Tell us about your hispanic/latin background?
I was born and raised in Venezuela. However, my great-grandmother from my mother's side was from Spain and my grandfather from my father's side was Italian. This means there was a big cultural mix, mostly when food was involved. My grandfather was all about a good pasta with homemade tomato sauce. We also loved making a good paella, but as Venezuelans, there is nothing better than Arepas, which are the most traditional Venezuelan food.
Tell us about your Hispanic/Latin family
Growing up in a Hispanic family means that you have to make your parents proud and do as they say, (I did not, but it ended up being okay. They are still proud of me, I think). As in many Hispanic/Latin countries holidays and important dates like carnivals, Semana Santa (holy week), and Christmas are times when the family gets together to celebrate and eat, but most importantly connect with each other and friends. In my country, friends of the family also become your uncles, aunts, godfathers/godmothers, which make reunions and get togethers a 50+ people event. Pretty much everyone becomes family!
Growing up in a Hispanic family means that you have to make your parents proud and do as they say
What does Hispanic Month mean to you?
Hispanic month is not really celebrated in my country. Although, in Venezuela, we do have a holiday celebrated on October 12th, the Indigenous Resistance Day. This is a holiday to honor the heroes of anti-Spanish resistance and appreciate Venezuelan indigenous cultures and history.
What does it mean to be part of the Hispanic community?
It means family, tradition, and roots. It doesn't matter where we are, we try to make it feel like home
What makes you proud of being Hispanic?
Our language, our history, and the way we fearlessly build homes in different countries, without forgetting where we came from.
