Tejanos

Tejanos are Texans of Mexican descent or heritage, a term rooted in Tejas, the Spanish name for Texas. The label describes people whose ancestors lived in the region during its periods under Spanish and Mexican rule and who have maintained a distinct cultural identity within the state. Tejano culture typically blends Mexican, Spanish, and Southwestern American influences, with Spanish language, Catholic religious practice, and tightly knit communities centered in cities such as San Antonio, Laredo, and El Paso.

Historically, Tejanos helped settle frontier towns and ranchos as Texas transitioned from New Spain to independent Mexico, and later to U.S. control. During the Texas Revolution (1835–1836), Tejanos played varied roles: some supported the Texan cause, while others remained loyal to Mexico. After Texas joined the United States, Tejano land titles and civil rights often faced challenges, and Anglo settlement along the frontier led to tensions over property, representation, and cultural differences.

In the late 19th and 20th centuries, Tejanos contributed to Texas politics, agriculture, education, and culture. Spanish-language media and Tejano music, including the conjunto tradition, helped sustain community life. The mid-20th century also saw Tejano participation in broader civil rights movements seeking greater recognition of language, culture, and political representation.

Today, Tejanos constitute a significant portion of Texas’s Hispanic population and remain a central element of the state's cultural and political landscape. The term reflects a long history of borderlands exchange, community resilience, and evolving identities at the Texas-Mexico frontier.