The most important thing you should know is that “Mexican” is not a race, but a nationality, so the physical characteristics of a Mexican can vary dramatically from those of another.
Mexico is a country with great ethnic and cultural diversity. Its population is composed of people of various origins, including Mesoamerican indigenous peoples, Europeans, Africans, and Asians, so the race of the majority of the population in Mexico is mestizo, meaning people with ancestry from two or more ethnic groups.
The Asian-like characteristics of many Mexicans could be due to the various waves of migrants who have arrived in Mexico from countries such as China, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, India, etc.
Waves of Migration from Asia to Mexico
- 16th-19th centuries:
- Filipinos: They arrived in the 16th century as part of the Manila Galleon, a trade route connecting Asia with America. They mainly settled in Acapulco and Mexico City, where they engaged in various trades, such as commerce and craftsmanship.
- 19th century:
- Chinese: Starting from 1821, after Mexico’s independence, a more significant migration of Chinese began. Many of them fled poverty and wars in their home country. They settled in ports like Mazatlan and Acapulco, and later dispersed throughout the country, working in agriculture, railroad construction, and commerce.
- 20th century:
- Japanese: At the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, Japanese immigrants arrived, mainly in Baja California. They engaged in agriculture, fishing, and commerce.
- Koreans: From the 1960s onwards, there was an increase in Korean migration, mainly for economic reasons.
In recent decades, Asian migration to Mexico has been more diverse, with people coming from countries such as China, the Philippines, India, and South Korea. It is estimated that there are currently more than 100,000 people of Asian origin living in Mexico, representing a small but significant portion of the country’s population.
Where are Asian communities located in Mexico?
There is no single place in Mexico where the majority of the Asian population is concentrated, as their distribution is diverse throughout the country. However, there are some cities and regions where there is a more significant presence of Asian communities:
Cities
- Mexico City: It is the city with the largest Asian population in the country, with an estimated community of over 40,000 people. They are mainly found in neighborhoods like Condesa, Roma, and Del Valle.
- Tijuana: Due to its proximity to the US border, Tijuana has been an important entry point for Asian migrants, mainly Chinese and Koreans. It is estimated that there are more than 10,000 people of Asian origin living in the city.
- Monterrey: This industrial city also has a considerable Asian community, with an estimated population of over 8,000 people. Many of them work in manufacturing and the service sector.
- Guadalajara: The second-largest city in Mexico also hosts a significant Asian community, with an estimated population of over 5,000 people. They are mainly found in commercial and residential areas of the city.
Regions:
- Baja California: This border state has the highest concentration of Asian population in the country, due to migration from the United States and Asia. It is estimated that there are more than 50,000 people of Asian origin living in Baja California.
- Mexico City and metropolitan area: The Metropolitan Area of the Valley of Mexico also has a considerable Asian population, with an estimate of more than 40,000 people.
- Sinaloa: This northwestern state of Mexico has also experienced an increase in Asian migration in recent years, mainly from Chinese and Koreans. It is estimated that there are more than 5,000 people of Asian origin living in Sinaloa.
Factors influencing distribution:
- Economic opportunities: Cities with strong industrial or commercial sectors tend to attract Asian migrants in search of job opportunities.
- Family ties: Many Asian migrants come to Mexico to reunite with relatives who already live in the country.
- Social networks: Existing Asian communities in some cities can facilitate the arrival of new migrants from the same region or country of origin.
Do Mexicans like Asian people?
It’s difficult to say definitively whether all Mexicans like all Asian people. Mexico is a large and diverse country, and attitudes will vary from person to person. However, generally speaking, Mexicans have earned a reputation for being friendly and welcoming to foreigners visiting the country temporarily or permanently.
Stereotypes:
In Mexico, there are stereotypes regarding individuals from Asian countries, but most of these stereotypes can be considered positive, such as being hardworking, intelligent, and good at business.
Nicknames:
Mexicans are also known for giving nicknames to their friends that might be considered insensitive to those unfamiliar with Mexican culture.
For example, the term “Chino” (Chinese) or “Chinito” (Little Chinese) is commonly used in Mexico to refer to East Asians. So a person of Korean descent might be called “Chino” by their friends and acquaintances deliberately, even though they know that the person they are calling “Chino” is of Korean origin.
That being said, humorous or offensive nicknames are only made among friends and to people who have expressed that being called in this way does not offend them. Ignoring someone’s request not to be called by a nickname that could be considered offensive is undoubtedly a rude action that should be frowned upon.
Who are the most popular Asian or Asian-descendant personalities in Mexico?
The following are some popular personalities in Mexico who are Asian or of Asian descent, but they are not the only ones.
- Entertainment:
- Karla Sofía Gascón: Mexican actress, comedian, and presenter of Chinese descent. Known for her participation in television series, movies, and comedy programs.
- Brandon Zhang: Mexican-Chinese actor who has appeared in Mexican television series and movies.
- Melissa Robles: Mexican actress of Filipino descent, recognized for her work in theater, cinema, and television.
- Christian Burgos: Mexican-Korean YouTuber who has captivated the audience with his content about Korean culture and his experiences living in both countries.
- Chingu Amiga: Content creator on TikTok who has gone viral for her funny videos about her life in Mexico as a Korean.
- Sports:
- Lydia Torres: Wushu world champion, originally from Sinaloa, Mexico.
- Román “Chocolatito” González: Mexican boxer with Filipino ancestry, former world champion in several categories.
- Literature:
- Brenda Lozano: Mexican writer with Chinese ancestry, recognized for her poetic and narrative work.
- Music:
- Melissa Roxanne: Mexican singer and songwriter with Filipino ancestry, winner of “La Voz México”.
- BTS: Without a doubt, BTS is the most popular K-pop group in Mexico and in the world. They have achieved resounding success with their catchy songs, incredible choreographies, and positive message.
- BLACKPINK: BLACKPINK is another very popular girl group in Mexico. They are known for their chic style and powerful music.
- TWICE: TWICE is a large girl group, known for their cheerful songs and adorable concepts.
- Super Junior: Super Junior is one of the most veteran K-pop groups, and they still enjoy great popularity in Mexico. They are known for their versatile music and energetic performances.
- Stray Kids: Stray Kids is a relatively new boy group, but they have gained a lot of popularity in Mexico quickly. They are known for their rap and hip-hop music, and for their energetic performances.
Can people of Asian origin marry Mexicans?
There is no valid reason why people of Asian and Mexican origin cannot marry. Interracial and intercultural relationships have been part of human and Mexican history since time immemorial, and there is no law that prohibits these unions.
In Mexico, as in many other countries, love and commitment are the foundation for a happy and lasting marriage, regardless of the race or ethnic origin of the spouses. If any couple faces discrimination, they can approach the following organizations for guidance and assistance:
Governmental organizations:
- National Council to Prevent Discrimination (CONAPRED): It is a decentralized public body of the Ministry of the Interior whose main objective is to guarantee the right to non-discrimination for all people in Mexico. It offers services such as legal advice, assistance to victims of discrimination, and training in human rights.
- National Human Rights Commission (CNDH): It is an autonomous body of the Mexican state whose main function is to defend and protect the human rights of all people. It offers services such as complaints about human rights violations, follow-up on cases, and promotion of the culture of human rights.
Civil society organizations:
- Network of Civil Organizations for the Abolition of Racial Discrimination (REDAC): It is a network of organizations working to combat racial discrimination in Mexico. It offers services such as legal advice, support for victims of racial discrimination, and awareness campaigns.
- Foundation for Justice and Human Rights (FJDH): It is an organization that works to defend the human rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Mexico. It offers services such as legal advice, assistance to victims of discrimination, and support in migration processes.