Mexico, Feedback, Public Praise - understand-culture

The Flag Escort

At the flag ceremony in Mexican schools, the honores a la bandera, the flag is carried by the escolta, the flag escort. Traditionally, its members were the best students. Expansión described the traditional practice this way: “los alumnos con los mejores promedios durante su trayectoria escolar, de primero a quinto grado, son seleccionados” (the students with the best averages over their school career, from first to fifth grade, are selected).

In August 2026, the operating guide for public schools in Mexico City for the 2026-2027 school year changed this: “La escolta será rotativa, con la participación de las alumnas y los alumnos” (The escort will rotate, with the participation of the girls and boys). Xataka México called it the end of a tradition that it linked to Porfirio Díaz, though it noted that there is no historical evidence that Díaz created the escort.

Letters of Gold

On the Wall of Honor of the Chamber of Deputies, names are inscribed in gold letters. The chamber states its purpose: “mantener vivo el recuerdo de los hombres, mujeres e instituciones que han brindado relevantes servicios a la patria” (to keep alive the memory of the men, women and institutions that have rendered relevant services to the nation).

The chamber’s list of inscriptions since 1994 begins with Sor Juana Inés de la Cruz, by a decree published in April 1995. The most recent, by a decree published on March 3, 2025, honors “la Comunidad Mexicana Migrante” (the Mexican migrant community).

The Law of Prizes

Mexico has a federal law on public recognition. The Law of Prizes, Incentives and Civil Rewards was published in the Diario Oficial on December 31, 1975. Article 1 says that it sets the rules for “el reconocimiento público que haga el Estado” (the public recognition that the State gives).

Article 3 says that prizes are given “por el reconocimiento público de una conducta o trayectoria vital singularmente ejemplares” (for the public recognition of singularly exemplary conduct or a singularly exemplary life). Article 82 creates a national prize for public servants, granted “en atención a sus años de servicio” (in consideration of their years of service).

The Belisario Domínguez Medal

The Mexican Senate awards the Belisario Domínguez Medal. According to El Financiero, it was instituted by a decree published in the Diario Oficial on January 28, 1953. It goes to Mexicans whose “actividad pública los ha distinguido por su servicio a México” (public activity has distinguished them by their service to Mexico). The decree provided that it be presented in a solemn session of the Senate.

Day of the Holy Cross

On May 3, the Day of the Holy Cross, Mexican builders place a cross “en la parte más alta de la obra” (at the highest point of the building site). The date is also known as the Day of the Mason. On many sites, El Imparcial reported in 2026, “se realiza una comida especial para los trabajadores” (a special meal is held for the workers).

A saying of the trade insists on it: “si no hay fiesta, la obra se cae” (if there is no party, the building falls down).

Teacher’s Day

Mexico celebrates Teacher’s Day on May 15. According to Gaceta UNAM, the decree that created it was published on December 3, 1917, and the day was first celebrated in 1918. México Desconocido describes its rules. Classes “debían suspenderse” (were to be suspended), and “tenían que organizarse actividades en todas las escuelas para destacar la labor de los profesores” (activities had to be organized in all schools to highlight the work of the teachers).

The Perfect Game

On August 23, 1957, Ángel Macías of Monterrey pitched a perfect game in the final of the Little League World Series in Williamsport. Excélsior calls it “el primer juego perfecto en una final” (the first perfect game in a final).

The team was received by President Eisenhower at the White House and later by President Adolfo Ruiz Cortines at the National Palace. When the boys came home to Monterrey, about 100,000 people filled the streets. Excélsior calls it “una fiesta que pocas veces se ha vuelto a ver” (a celebration rarely seen since).

Recognition or Resignation

On June 7, 2022, IDC Online reported on the weekly survey Termómetro Laboral of the job site OCC Mundial. According to the report, “el 28% del talento se atrevería a renunciar a su trabajo solamente por no recibir reconocimiento laboral” (28 percent of workers would be willing to quit their jobs only because they receive no recognition at work).

Praise in Public, Scold in Private

In October 2017, the Mexican marketing magazine Merca2.0 published a column by Leoncio Cruz titled “Se felicita en público y se regaña en privado” (Praise in public, scold in private). The column repeats the rule in capital letters: “SE PREMIA EN PÚBLICO Y SE CASTIGA EN PRIVADO” (Reward in public, punish in private).