From its earliest days as a settlement, Arizona was shaped largely by the Spanish and Mexican people who controlled the lands. Throughout the state, it remains possible to see evidence of their cultural influence on the food, architecture, language and art.
Especially in Southern Arizona, which maintains close cultural ties to Mexico, things are a little more laid back. It's not uncommon to hear Spanish words mixed with English (often called Spanglish); to celebrate Dia de Los Muertos after Halloween; or to order a pan dulce with your egg omelet. Elsewhere, you'll see Mexican-influenced art in shops and dance to Latin music in clubs as night turns to day.