Mexican Community in Birmingham

Where they come from

Mexico lies between the United States and Central America, home to ancient civilisations such as the Maya and the Aztecs, and to one of the world's largest cities, Mexico City. Spanish is the official language. Mexicans in Birmingham include students, academics, professionals and families.

The community in numbers

At the 2021 Census, out of a city population of 1,144,919, 18 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Mexican; and 976 Birmingham residents described their ethnic group as Hispanic or Latin American.

Working for Birmingham

Mexican residents work in engineering, research, education, hospitality and business, and Mexican students and academics contribute to the city's universities. Mexican restaurants and food stalls have become popular, bringing authentic flavours to Birmingham.

Much of the work that keeps Birmingham moving happens out of sight: the night shift on a hospital ward, the early start on a building site, the plumber who fixes a boiler on a winter evening, the teaching assistant who helps a child learn to read. People from every community in the city do these jobs, and Mexican residents are part of that everyday effort to make Birmingham a better place to live.

Culture and community life

Mexican cuisine and the Day of the Dead, when families remember loved ones with altars and marigolds, are both recognised by UNESCO, as is mariachi music. Tacos, mole and guacamole are loved across the city, and Independence Day on 16 September is celebrated with music and fiesta.

Like so many of the communities that make up modern Birmingham, the Mexican community shows how a city can be home to many cultures at once. Its members are proud of where they come from, and just as proud to be Brummies.