What is MESTIZO?

Definition

• Mestizo is the Spanish word for “mixed”

• Mestizo means coming from two or more backgrounds.

• Other words for mestizo are hybrid or creole.

What are some examples of things that are mestizo?

Tamales!

• Corn was only grown in the Americas.

• The Aztec made tamales and wrapped them in corn husks.

• When the Spanish arrived, they stuffed the Aztec tamales with meat like pork and beef.

MESTIZO!

Mariachi Music

• Mariachi Music uses Aztec style beats and rhythms,

• Mariachi dancing is taken from indigenous people’s dancing too.

• Mariachi music uses Spanish style instruments (violin, trumpet)

MESTIZO!

Dia De Los Muertos

• Day of the Dead• Uses indigenous

images (skeletons, altars, flowers)

• Mixed with the Catholic Religion (which came from the Spanish)

MESTIZO!

Mexican Spanish

• Spanish spoken in Spain is called Castellano and is different than the Spanish spoken in Mexico.

• Many Spanish words actually came from Indigenous languages. – Examples: coyote,

maiz, chocolate, guacamole, Mexico.

MESTIZO!

Mexican Folk Art

• In Spain, artists mainly drew portraits.

• Other pictures would be pictures of religious symbols.

• The Aztecs drew pictographs, images of war and religious sacrifices.

• Mexican Folk art presents Aztec style pictographs when showing murals, portraits and self-portraits.

MESTIZO!

Each and every person is mestizo, too!

Another Way of looking at Mestizo:

• Coming from two or more backgrounds:– The mixing of your father and mother’s

interests and personalities.– Any mixing of 2 or more cultures

Example: Ms. TalrejaMom• Born in New Delhi,

India • Speaks Hindi and

English• Enjoys shopping

Dad• Born in New Delhi,

India• Speaks Hindi and

English• Likes history movies

Ms. Talreja:•Born in Colorado•Blends Indian and American culture•Speaks Hindi and English•Enjoys shopping and history movies

Think about how you are mestizo too…

Make a chart like I did describing how you are Mestizo.