WHAT TEJANO IS
 

Tejas Tejano and Tejana Pride

 

I’m extremely proud to identify myself Tejano and today after this successful introduction effort, many of you Tejanos and Tejanas will appreciate and acknowledge your true heritage and proudly identify yourselves Tejanos/as. Arriba los Tejanos y Lindas Tejanas!

Define Tejano:  Tejano/a- of Tejas or Texas of Spanish and/or Indigene people...and any other cultural origin mix, born in Texas from approximately 1600's to the present.

What does it mean?
There are many misconceptions of the word. The original Tejano is the culture derived from the early blending of Spanish European and indigenous people of the newly claimed and established American Continent. The friendly nature of the local people inspired and influenced the Spanish to name the area Tejas/Texas. Thus the Texas motto is friendly. It was the indigenous people, who taught the Spanish, how to survive in the wild and hot Tejas climate. They taught the Spaniards the benefits of local plants and other natural resources of the land. Indigene contributions undoubtedly contributed to better ranching ideas and techniques. Unfortunately later on both Spanish and Indigene cultures, became bitter enemies. This created extreme hardships on both sides, but especially on the local indigenous people, who were unable to defend themselves from the better prepared and equipped Spanish conquistadors. In many cases it's from the combination of these two different cultures, United States born Tejanos and Tejanas today may claim their
ancestry. Presently, the Tejano cultural mix includes an extensive and diverse variety of other cultures. None the less Tejanos and Tejanas continue to maintain their very own way of life. This is why, it's imperative Tejanos and Tejanas reclaim their true identity, culture and unique heritage.

There is more to share ..... in due time.... Welcome to Tejano Land ... Rudy 'Tejano' Peña