Learn More about the Mestizo People Group

People Group Profile

Mestizo People Group

As missionaries we come to understand that all people groups are unique and constantly changing. The people in our target group - new immigrants to the Cancún/Tulum Corridor (CTC) - primarily Spanish speaking mestizos, are unusually so. To begin to understand the people and culture one must realize that 40 years ago what we know as the CTC did not exist. Certainly there were a few indigenous groups populating the region at the northern end of the Yucatan where the road ended and the jungle began. Today we are witnessing rapid urban expansion and the formation of a new community, a new culture and a new state. Additionally, this is a place where the world literally converges daily, in multiple, dramatic ways. Perhaps most importantly, the phenomenal development and growth of the CTC are representative of the spirit of Mexico , including much of her contrasts, ambitions, hopes and dreams.

This is a new land, a new people, and a new culture is most definitely emerging. We believe much of the Mexico 's ethnographic data, such as what we presented in the country profile, is helpful, informative, and highly relevant to understanding this people group. We have also found data presented concerning Mexico City to be helpful in constructing a worldview understanding, as it is estimated that as many as 50% of our people group move here from that area. However, challenges we have encountered include poor to moderate available statistical data, a limited historical record, and the reality that this is a people still in the process of forging and defining a new culture and identity. Surveys similar to the one used for this study will be especially helpful in an ongoing effort to track and understand the evolving actions, thoughts, and beliefs. Through them we will be able to see and understand the people as they really are. It is expected that additional statistical data will emerge over time as governmental agencies catch up with the growth in the CTC and track elements such as education, literacy, population and migration. With this data we should be able to do more detailed research to define patterns and make any needed adjustments in strategy. In the interim, we will continue to use case study and personal observation to refine our worldview understanding. We also acknowledge that the very things that make the group somewhat of a challenge to understand and effectively minister among are also the aspects that are exciting and spur us on. What a rare privilege to be a part of a cross-cultural relationship with a people such as this.