The City of Palms, as it likes to introduce itself. McAllen, where everyone knows what an elote is. What chanclas are. Raspas and chamoyadas are mid-afternoon snacks. Charro beans are the perfect midnight snack. McAllen, where it's acceptable to mix in a little English with your Spanish. Not Spanglish. "No, pos" something better. It's called Tex-Mex. Tejano music blares from the car behind you. And car horns honk to La Cucaracha. "Only in the Valley," as we often say.
It's not until I leave McAllen, my hometown, when I truly appreciate everything it has to offer. And how much it has influenced who I am today. The people, especially. We're one of a kind. La Raza.
Taken Downtown - McAllen, Texas
