At first glance, Mexico and Iran seem worlds apart — geographically, culturally, and politically. One is nestled in Latin America, vibrant with Spanish influence and bordered by the United States. The other sits at the heart of the Middle East, steeped in ancient Persian history and shaped by centuries of empires and revolutions. But dig a little deeper, and an unexpected truth emerges: the two nations share more in common than most realize. From family structure and religious influence to political dynamics and societal resilience, Mexico and Iran mirror each other in ways that are both surprising and profound. For anyone straddling both identities (especially Iranians who now call Mexico home), these parallels offer comfort, familiarity, and perspective.

1. Deep-Rooted Family Structures and Cultural Warmth

In both Mexico and Iran, family is the nucleus of society. Extended families remain close, intergenerational households are common, and elders hold respected positions. In both countries, it’s not unusual for three generations to live under one roof or gather frequently for meals, holidays, and milestones.

This sense of familial unity is deeply tied to cultural values. In Iran, the concept of ta’arof (a complex form of etiquette and hospitality) shapes interactions. In Mexico, familismo reflects a similar code of loyalty, respect, and emotional closeness. In both cultures, children are taught to prioritize family ties, and personal decisions, from career paths to marriages and are often made in consultation with parents or elders.

Additionally, both societies are incredibly hospitable. Guests are treated with honor and generosity. Whether it’s a Persian meal of saffron-infused rice and kebab or a Mexican feast of tamales and mole, the message is the same: you’re welcome, you’re family, and you’ll leave with a full stomach and a warm heart.

2. Religion as a Cornerstone of Identity

Although Mexico and Iran represent different faiths — predominantly Catholicism and Shia Islam, respectively — religion plays a foundational role in shaping societal values, holidays, and even government policy.

In both nations, religion is woven into everyday life. Public holidays center around religious observances, Nowruz, Ramadan, and Ashura in Iran, and Semana Santa, Día de los Muertos, and Christmas in Mexico. Religious symbolism is everywhere: from massive cathedrals and roadside crosses in Mexico to the minarets and calligraphy-filled mosques of Iran.

More importantly, both countries have seen political systems shaped or influenced by religious institutions. Iran’s Islamic Republic is built on clerical rule, while Mexico, though constitutionally secular, has seen the Catholic Church deeply involved in social and political movements throughout history. In both contexts, religion often provides a moral compass and social framework, and, at times, a source of tension in modernizing societies.

3. Shared Histories of Colonialism and Foreign Intervention

While their colonial histories differ in form — Iran was never fully colonized but faced intense foreign interference, whereas Mexico was colonized by Spain for over 300 years — both nations have experienced the impact of foreign domination and resource exploitation.

Iran’s geopolitical importance, especially because of its oil reserves, drew the attention of the British, Russians, and Americans throughout the 20th century. The 1953 CIA-backed coup against Prime Minister Mossadegh left deep scars and continues to shape Iran’s distrust of Western powers. Similarly, Mexico’s colonial period was marked by the extraction of resources for the benefit of Spain, followed by American military intervention and territorial loss in the 1800s.

This shared history has resulted in a strong sense of nationalism, skepticism toward foreign influence, and the desire to assert cultural identity and sovereignty. Both countries have developed resilient national narratives around independence, revolution, and self-determination. The Mexican Revolution (1910–1920) and the Iranian Revolution (1979) serve as defining historical moments where the people rose against perceived injustice and external control.

4. Parallel Social and Economic Challenges and the Spirit to Overcome Them

Both Mexico and Iran are middle-income countries facing complex socioeconomic challenges. Income inequality, corruption, inflation, and youth unemployment are issues that resonate in both nations. Furthermore, both have large informal economies and significant populations working multiple jobs or emigrating abroad to provide for their families.

Crime and safety also surface as common concerns: in Mexico, due to drug cartels and organized crime; in Iran, due to political crackdowns and legal restrictions. Yet in both contexts, the people exhibit extraordinary resilience.

Women, in particular, have become powerful symbols of resistance and progress. In Iran, women continue to push boundaries within a restrictive regime from protesting mandatory hijab laws to becoming leading voices in art, tech, and education. In Mexico, women are organizing against femicide and violence, while building economic and entrepreneurial networks. Both countries are experiencing feminist awakenings, despite pushback from conservative institutions.

Additionally, the diaspora in both cases plays a key role. Millions of Iranians and Mexicans living abroad send back remittances, start global conversations, and carry their culture with pride. This global network strengthens the homeland in unique ways and keeps traditions alive while adapting to modernity.

On paper, Mexico and Iran may appear distant in language, religion, and geography. But in spirit, they’re kindred nations marked by strong family values, deep faith, a history of resistance, and a people-first mindset. They’ve both endured outside interference, internal struggle, and cultural stereotypes. Yet they continue to rise, adapt, and preserve what makes them uniquely beautiful.

For Iranians living in Mexico, the familiarity is often surprising. The warmth of the people, the importance of faith and tradition, the deep-rooted sense of family, and even the shared love of food and hospitality. These similarities create a bridge between cultures, making it easier to call both places home.

In a world that often emphasizes division, recognizing common ground across borders is more important than ever. And in the case of Mexico and Iran, those commonalities aren’t just symbolic, they’re tangible, lived experiences that show how connected we all truly are.