Traits of Pre-Columbian Aztec Civilization in Modern Mexican Culture

Abstract

This paper is aimed at finding traits of the one-time Aztec civilization in present-day Mexican culture. My interest is whether there are any customs, traditions, beliefs that have survived into the present, whether any element of Aztec civilization is kept alive intentionally, is remembered or evoked for special occasions. I would also like to find out to what extent Mexican people commemorate and respect their pre-contact ancestors; if they maintain some of their traditions; and if they find themselves more the heirs of Native American or of European traditions. In order to do so I use written secondary sources and an interview with Agustín Cadena, Mexican writer, poet and essayist.