What is castizo?

Castizo is a Spanish term used to describe individuals of pure Spanish descent. It is often used to refer to people who have both Spanish parents and grandparents, and therefore have no non-Spanish ancestry. Castizo is considered one of the highest social classes in the Spanish caste system, above mestizo and mulatto, but below peninsular (those born in Spain).

Historically, the term castizo was used in the context of the Spanish colonization of the Americas to categorize the population based on their racial ancestry. It was used to distinguish individuals of pure Spanish descent from those of mixed race, such as mestizos (Spanish and indigenous) and mulattos (Spanish and African).

Today, the term castizo is less commonly used and has fallen out of favor due to its associations with colonialism and racial hierarchy. However, it still holds cultural significance in some communities as a marker of Spanish heritage and identity.