Nobility of Mejico
The nobility of Mejico (Spanish: Nobleza de Méjico; nobleza mejicana) is the traditional social class consisting of persons who hold hereditary titles and who have certain privileges, responsibilities, and rights based on their rank. The Mejican nobility has a long history dating back to the pre-Columbian period, where it was entirely composed of Indigenous nobles, and then into the Colonial Era, where it was a small but powerful class of Spaniards, Criollos, and the occasional Indigenous Hidalgo. The title of nobility was granted by the Spanish Crown to those who were deemed worthy and deserving of it. After Mejico gained independence, the Mejican nobility went through various stages of change, but it has remained a significant part of the country's cultural heritage.
There are several ranks of nobility in Mejico, including dukes, marquises, counts, viscounts, and barons (Spanish: duque, marqués, conde, vizconde, barón). The highest rank of nobility in Mejico is that of Grandee (Spanish: Grande), which can only be granted by the Monarch. In addition to these titles, there are also lesser nobles, granted titles such as lord, knight, or gentleman (Spanish: hidalgo, caballero, gentilhombre). These ranks are divided into two categories: the landed and unlanded nobility.
Landed nobility refers to those who hold significant land holdings and are entitled to receive an income for them. Unlanded nobility refers to those who do not have significant land holdings but have been granted a title in recognition due to their contributions to Mejican society. In addition to these ranks, there is also ecclesiastical nobility, which includes individuals who hold high-ranking positions in the Mejican Catholic Church. It is estimated that land-owning nobles own approximately 30% of all land in Mejico and, according to the 2020 Census, Mejican nobles, including major and lesser nobles, number around 1.9 million, or about 0.66% of the population.
The nobility has certain responsibilities and privileges that are unique to their rank. These include the right to bear a coat of arms, the right to attend certain ceremonies, an exemption from certain taxes, the right to occupy prominent public offices (especially in diplomacy), the right to bear a sword, the right to be tried by specialized courts, preferential access to certain educational and cultural institutions, and the right to be addressed with certain titles, such as Excelentísimo señor or Ilustrísimo señor. The culture of Noblesse oblige is heavily instilled in Mejican nobles, and philanthropy, public and military service, cultural preservation and patronage, Church tithing, environmental protection, and moral leadership are among the things expected of Mejican nobility.
Indigenous Mejican nobility has existed since pre-Columbian times, although the Mesoamerican concept was vastly different from that found in Europe. Indigenous nobles held their titles based on their lineage and had specific responsibilities to their community. Titles were often linked to their deities or the natural world, and their roles included leading ceremonies and protecting their people. During the Colonial period, the Spanish Crown granted the rank of hidalgo to many Indigenous nobles who converted to Christianity and demonstrated loyalty to the Crown, particularly among the Tlaxcaltecs. Over time, many Indigenous noble families climbed the ranks of the nobility, intermarrying with Spanish and other European nobles. Foreign nobility living in Mejico also have certain privileges, although they may not hold titles recognized by the Mejican government. They are still expected to adhere to the culture of Noblesse oblige and contribute to society in some way.
Some of the most recognizable Mejican noble families are those of the Dukes of the Valley of Oajaca and the Dukes of Moctezuma de Tultengo, descendants of Hernán Cortés and Moctezuma II Xocoyotzin. The Dukes of Bacalar de la Victoria, the Counts of Miravalle, the Dukes of Atrisco, the Marquis of Acapulco, the Marquis of Santa Fe de Guardiola, the Marquis of Siquisiva, the Dukes of Susumacoa, the Counts of Ixtlilxóchitl, and the Dukes of Cadereyta, among others. Several Mejican nobles have held the office of President of the Government, including Nicolás Bravo, II Marquis of Chichihualco; José María Bocanegra, II Marquis of La Troje; Mariano Arista, I Count of García de Arista; Antonio López de Santa Anna, I Duke of La Manga de Clavo; Juan Morelos Almonte, I Duke of El Álamo; Miguel Miramón, I Duke of Bacalar de la Victoria; José Yves de Limantour, I Count of Casa Limantour; Francisco I. Madero, son of the Count of El Rosario de Madero; Álvaro Obregón, I Marquis of Siquisiva; José Vasconcelos, I Duke of Vasconcelos; and Salvador Abascal, I Duke of Abascal, the last noble President.