Celebrating Traditions: Honoring My Latinidad Every Day

Growing up Latina, traditions were more than just rituals—they were our stories, our connections, and our pride. From the warm aroma of Café de Olla filling the kitchen to the vibrant celebrations of Día de los Muertos, these moments tied me to my roots and gave me a sense of belonging. Now, as a mom, I’ve taken on the role of preserving and passing down these traditions to my daughters, ensuring they understand and appreciate the beauty of where we come from.

The Heart of Traditions

Traditions aren’t just about recreating the past; they’re about keeping our culture alive in the present. For me, they’ve always been a way to connect with my family, even those who are no longer with us. Whether it’s sharing stories of my great-grandmother while we prepare an ofrenda or teaching my daughters how to make my grandma's recipes (even though our kitchen ends up looking like a tornado hit it), these moments remind me of the strength and love embedded in our heritage.

Everyday Ways to Celebrate

You don’t need a big event to celebrate your culture. For us, it’s in the little things: playing Selena on a Sunday morning while cleaning the house, sprinkling tajín on fruit for a quick snack, or teaching my daughters a new Spanish word each week. These seemingly small acts are what keep our heritage alive and thriving in our day-to-day lives.

Teaching the Next Generation

It’s not always easy to get my daughters interested in traditions—they’re kids, after all. But I’ve found that involving them in the process makes all the difference. When we decorate our ofrenda, I let them pick out the flowers and add their own touches. Seeing their excitement when they recognize a tradition as “ours” is a feeling I’ll never get tired of.

Our heritage isn’t just a part of our past—it’s a living, breathing part of who we are. By sharing these traditions with my daughters, I’m ensuring that they’ll carry them forward in their own ways.

How do you celebrate your culture? Let’s share and keep these stories alive together.