More Things to Know

Here are some more phrases that might come in handy when visiting San Antonio:

Ballet Folklorico: (Folk-LORE-ee-ko) Refers to a traditional type of Mexican or Central American dance, performed in various styles according to the region of origin. Costumes and music differ, but you can find any kind in San Antonio. In most of the performances you may see, women are dressed in long, colorful dresses and men are dressed in charro (or Mexican cowboy) costume. This resembles the tradition of northern Mexico. Folklorico styles include those originating in Veracruz, Jalisco, Nuevo Leon, Guerrero, Michoacan, and the Yucatan Peninsula.

The Loop: Slang for Loop 410 highway.

Alamo Heights: The traditionally wealthy part of town, where the University of the Incarnate Word is located.

The Tower: Slang for the Hemisfair Tower, which I've written about here.

Matachines: (Ma-tah-CHEE-neh-s) A group of religious dancers performing in the traditional style of Aztec emperor Montezuma, adapted for Roman Catholic purposes. They often participate in dances dedicated to the Blessed Mother as Our Lady of Guadalupe or for other saints. You can see a clip of matachines dancing here.
Also popular in our city are Aztec dancers dedicated to Our Lady of Guadalupe in this style.

Tortilla: (tor-TEE-ya) Mexican flat bread made of either flour (de harina) or corn (de maiz).

Taco: (tah-ko) A sort of "Mexican sandwich," where ingredients are spread onto a tortilla. The tortilla is then folded in half. A typical taco on a menu will include a meat with tomatoes and lettuce, but there is really no "official" recipe for a taco. Tacos are eaten at any time of day. A crispy taco is a Tex-Mex variety using a fried taco. These are usually messier to eat!

Borracho or ranchero beans: If you order your beans this way, they will be whole (as opposed to refried and mashed). They usually come served in a bowl and are somewhat spicy. Borracho beans are also cooked with beer for flavoring. ("Borracho" means "a drunk" in Spanish.)

Sopapillas: (Soap-ah-PEE-ahs) Traditional Mexican dessert. Tortillas are fried, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar, and served with honey. Can also be served with ice cream on top.

Flan: (fl-AH-n) Traditional dessert in Spanish-speaking countries. Sort of like soggy cake to me, but it's actually a custard topped with caramel, and sometimes fruit.