Remembering the past requires the knowledge of an area from which the existence of a culture sprung and set forth its roots. This past and the history of the Mexican-American culture were greatly influenced by a powerful and vital entity known as El Rio/Rio Bravo. This river has given to its past and present inhabitants a cultural life expressed to others through their history of entertainment, environmental development and development of industry.
The cultural identities of the Basin people were expressed through their forms of both religious and non-religious entertainment and celebrations. Many of the Basin people were religious in that they performed dances to honor the Virgen de Guadalupe and others danced for the Feast of San Lorenzo. These dances were annual celebrations in which people praised and worshiped the lives of both of these religious people. These dances occur today in parts of Mexico and New Mexico with volunteers dancing as the matachines who recall what happened more than three centuries ago. This form of dance was used and is used today for worship and healing and also as signs of thanks for gifts they have received. Other forms of dancing involved the emergence of the "dance hall". Conjunto music was a popular type of music that evolved from the Basin people's culture. The playing of this music came straight from the heart and it reminded people who they were and where they came from. Along with the music of the celebrations the Basin people also took pride in the food they cooked. The Basin people take pride in cooking and believe that cooking is important in keeping family traditions alive. They believed that cooking was something inherited and that it keeps the family and the community together. The ability to practice these rituals provided the stability the Basin people needed when it came to the realities of living and developing their lives off of the Basin environment.