Castizo facts for kids
Castizo (say it: ca-STEE-tzo) is a Spanish word. It describes a person whose family background is mostly European and partly Indigenous. Imagine someone who is about three-quarters European and one-quarter Indigenous.
Castizos are often found in parts of Latin America. This includes countries like Chile, Argentina, and Brazil. You can also find Castizos in Costa Rica and parts of Mexico. Some Canadian Métis people, who have mixed French-Canadian and First Nations ancestry, are also considered Castizos. The same goes for some Mixed-Blood Americans, who have both Anglo-American and Native American roots.
Castizos usually have more European features. However, some might have lighter skin but strong Native American facial traits. Others might have darker skin like some Native Americans, but with completely European features.
Famous people like Johnny Depp, Gael Garcia Bernal, and Enrique Peña Nieto are sometimes thought to be Castizos. We don't know their exact genetic background. But based on how they look, they seem to fit the description.
Images for kids
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This painting shows the child of a Spaniard (right) and a mestiza (middle). The child is a castiza. By Miguel Cabrera. (1763)
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This painting shows the child of a Spaniard (left) and a castiza woman. Their child was considered a Spaniard. (1799)
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See also
In Spanish: Castizo (casta) para niños
