The western is a term that can refer to several things: a style of dress, a film genre, series, literature, a musical genre (not to be confused with country)… and a whole culture.
Although it has no borders, it is in the USA where the western is lived in its purest essence; especially in some states that, if you have the chance to pack your suitcase and cross the Atlantic, you can’t miss.
In this article, we’re going to show you those places, and we’re also going to take a closer look at the western culture: a particular way of conceiving life that can only be experienced in North America but that captivates people from all over the world from afar.
What is Western culture?
Western culture in the US refers to a set of values, attitudes, symbols and practices that have developed throughout the history of the westward expansion of the country. Some of the most salient characteristics of Western culture are:
- Independence: Western culture values individual independence and self-reliance, both of which are represented by people being able to stand on their own two feet and make decisions without depending on anyone else.
- The frontier: The idea of the frontier is central to Western culture, and is based on the fact that the United States is a nation that was built through the conquest of the West. This relates to territorial expansion, exploration and conquest.
- The cowboy figure: The cowboy is a central figure in western culture. He is a heroic figure symbolising freedom and independence. Cowboys are tough and resilient people, who live in the wilderness and are capable of facing all kinds of challenges.
- Country music: Country music is a fundamental part of Western culture, as it is a form of expression that reflects life in the West, with its landscapes, its stories and its traditions.
- The image of the horse: The horse is a very important symbol in the western. Horses were an essential tool for the cowboys, and their image has become a symbol of freedom and independence.
- Clothing: another very important feature of western culture. Cowboy clothing is a mixture of functionality and style, tough and durable, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of life in the West. Western shirts, cowboy boots, cowboy hats, denim jeans, belts, bandanas, gloves…
- Religion also plays an important role in western culture. Most Westerners are Christian, and religious beliefs are an important part of their lives and culture.
In general, Western culture in the United States is characterised by a strong emphasis on independence, freedom and the outdoors. This culture has had a significant impact on national identity and remains an important part of the country’s popular culture.
The “top” western states
As we said, the Western or Country culture is very strong in many US states. But there are some that stand out above the rest because of the degree of influence of this culture and its presence in people’s daily lives.
Some of the states where Western or Country culture is particularly strong are:
Texas: a state known for its love of country music and for being home to the Houston Rodeo, one of the largest rodeo events in the world. While not everyone in Texas wears cowboy hats, it is true that many Texans do. The cowboy hat is popular among cowboys and ranchers working in rural Texas, but also among cowboy culture enthusiasts and tourists visiting the state, like you, if you’re lucky enough to go. It is also common to wear them to events such as rodeos and country music concerts.
Tennessee: This state is known as the birthplace of country music, as it was in Nashville, its capital, that the country music industry was founded. The city, rich in history and culture, boasts the famous Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum, as well as the Grand Ole Opry, the Ryman Auditorium, and many bars and live music clubs. Other tourist attractions worth visiting in Tennessee include Memphis, known as the city of blues and rock ‘n’ roll, the Smoky Mountains region, a popular tourist destination due to the beauty of its natural surroundings, and Pigeon Forge, which has shops, restaurants, and numerous tourist attractions, such as the Titanic Museum Attraction and the Hollywood Wax Museum.
Oklahoma: known for its cowboy heritage and home to the National Cowboy Hall of Fame. There are also many rodeo events throughout the state, and its cuisine is a mix of Creole, Mexican and Native American cuisine.
Montana: a state with a long rodeo and cowboy tradition, most notably the town of Billings, famous as the home of the PRCA Rodeo. Western dress is common in Montana: cowboy hats and boots are two staples. Montana’s western cuisine is known for the quality of its meat and game dishes.
Wyoming: known for its cowboy heritage and for being home to the famous Yellowstone National Park. There are also many rodeo events throughout the state, and the city of Cheyenne is famous for its Cheyenne Frontier Days, one of the largest rodeo events in the country.
These are just some of the states where Western or Country culture is particularly strong in the United States, but there are many other states where this culture has a significant presence in the day-to-day lives of their inhabitants.
If you are also attracted to westerns and you love to travel, any of the destinations mentioned above will give you a great time. But first you should stop by Corbeto’s or visit our online shop, because your suitcase could not be without some of the basics in authentic denim fashion that you love to wear, and in the best of scenarios. Can you imagine?