Mexico but there are still many who do not speak it. Having a basic knowledge of Spanish will help you make a good impression. Be aware too, that people from the USA are ‘North’ Americans (not Americans) – Mexicans are also ‘Americans’.
As in most Latin American countries, Mexican companies are organised along hierarchical lines, with most key decisions made at the most senior levels.
Typically the management style in Mexico is paternalistic, with hierarchical business structures. Key decisions are made by a small number of individuals at the top, so you need to ensure you are dealing with the right people, and that you send people with a similar level of seniority.
Smart, business attire is more formal in Mexico than in Europe, and the use of professional titles is common. If titles do not exist then you should use Señor (Mr), Señora (Mrs) or Señorita (Miss) – followed by the family name.
Timings can be flexible, so it may be difficult to arrange more than one or two meetings in a day. Breakfast meetings are not uncommon, and lunch is usually taken late. Both are considered important relationship-building opportunities.
Relationships are most important. You should show long-term commitment to Mexico and your Mexican contacts – keep in touch between contracts or projects.
Mexico public holidays
2017:
Date: |
Day: |
Holiday: |
Type of holiday: |
August 15 |
Tuesday |
Assumption of Mary |
Observance |
September 15 |
Friday |
Shout of Dolores |
Observance |
September 16 |
Saturday |
Independence Day |
National holiday |
October 12 |
Thursday |
Columbus Day |
Observance |
November 1 |
Wednesday |
All Saints' Day |
Observance |
November 2 |
Thursday |
All Souls' Day / Day of the Dead |
Observance |
November 20 |
Monday |
Revolution Day Memorial |
National holiday |
November 26 |
Sunday |
Christ the King Day |
Observance |
December 8 |
Friday |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
Observance |
December 12 |
Tuesday |
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe |
Bank holiday |
December 24 |
Sunday |
Christmas Eve |
Observance |
December 25 |
Monday |
Christmas Day |
National holiday |
December 28 |
Thursday |
Day of the Holy Innocents |
Observance |
December 31 |
Sunday |
New Year's Eve |
Observance |
2018:
Date: |
Day: |
Holiday: |
Type of holiday: |
January 1 |
Monday |
New Year's Day |
National holiday |
January 6 |
Saturday |
Day of the Holy Kings |
Observance |
February 5 |
Monday |
Constitution Day |
National holiday |
February 14 |
Wednesday |
Valentine's Day |
Observance |
February 14 |
Wednesday |
Ash Wednesday |
Observance |
Februray 24 |
Saturday |
Flag Day |
Observance |
March 18 |
Sunday |
Oil Expropriation Day |
Observance |
March 19 |
Monday |
Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial |
National holiday |
March 21 |
Wednesday |
Benito Juárez's Birthday Memorial |
National holiday |
March 25 |
Sunday |
Palm Sunday |
Observance |
March 29 |
Thursday |
Maundy Thursday |
Bank holiday |
March 30 |
Friday |
Good Friday |
Bank holiday |
March 31 |
Saturday |
Holy Saturday |
Observance |
April 1 |
Sunday |
Easter Day |
Observance |
April 30 |
Monday |
Children's Day |
Observance |
May 1 |
Tuesday |
Labour Day / May Day |
National holiday |
May 5 |
Saturday |
Cinco de Mayo / Battle of Puebla |
Observance |
May 10 |
Thursday |
Mother's Day |
Observance |
May 10 |
Thursday |
Ascension Day |
Observance |
May 15 |
Tuesday |
Teacher's Day |
Observance |
May 20 |
Sunday |
Whit Sunday |
Observance |
May 31 |
Thursday |
Corpus Christi |
Observance |
June 17 |
Sunday |
Father's Day |
Observance |
July 1 |
Sunday |
Mexican general election |
National holiday |
August 15 |
Wednesday |
Assumption of Mary |
Observance |
September 15 |
Saturday |
Shout of Dolores |
Observance |
September 16 |
Sunday |
Independence Day |
National holiday |
October 12 |
Friday |
Columbus Day |
Observance |
November 1 |
Thursday |
All Saints' Day |
Observance |
November 2 |
Friday |
All Souls' Day / Day of the Dead |
Observance |
November 19 |
Monday |
Day off for Revolution Day Memorial |
National holiday |
November 20 |
Tuesday |
Revolution Day Memorial |
National holiday |
November 25 |
Sunday |
Christ the King Day |
Observance |
December 1 |
Saturday |
Inauguration day |
National holiday |
December 8 |
Saturday |
Feast of the Immaculate Conception |
Observance |
December 12 |
Wednesday |
Day of the Virgin of Guadalupe |
Bank holiday |
December 24 |
Monday |
Christmas Eve |
Observance |
December 25 |
Tuesday |
Christmas Day |
National holiday |
December 28 |
Friday |
Day of the Holy Innocents |
Observance |
December 31 |
Monday |
New Year's Eve |
Observance |
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