Wanderlust World Wanderlust World The Spanish never fully "left" Mexico in a demographic or cultural sense. Mexico achieved political independence from Spain in 1821 after a decade-long struggle. However, centuries of colonization left an indelible legacy: millions of Mexicans today are of Spanish descent, the Spanish language is dominant, Catholicism remains the primary religion, and legal, architectural, and cultural institutions bear Spanish roots. The relationship evolved from colonial rule to a complex shared heritage that continues to shape Mexican identity.