When people hear the word “Hispanics” they often jump into the conclusion that it means Mexicans. But the truth is the term Hispanics encompasses various countries, languages and different cultures, not just Mexico. Being Hispanic means so much more than just being from Mexico, each country has its own unique history.
Anyone who grew up with parents that have different cultures, can share unique stories, traditions, languages, and food. Having parents from different cultures means new experiences you get to grow in, that not many kids have. Some kids may feel confused on how it works since you are from two different cultures, but personally, I love having parents that have different cultures.
My multicultural environment has helped me grow and see what these different countries are like. My favorite part about being a multicultural Hispanic is that I get to explore the different music genres, types of foods, cooking, and how both cultures are totally different which I enjoy doing.
My dad is Mexican, brown eyes, has brown hair (now he shaves it, and he is bald), it’s hard getting him mad he usually is always happy or tries to be. He is an impatient person and doesn’t like being told what to do. Growing up was tough for him since my grandma passed away when he was seven, my grandpa would travel to come work here in Salinas leaving him and my uncles with his wife. He has taught me how to be a hard worker and tough when it comes to life. Being Mexican is a wonderful culture everyone loves. I love Spanish music and when we have big family parties a big tradition is getting a banda. We celebrate quinceañearas and for Christmas and New Year’s we make tamales, pozole and birria. We always make a lot of food, so for the next day we can all get together and do a “recalentado.”
My mom on the other hand is Hondurian, she has black hair, dark brown eyes, she’s skinny and people usually say she looks like my sister. She’s one of the sweetest and kindest people. Growing up for her was also tough, they were really poor and my grandpa didn’t really help when it came to money, so they survived just with my grandma’s salary which was barely enough for 5 kids. She has taught me everything I know.
Being Hondurian for me is something I’ve always felt proud of saying. Hondurian people are usually known as “catrachos” (Hondureños) and I feel proud of saying that I am half catracha. The music we listen to is punta, bachata and reggaeton. I’ve known how to dance all this type of music since elementary school. A big tradition that we have is when we have birthday parties we usually make a food called “tajadas con pollo” it basically is, fried chicken, fried green bananas, topped with 2 Hondurian style sauces, fresh cabbage, chimol (pico de gallo) and pickled onions. When it comes to Hondurian food I really only like 3 plates from there (the only ones my mom has really made.)
When people look at me, they assume I am Mexican, but they don’t have a clue I am also Hondurian until we actually have a conversation. Even though I dyed my hair, I don’t think people assume I’m from another place. (or I don’t think they do) When I’ve had conversations with people they are quick. They usually ask where my parents are from and I tell them, when they ask what culture I mostly celebrate, I tell them the Mexican culture.
Most of my family members say I have features of my dad, but when it comes to looks and attitude they say I have my mom’s. I also have a younger brother, we are 4 years apart. Everyone says he looks like my grandpa (my dad’s side), which is funny because I don’t see it.
Every Sunday we get together with my dad’s older brother (he is like my second dad.) We have always lived together, we are really close, that’s why we go and visit him every Sunday. Since two years ago, we see my mom’s sister at least once a week since my younger cousin goes to school really close to our house. We had always celebrated my dad’s culture since my mom only had a sister here, so we would get together with my dads family. Until two years ago, my moms two younger siblings came from Honduras, so we started making more food from there and listening to the music they listen to. The only time when my dad’s and mom’s family gets together is on Thanksgiving or parties that we do. I love when both sides get together since they are my closest family.
When I was in elementary school, I felt confused knowing I had parents that were from different cultures. I didn’t know what side to choose when people would ask me which cultures I liked the best, I would stay quiet and not know what to say.
Currently, I don’t feel confused, I’ve never chosen one over the other, I like both cultures the same, I just wished I had grown more with the Hondurian culture. Being able to learn about both cultures is something incredible that not many people get to do, but I’m glad I did.
