The 16th century version of Spanish Roman Catholicism embraced many rituals, as did the old religions of the Maya, the Pur pecha and the Aztec tribes. So the adaptation was less painful for the Indians of Mexico than in other countries in the same hemisphere, where conversion was accompanied with much bloodshed. Or one may note that the Virgin of Guadalupe protects the bus passengers, her decal or picture on the window. Or oddest of all, a tattoo of the Virgin on the brawny arm of a soldier. Observing these things we know, yes, undoubtedly Mexico is Catholic.
Faith is at the heart of most fiestas.
Firecrackers, fireworks and gunpowder explosions are an integral part of Mexican fiestas. They announce and enhance events of the celebration, often beginning before dawn. Gun powder explodes inside a metal tube firmly placed in the ground, and the sound reverberates like heavy artillery. Some care is taken to avoid accidents, but Mexico City is the only area where gun powder and firecrackers are prohibited. As fiesta aficionados well know, the crowning fireworks are torched on the last day of the fiesta and often on the weekends as well.