This article deals with the philanthropic system created by Spanish immigrants in Mexico from the nineteenth Century to the present. The main form of assistance within this community was the Charitable Societies, based on Christian charity and mutualism, in which the main resources were the regular fees paid by members. These institutions had members from different social classes, including benefactor partners, and the leadership was assumed by the high bourgeoisie of this immigrant group. First, we briefly describe the main social and demographic features of the Spanish inmigrant colony in Mexico and their patterns of association. Then we talk about th system of Charitable Societies, their origins and development and the characteristics these societies shared. Finally, we mention the exchange of patients between hospitals and the cooperation to repatriate immigrants.

Spaniards Assistentialism Charitable system Mexico Immigration

Mexico [North America] nineteenth century immigrant hospital sector twentieth century immigration Rubus rosifolius