YouAlberta
Part 1 of What does it mean to be Latin American? talks about the diversity of Latin American heritages and traditions, the multiplicity of identities and cultural expressions and some ways I practice my identity away from home.
One thing I've learned is that since I moved to Canada is that I have mostly listened to music in Spanish and I have read more books by Latin American authors. Although this has, in part, been a strategy to overcome homesickness, I realized that in sharing elements of my culture with others, I have connected more deeply with my traditions.
One of the ways you can participate in celebrating Latin American heritage at U of A is by taking part in the events hosted by the Latin American Students’ Association. One of my favourite events has been “Salsa Night.” I really enjoyed dancing and singing salsa classics with my friends and making new friends along the way!
Why is celebrating our cultural diversity relevant, and how can we contribute to recognizing the Latin American heritage in our campus community?
To me, learning about the various cultural traditions and practices in my community means contributing to a welcoming and inclusive environment where others feel encouraged to share a part of who they are. By sharing my Latin American heritage with my community, I get to engage in a reflection and discovery journey to learn new things about myself and my culture.
I interviewed Oscar, a third-year international student majoring in mathematics and statistics, who shared what his Latin American heritage means to him.
Oscar
Where are you from? What is this place known for?
I am from Mexico – from the cities of Ecatepec and Naucalpan in the state of Mexico. This is an urban, populated and hectic place known for its unconventional beauty. I may not come from the most aesthetic or safe neighbourhood, but something about it exudes such a homey and familiar vibe despite adversities. Life can be tight sometimes, but never free of love; that’s my home.
What does your heritage mean to you?
To me, it means fight and pride. I see my Indigenous heritage in my own reflection, in the colour of my skin, in my facial features and in the generations of people before me who lived through revolutions, poverty and discrimination. I see history in the way my eyes squint, making me realize how much has had to happen for me to study in Canada.
My heritage is like a bag to me. It’s a weight I carry with pride, but also a responsibility to elevate my roots to the highest of peaks where they should be.
How do you practice your cultural traditions away from home?
I don’t need much to feel connected to my roots; I just need my memory. For example, one of the largest Mexican traditions is Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead), which I celebrate yearly. This tradition resonates especially with me because of the close experiences with death in my family. I make sure to print pictures of my beloved ones who passed away, get some of their favourite foods, light up a candle and set it all up together into an express ofrenda. Of course, this is a low-budget version of what an actual ofrenda is! But that’s the beauty of it: with so little, we can make such beautiful things that mean so much.
How does your heritage connect you with the U of A community?
For a while, I felt isolated in my identity at university. I didn’t seem to find many people I could connect with culturally.
Then I found the Latin American Students’ Association and became an executive member! This gave me the chance to meet marvellous people with vibrant characters, outlooks on life and immense pride for their Latin American heritage! Even simple things like speaking Spanish on campus are wonderful. I guess the best of it all is that more and more company makes me feel more unique!
What are some of your favourite cultural artworks?
Some of my favourite novels are Latin American classics: Juan Rulfo’s Pedro Páramo and García Márquez’s A Hundred Years of Solitude. These two are arguably essays about the Latin American experience from all cultural viewpoints. As a music and art person, it’s impossible for me to name only one song as my favourite. Amor Eterno by Juan Gabriel always awakens my emotions, especially during October since we are closer to the Day of the Dead.