Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
I would say Louisiana, then Florida. But there is no truly huge Spanish community, like there are Italian, Irish, or Polish communities in many cities.
New Mexico's "Spanish" identity is complex and contentious, but to be blunt, there is very little in terms of direct Spanish influence; most came overland by way of Mexico, and along with a strong element of Mexican mestizos/natives and Pueblo, Navajo, Apache, and "Genizaro" (captive Indians). The foods are mostly native American, the architecture is heavily Pueblo, the religion is very syncretic, and aside from a few elite families, few are mostly "Spanish." The "Spanish" identity is partly a reaction to attempts to deny New Mexicans citizenship and statehood, and to impose segregation on "Mexicans."
In New Orleans, by contrast, the architecture of the "French" Quarter is very Spanish, the Creole food has strong direct Spanish influences in its ingredients, and so on. However, the actual Spanish community is rather small.
Another candidate is the Great Basin region, which has many Basques...however, most Basques have strong feelings about being labelled "Spanish."
New Mexico's Spanish culture refelcts the culture of the settlers which is to say 17th century rural Spanish culture.
As NewTexico stated much of New Mexico's Spanish culture arrived overland from Mexico, but it is important to understand that at that time, Mexico's national culture had not yet developed into the mestizo cultural paradigm the defines Mexican culture today, and was indeed a Spanish colonial culture.
Another important point is that while the 'Spanish' people of northern New Mexico may not be 'pure-blooded', most of the syncretism he describes exists in the Genizaro and other acculturated Native villages. A Catholic mass in a Hispanic church is not going to have an eagle dance or matachines, for example.
A lot of people dismiss the idea of European Spanish culture because an estimated 2/3 of New Mexico's Hispanics are from that 'creole' (if you will) of Spanish settlers and indigenous natives. Of course that leaves a not insignificant population of people whose culture is largely derived from Spanish colonials and has become more Anglified than it was ever Native American. I would say the biggest cultural influence on the Spanish population by way of Natives is the food.
That said, there are a few things in New Mexico that indisputably reflect Spanish colonial culture.
While it would be ridiculous to claim (and some do) that New Mexico's Spanish culture has existed in a vacuum for the last three to four hundred years (and some do), in many ways New Mexico differs greatly from the rest of Latin America in it's 'Spanish' culture along with pockets of southern Colorado, northern Mexico, and southern Texas.
Last edited by ABQConvict; 08-16-2014 at 09:39 PM..
Don't know if it has already been mentioned or not, but Boise, ID apparently has a pretty large and well-established Basque population. Basque Country also includes parts of extreme Southern France, but is mainly part of Spain.
As for straight-up Spanish (ie. Spain and not Latin America) influence, I would have to guess some of the older cities in Florida. Not just Miami, but Tampa, and of course St. Augustine (Jacksonville area)... as well as New Orleans and San Antonio.
NM, FL, and TX for the most evidence of modern day influence from Spain
Few are aware the Alamo, the San Fernando Cathedral, and first government established in San Antonio were built and established by Spanish settlers. Much of the history has been overshadowed by what we have heard or learned.
Monks and soldiers from Spain first built the Alamo. Settlers from Spain began to arrive and build the San Fernando Cathedral and some are even recorded being baptized in the Alamo because the Cathedral was not complete yet.
A lot of this history is resurfacing in the form of a preservation association and you can also learn more in this book:
In present day, the most American iconic architectural evidence is in San Antonio, Texas although pure blooded people from Spain representation is likely to be greater elsewhere. St Augustine is another great spot for Spanish influence as was pointed out.
Please register to post and access all features of our very popular forum. It is free and quick. Over $68,000 in prizes has already been given out to active posters on our forum. Additional giveaways are planned.
Detailed information about all U.S. cities, counties, and zip codes on our site: City-data.com.
Please register to participate in our discussions with 2 million other members - it's free and quick! Some forums can only be seen by registered members. After you create your account, you'll be able to customize options and access all our 15,000 new posts/day with fewer ads.
Original government of San Antonio
