MEXICO: The tradition of padrinos

An aspect of the Mexican family is the strong tradition of padrinos (godparents). Ideally the godparents become the child’s guardian. It is a great honor to be asked into the family circle by becoming a compadre or comadre of the child’s parents.

The institution of compadrazco extends beyond blood-lines and is illustrative of the vast network of relationships through which “connections” garner advice, loans and favors. These connections are also utilized to demonstrate a person’s credibility. That is to say, one’s membership in the social network is taken as proof of credibility.

This familial network of compadrazgo goes beyond the interpersonal dimension as it operates as a device for building economic and social alliances, reaching across class lines to knit the various strands of Mexican society into a whole fabric, intertwined by its very nature.

Do you have any experiences of Mexican tradition that you can share?