Hispanic heritage month has recently finished and within the past month we have been interviewing Hispanic members of the Art & Design community to ask them how they grew up in a Hispanic household.
Every person has a unique cultural background that they can trace back to their ethnic roots. It is something that is important to appreciate and celebrate. The thing that makes it so special is that we share this community through language, food and tradition. Even when Hispanic heritage month is over we still carry these traditions with us. Here in Art & Design there are so many people that share being Hispanic.
Over the course of the past month we have interviewed 5 people from the school, two teachers Ms. Mantisino, Ms. Olivares and three students Xander, freshman, Alejandra, sophomore architecture major, and Livia Madek, sophomore animation to show their experiences.
The conversation of tradition is important to every person with a strong connection to their background and that is important to show.
What is your favorite tradition?
Alejandra Said “El días de las velitas which is basically just candle days and which we just kind of hang out with family. We just like, put some candles in the streets and we just color the streets with red and green, representing that Christmas is coming.”
“Festa junina, which is a June party and it’s so fun because we have a lot of games and food and it’s so delicious and fun.” Says Livia
Ms. Olivares said“I think my favorite as someone whose family is from the Mexican state of Puebla, we have a Christmas apple pineapple salad that we make with lots of nuts. And I like preparing that with my family. Year.”
“From what I’ve seen growing up, my family, usually, and I think this is another one, and there’s like, like, Hispanic traditions, I believe they also expect to celebrate them.” Xander said.
“One of my favorite ones now that I have my daughter, is Besarla Mano, so getting the blessing. When you see your family members, like your elders, it shows the signs of respect, it also shows like they’re blessing you.” Says Ms. Mantisino
To go back to the ideas of culture it is important to know in detail whether big or small to know where the food we grew up with comes from.
What is your favorite cultural food?
Ms. Mantasino said “I think I would say, “Lo tres golpes”
“It really depends on my mood but I think my favorite as of right now is probably flautas, Mexican food.” Said Ms. Olivares
“I like to go with empanadas.” Says Xander
“Yeah, I wanted to write on one of, like, talking about my grandma’s food, my favorite food that she makes is Brazilian Grabenal, which is basically shredded chicken with cream and then with a Brazilian snack that is kind of a little potatoes, and they’re really good. And I would also say brigadero, which is a chocolate candy that we have really good.” Said Livia
“Chontaduro is so delicious.
With honey, it is the best thing. It tastes like a little bite of heaven. It’s basically like a potato, but more like a sweet potato, and it’s different and it’s really representative of the agro culture in my country.” Says Alejandra
Overall, what’s it like to grow up in a Hispanic household?
Ms. Mantisino says “it was wonderful”
“Growing up in a Hispanic household, you know, it’s hard to compare because that’s the only household I know.” Said Ms. Olivares
Community is a strong word, it is something important, it is something that almost everybody needs. Whether you are talking about the past or today’s modern climate or tomorrow’s future it is always great to know where you come from and to know where you’re going.
“Its really fun and it’s just you feel connected to your family and everyone around you, and even your friends, you feel like they are your family, because for me as an example, I grew up always being around family and friends, especially in parties, sleepovers, school, and everyone supported each other. Sometimes we make fun of each other, but If you need help, they’re always there for you.” Livia said.
