If we talk about a Mexican wedding, then, of course, this is a kind of combination of Spanish traditions

with ancient customs and rituals of the Aztecs and Maya Indians.

In many cultures, matchmaking is one of the main elements preceding the main celebration. Mexican
weddings are no exception. A sultry handsome groom, surrounded by friends, goes to the house of the
bride's parents, where, kneeling down in front of the future mother-in-law, asks for the hand of his
beloved. Then he talks long and thoroughly with the bride's father, trying to convince him of the
seriousness of his intentions and financial solvency. Having assured future relatives that he will be able
to provide a decent life for his new family, the groom receives parental consent and returns to his
father's house.

A wedding in Mexico is primarily a celebration for the parents of the bride and groom. Grandfathers,
grandmothers, friends, aunts and uncles, brothers and sisters on both sides - all participate in the
preparation of the holiday. The father of the newlywed takes care of finding additional furnishings,
negotiates with the pastor of the Catholic Church, rents the necessary equipment and invites mariachi
(musicians), and the bridesmaids match for the wedding cake.

The siblings of the bride and groom take on the role of jewelery designers and create wedding rings
from their own designs. It often happens that the bride and groom first see the jewelry only in front of
the altar. One of the few worries of future spouses is to worry about their own wedding dresses, in
which the presence of white and red colors and national ornaments is mandatory.

In Mexico, a girl's holiday before the wedding ceremony is not just a tradition, but a whole sacrament.
On the appointed day, at six o'clock in the evening, the bridesmaids gather at the bride's house, who
bring small gifts, which, as a rule, include household items.

The bride also does not leave the girls without gifts and, as a reciprocal gesture of goodwill, gives out
her outfits to those who come, which she will not be allowed to wear in marriage. Then the girls go to
the kitchen, where there is a pre-made dough for "buns with wishes." On small pieces of paper, they
write their most cherished dreams and hide them in pies.

After eating pies with secrets, the whole procession goes for a walk, and the girlfriends, along the
movement of the pre-wedding cortege, tell everyone they meet that the bride is walking. Mexicans are
sure that meeting a bride brings happiness, so this evening there are many who want to take the "lucky
talisman" by the hand or just talk to her.

Wedding day
The festive ceremony is traditionally held outdoors. On the appointed day, a square platform is installed
on the lawn, on which a wooden table with a snow-white tablecloth is erected. They build a podium
behind the table, pull up a white awning, erecting something like an altar, and decorate it with vases of
flowers. When the guests sit down, the mariachi begin to play a romantic and slightly sad melody.

At this moment, the groom takes his place at the altar, and the bride, arm in arm with her father, begins
her movement towards him between the rows of those invited. The father brings his daughter to her
future husband and the sacred marriage ceremony begins. A lasso is placed on the shoulders of the
bride and groom, twisting it in the shape of an eight, which symbolizes the strength of the relationship,
unity and endless devotion of the spouses.

The priest reads a sermon, after which the young exchange vows of allegiance. As soon as the cherished
words are pronounced, a page (the youngest participant in the ceremony) runs up to the altar, holding a
pillow with wedding rings and a bridal bouquet. After the exchange of rings, the young are declared
husband and wife. The newlyweds are showered with flower petals, and the congratulatory speeches of
the guests smoothly flow into the general feast.