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It has a lot of Mexico,
but it's not Mexico.
It's in the United States, but it's not the United States.
More than a riddle, this is an attempt to describe this region
where two cultures blend together.
We're talking about defining the border and...
there is no correct definition.
As I see it, it's a process.
A constant cycle of adapting to the culture.
Before the creation of a geopolitical border between Mexico and the U.S. in 1848,
this river, the Grande, already had its history.
The interdependence has existed for many years.
Because of this, thousands cross the border every day,
be it for work, pleasure, or business.
And they do it in such a natural way that
the river truly is, in a way, nothing more than
a formality, not a real division.
Along the three thousand kilometers of shared border,
both Mexicans and Americans cling to what's theirs,
but they end up sharing customs and beliefs,
creating a binational identity.
We take what's beautiful about the United States and what's beautiful about Mexico.
Strong evidence of this are the use of "Spanglish" and Tex-Mex foods.
The adaptation process is ever-changing.
One example is the "quinceañera,"
a Mexican tradition that is growing stronger among Americans.
I see how so many people love our traditions,
our Latin American traditions,
and how so many are taking on this tradition.
More and more people are celebrating their 15th birthday.
We see young women, non-Mexicans, non-Latinas,
who are having "quinceañeras."
Other ancestral customs are gaining followers among non-Hispanics.
People now believe more in natural remedies than in doctors
and pharmacists.
For example, we provide natural herbs
for diabetes, kidney and heart ailments,
arthritis, bone pain,
back pain, for everything in general.
To live or grow up on the border marks people's lives.
Yes, it's a powerful coming together of cultures
that we see here at the border,
and I think it's something that, when we take it to our universities
or wherever we study,
it's something very new for others.
It's a very peculiar market.
20% of furniture stores, which are our business,
started disappearing in 2007, when the financial crisis hit,
and we didn't feel it.
This shows how very different we are. Despite being in the United States,
our local economy is not controlled by the same things that affect the rest of the country.
We're a hybrid, and that gives us peace of mind.
We always had an advantage here in the [Río Grande] Valley,
probably mostly in McAllen,
because we always had business with Mexico.
You know, we have the highest sales tax in all of Texas.
We are the 24th largest city
but we're in 9th place when it comes to sales tax collection.
And I think we owe it in great part to northern Mexico.
An average of 35% of our annual sales income comes from Mexico.
Those who love this land regret how little is known about it.
I think one of the misconceptions is that this is a dangerous place to live.
It really isn't.
Yes, there are things that happen, but not on a daily basis.
A region of confusion and contradictions,
where Mexicans are not homesick
because their culture is everywhere.
They've been coming for 25 years.
The mariachi came from Monterrey to perform here.
Right now we have about 11 mariachis, I think,
and six of them are from Monterrey.
The basilica has to get a special permit for them to come,
because not all mariachis can play this Catholic religious music.
It's a charismatic and unique border.
Those born here don't know if they're Mexican or American.
What is clear to them is that they are rich; culturally rich.