Traditions

Our Heritage

Latinos in the U.S. have roots from Mexico, Central and South America, carribean islands, Spain and Portugal. We speak Spanish, English and Portuguese plus untold numbers of indigenous dialects. Government agencies call us "Hispanic" and the media calls us "Latinos", yet most of us identify ourselves by our coutry of origin. Some of us have been on this land for more than a dozen generations and others arrived as recently as yesterday.

Being Latino is a culture, not a race, so although many of my friends are from Puerto Rico, Colombia, or Chile, we share common values and traditions. Being "Latino" is a term only used in the United States. No other nation groups people from so many countries of origin under one lable.

Latino Traditions

Beginnings and endings are always a reason for families to gather. Food, ceremonies, music and artistic endeavors are the hallmark of traditions passed down from generation to generation. The indigenous people of the Americas marked the beginning and ending of harvest season with elaborate food celebrations and today we do the same, letting recreations of old family recipes take center stage at our family gatherings. What would Thanksgiving be without Tia Lilia's relleno for the turkey or Christmas breakfast without tamales? Could you really enjoy a winter without tasting chocolate Mexicano from Oaxaca at least once?

Whether the celebration is political, historical, religious, or commemorates a special day, we Latinos celebrate with gusto. It is little wonder that visitors can find a "fiesta" almost every weekend in San Antonio, a city marked by its Mexican heritage.

There is always a story behind the activities and objects in our culture. I have researched and catalogued family traditions and celebrations and enjoy sharing the significant elements of each.

Enjoy discovering your own roots as you explore mine!