Tejanos - Best of Texas, USA

by Jesús M. Mena Garza

Here is a my best of Texas list. Since arriving in Texas in May 1999, I have learned plenty about the Lone Star State. Like Texas is the flash flood capital of the United States and that summer temperatures hover around 110. Then there are those icy roads during winter ... manourvering in that mess takes some getting used too.

But Texas culture is what it is all about to me. The Lone Star state is home to an independent breed of Americans. Sometimes this can be a good thing ... at other times these Texans get on your nerves. In this short list, I'll tell you what I love about Texas.

Tejano Music: Growing up in San José, California during the 50's and early 60's my parents would drag me every weekend to listen to conjunto music. Eusebio and Guadalupe Garza are from Crystal City, Texas and they loved Tejano music.

Coming back to Texas was like coming back to my childhood and the comfort of family and home. New immigrants from Mexico have long displaced that generation of Tejanos in Califas. Not much Tejano music is played in San Jose any more. It's mostly Banda and Mexican Pop.

But in Tejas ... Tejano music still is king. There is something in that music that rekindles fond memories of familia. I remember weekends in San Jose in the 50s and early 60s.

Luckily my wife Ann loves to dance, and we have been enjoying the various events that sprout up during the spring and summer that feature outdoor Tejano music and dancing. Every summer Lockhart and many other communities have Jamaicas or church festivals. The one at Lockhart's Saint Mary's is one of my favorites. I would recommend it to anyone who would like to see what rural Tejano life is like.

I also have gone (several times) to the Spinach Festival in Crystal City. There the smell of frying tripas (intestines) permeates the carnival atmosphere. The music is only o.k, but the parade is great and the people are quintessential South Texan.

David Lee Garza y Los Musicales performing at Austin's Cinco de Mayo 2000 (they still had lead singer Marcos Orozco)

Tejano Culture: Austin is like San José, California in the 50's. I feel a sense of belonging ... familia. There is an inclusiveness and friendliness that is currently lacking in a more multicultural and diverse San Francisco Bay Area.

Chicanos in Texas have a sense of place and history that is not obvious in the Bay Area. Tejano culture is strong, and families have been in this region for many generations. As a group they have struggled against racism and segregation for over a hundred years. There is a sense of you are one of us against them.

This of course can be construed as a negative reaction to a terrible situation. A more positive reaction would be to work together with other groups towards a common good. But this is the South and you are reminded of this every day. There are segregated cemeteries, the confederate flag and statues for fallen confederate heroes.

My parents, and the Garza family have a long history in Tejas. My wife is amazed at the profusion of Garza's in the region. I have had an opportunity to visit an interesting mix of uncles and cousins in South Texas. It has been quite rewarding to learn of their lives and my history. To see the image of my long past parents in their features.

Opportunity: Austin, Texas is just now taking its first precocious steps on a path that San José traveled several decades ago. The signs are all around you. There is urban sprawl, new houses everywhere, poor infrastructure and high tech. San José is a much more mature city than Austin in this respect. You can still get a house in Austin for $100,000.00! In fact, the wife and I just bought one for a measly $130,000. You couldn't buy a garage for this price in the Bay Area.