Mexican Culture

Passing on values to the next generation so that people may honor their past is necessary in ensuring cultural preservation. The University of New Mexico Vice President for Student Affairs Eliseo "Cheo" Torres said, “You can create new traditions or change existing traditions… As long as there is good intention; as we change, so do our traditions.” Traditions are deeply rooted in Hispanic culture and passing them on is crucial in ensuring the Latinx culture is preserved. Cultural preservation is key in recognizing and continuing their significant role in the social fabric of the United States. Through food, language, music, and art, Hispanic culture is remembered in a variety of different ways. National Hispanic Heritage Month occurs from September 15 to October 15 each year to celebrate the rich traditions that encompass Hispanic culture. This is done by celebrating with Mariachi bands, the lighting of luminarias, and enjoying traditional delicacies such as tamales, patatas bravas, and bocadillo. Storytelling is also a big part in celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Many people have shared stories on front porches, the scent of food wafting around, gathered by family and friends.

Well many Latinos wish to preserve their heritage, some find it to be a struggle when growing up in the United States. According to a study published by Pete Farrugio for the University of Texas, 79% of first generation Latino immigrants said that they used Spanish in the household in an effort to preserve cultural heritage; however of US born Latinos, only 73% spoke Spanish at home. Many individuals in this study believe that many American values contradict traditional values of Hispanic culture, much of which is family oriented. The United States strongly encourages individualism, challenging people to pave their own path and embrace their personal strengths. Farrugio discovered that many Latino parents often equate the loss of their US-born childrens connection to their culture to less parental authority as well as shattered cultural values. Despite this, the majority of parents want their children to stay in the US and utilize the many opportunities it provides, although without assimilating to US culture. Many parents enroll their kids in bilingual education in an effort to maintain some cultural connection.

Maria Del Sontro, a Latina born in the United States shared with me some of the difficulties she has had with connecting to her heritage. “The United States is oftentimes considered the melting pot of the world. Many citizens born in different countries but still living in the US adhere to things such as traditional foods and holidays as a way to blend their cultures and families here.” She talked about how difficult it has become to maintain customs in society but she emphasized that following traditional holidays is a key to staying connected to that part of her.

Another way Latinx culture is being honored is through digital reculturation. In modern days, technology is a tool that affects the way we all think, learn, and interact with each other. One positive impact of technology is the wide web of resources people can access with a click of a button. Digital reculturalation is a process in which people may utilize digital representations of their culture to reconnect with their heritage. The internet has a multitude of accurate sources and ways to connect with others who share similar sentiments. Latinos around the country have been struggling for decades to preserve their cultures. It is important we embrace those traditions, rather than adhering to the concept of a so-called ‘melting pot’ which is merely a misleading way of saying assimilated. “Everyone has a story so allow those to bring us together,” Del Sontro said. “It is time to celebrate what makes us different rather than run from it.”