Hispanic Cultural Differences - Hispanic Hospitality Aboard the High Seas

The Consulate General of México in San Francisco and México’s Tourism Board invited me for a fantastic event on board the Mexican Navy Tall Ship “Cuauhtémoc.”

The event was part of the “Vive México” campaign. Out of curiosity I wrote an email to the Health & Cultural Liaison of Community Affairs from the Consulate General of Mexico, Mónica Felix and asked her the following question, “Mónica,the invitation reads ‘Vive’, but shouldn’t it be ‘Viva’?”

Mónica replied, “Actually, ‘Vive México’ is the ongoing campaign to celebrate Mexico’s Bicentennial Independence Anniversary and its Centennial Revolution Anniversary, so that’s the whole story behind that name.” So now we know.

The event was incredible, and the boat is magnificent. The crew looked sharp in their white uniforms and was extremely attentive. This reminded me of one of the cultural differences between Hispanics and Americans. Mexicans are one of the most hospitable people I know, they truly make you feel like family no matter whom you are or where you are from.

There are many cultural differences between Hispanics and Americans. One of my American friends once told me “Hispanics tend to invade people’s space;” it was a cultural shock to learn about the importance for Americans of “their space.” When I first came to the U.S. one of the hardest things I had to learn was to shake hands. When I met someone my instinct was to immediately “invade their space” as I leaned over to try to give the person a kiss on the cheek. The Americans I met all reacted in the same way. They took one step back as they saw me getting close and gave me a look that said, “What are you doing?” I always felt the need to apologize because the moment was so culturally awkward you could feel tension in the air.

After four years of being in the U.S. I have learned to shake hands; I don’t try to kiss people on the cheek anymore, but every now and then if I meet someone who I feel an instant connection with I tell them, “I hug” and then I lean forward to embrace them. It’s part of Hispanic culture to be affectionate even among strangers. I think this is great so I am willing to compromise with a hug.

Cross-cultural observations such as this one are vital when marketing to Hispanics and need to be taken into consideration in order for your marketing efforts to be effective and affective.