I’m going to go straight to the point on this one! Mexicans love holidays, and any excuse for that matter to celebrate, party, and decorate the office. So it comes as no surprise that Valentine’s Day is up there as one of Mexico’s favorite festivities. Unlike many celebrations, which I have talked about in my blog, this festivity does not follow any religious or spiritual, indigenous, traditional, or national or patriotic related context.
Valentine’s Day as with its neighbor to the north, is distinctly more commercial. But even so, it is celebrated with a hint of something extra. February 14 in Mexico is called “El Día del Amor y la Amistad” – The Day of Love and Friendship. Therefore, you can’t just focus on your close loved ones, you can’t forget all your friends and colleagues at the office. No need to dedicate the same lavish celebration as you would to your spouse or close friends. However, make sure you send a message and take some candy or chocolates to the office.
Valentine’s Day and Mexican Cultural Dimensions
Different cultures have different ways of expressing friendship and building relationships. The following key elements of Hofstede’s Cultural Dimensions help understand the perception of friendship and work interactions in Mexican culture.
- Power Distance Index: considers the extent to which inequality and power are tolerated. Mexico has a high power distance index reflecting a culture that accepts inequity and power differences and shows high respect for rank and authority. Relationships with colleagues, while always showing respect, may also show paternal or maternal care from leaders. On the other hand, low power distance cultures such as Australia, Canada, and the U.S.A. place emphasis on the individual and prioritize equality.
- The individualism vs. collectivism dimension assesses societies’ integration into groups and their perceived obligations and dependence on the team. In collectivistic cultures like Mexico, friendships often develop through shared activities, like collaborating at work or being part of the same community. Loyalty is dominant and supersedes most rules and regulations. Society fosters strong relationships where everyone takes responsibility for fellow members of their group.
- Mexico’s high uncertainty avoidance culture tends to value relationships that are well-defined and clear-cut. It is important to take this into account when starting a new position within Mexico. Your team will want the leaders’ direction to be clear and their expectations aligned as soon as possible.
- Indulgence Versus Restraint: With a very high score of 97, Mexican culture has a definite tendency toward indulgence. As I mentioned at the beginning of this blog, any excuse for celebrating is good. They enjoy life, treasure leisure time, do what makes them happy, and spend money, but not always so wisely. If coming from a culture with a more restraint-oriented culture, be prepared for expressive and joyful communication.
Valentine’s Day around the world
The way Valentine’s Day is celebrated, and the cultural significance can vary from place to place. Several countries that embrace it widely include the U.S.A., Great Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Italy, Argentina, Brazil, and Mexico. In these countries, the day is often associated with romance, and couples exchange gifts such as flowers, chocolates, and cards.
In some Latin American countries, Valentine’s Day is known as “Dia de San Valentin” and is celebrated with similar traditions as in the US, couples exchange gifts. But the holiday has spread to most countries, to all European countries, South Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, and the Philippines.
Now let me give you some singular points:
- In China, there is Qixi Festival a more traditional Chinese festival of love. It’s celebrated on the 7th day of the 7th lunar month. But you may still find some celebrating Valentine’s Day.
- In Japan, they celebrate two Valentine’s Days. On February 14th, girls give boys dark chocolate, and on the following month, on March 14th, boys return the favor and give white chocolate to the girls.
- In some Islamic countries, this day is not celebrated at all, due to religious objections to the holiday’s origins and associations with the West. It is officially discouraged.
Expressing love and affection
I want to finish with a quick note on the display of love, friendship and affection, a subject I am asked by Global Leaders or Expatriates. Two clients, European expatriate once asked me if they had to greet everyone with a kiss when they arrived at the office each day. No, you don’t have to, independent of whatever your culture. Just so you know, in Mexico physical touch, such as hugs and kisses, is a common way to express love, affection, and camaraderie even in the workplace. But if you come from another culture where physical touch may be less common don’t fret, be yourself.
Just remember to be open to the new customs around you. As for all distinctions in the Intercultural world, recognize these cultural differences in navigating relationships to strengthen your day-to-day connections. Let the culture grow on you little by little. Building friendships may take time and may involve going through formal rituals or stages before being considered as friends. In Mexico, friendships may develop quickly and informally. There is not such a clear boundary between friends and acquaintances, it’s a more porous boundary between friends and acquaintances. While you get the picture of where you stand, share some chocolates on Valentine’s Day!
