u/gmikey2000

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I’ve noticed there can sometimes be a little tension or misunderstanding between Tejanos and California Mexicans, but I’m not trying to say one is “more” or “less” Mexican than the other. It just seems like there are some real differences depending on upbringing and environment.

Spanish Profeciency - A lot of Tejanos in grow up speaking mostly English with some “no sabo” Spanish or heavy Spanglish mixed in, while many Mexican communities in tend to be more bilingual overall, though Spanglish is still common there too.

Social vibe – From what I’ve seen, Tejanos tend to be a bit more socially conservative, while California Mexicans, especially younger people and women, often lean more progressive.

Clothing Style – Style-wise, Tejanos usually lean more ranchero/cowboy, boots, jeans, big belt buckles, western wear while a lot of Mexican communities in California tend to have more of a urban fashion vibe, like muscle shirts, sneakers, sports hats, etc.

Identity – Sometimes, California Mexicans can place a stronger emphasis on expressing Mexican identity through music, clothing, language, or cultural traditions, and that expectation can sometimes come from within the community itself. Tejanos, on the other hand, tend to have a longer-established identity tied to Texas history, where many see themselves as both Mexican and Texan at the same time, simply Texans.

Appearance – Most Californian Mexicans I've met have stereotypical Latin features like darker hair and tan skin, but when I visited places in Texas such as San Antonio or the RGV, I noticed a lot more racial variation.

Origins/Influence - Tejanos have been rooted in Texas since the New Spain era, with a culture heavily shaped by northern Mexican states like Nuevo León, Tamaulipas, and Coahuila. Meanwhile, Mexican communities in California are more of a melting pot, with family roots coming from all over Mexico like Michoacán, Durango, Jalisco, Zacatecas, and Baja California and many are 1st to 3rd generation families.

Music - California Mexicans have musical influences tied to regions across Mexico, so genres like banda, mariachi, and cumbia are especially popular. Tejanos, meanwhile, tend to have a different regional music style shaped by northern Mexico and Texas traditions, with stronger connections to conjunto, norteño, and German/Czech polka influences.

Food - Tejanos are mostly linked to Tex-Mex and Norteño things like breakfast tacos, barbacoa, fajitas, enchiladas, and flour tortillas. California, however, has a strong street taco and tequeria culture and has different varieties from all over Mexico.

At the end of the day, it seems like these are just different experiences shaped by where and how people grow up, not better or worse. Both groups share the same roots, culture, and pride in being Mexican, even if it shows up differently in daily life. A lot of the differences seem to come from the environment, language exposure, and lifestyle rather than any real divide in identity. Overall, there’s probably more that connects California Mexican and Tejanos than separates them.

Has anyone else noticed these differences or had a different experience?

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For people who moved from California to Texas especially South Texas like San Antonio, the RGV, Houston, or Corpus Christi, how different is the Mexican/Latino culture there if you’re Latino or Chicano?

Like, do you notice changes in the music, the people, the traditions, or just the overall vibe?

And what do you think about Tejano culture overall, does it feel pretty different compared to what you’re used to in California?

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Not from San Antonio, so I’m kinda curious do a lot of people with Mexican roots or Latinos there (or in Texas in general) call themselves “Texan”/“Tejano” more than “Mexican American”? From the outside it feels like Texas identity is really strong, but I don’t know if that’s actually how people see it or not. How do y’all usually identify?