ABSTRACT
The state of Sonora is located in the extreme northwestern part of Mexico (see Figures 1 and 2). Its great distance from Mexico City and the population concentrations in the central part of Mexico, as well as its proximity to large population centers in the United States — Tucson and Phoenix — have played an important role in the development of the regional style and culture of Sonora. This culture has been described (Ruiz: personal communication) as reflecting the ambivalent love-hate attitude that Sonorans have with “el otro lado” (the other side), as the United States is described. Relationships between Sonora and “el otro lado” not only have cultural aspects, but are also geographical, historical, ecological, and economic. In addition to this ambivalent stance with regard to the north, Sonorans also have a somewhat ambivalent attitude as they look to the south. Sonora has always been ranching country and this, as well as its location on the extreme frontier, has lead to a regional style that stresses independence. Sonorans view themselves as Sonorans first, and only then as Mexicans. Mexicans from other areas are referred to as “guachos,” a mildly derogatory term. As such, a Sonoran culture has developed which combines aspects of both Mexican and North American cultures in a distinctly Sonoran way.
