Okay, so I wanted to do something special for Hispanic Heritage Month, and since my family has roots in Colombia, I thought, why not dive deep into that? Here’s how I went about celebrating and learning more about my Colombian heritage.
Digging into My Family History
First things first, I started by talking to my Abuela. I mean, she’s the keeper of all the family stories, right? I sat down with her, and we went through old photo albums. She told me stories about her childhood in Medellín, the food they ate, and the traditions they celebrated. It was like stepping back in time!
Cooking Up a Colombian Feast
Next, I decided to get in the kitchen. I found some recipes online for classic Colombian dishes like arepas, empanadas, and bandeja paisa. I attempted to make them, Let me tell you, my first batch of arepas was…interesting. But hey, practice makes perfect, and by the third try, they were looking pretty good! The empanadas were a hit, though, stuffed with beef and potatoes – so yummy.
Exploring Colombian Music and Dance
You can’t really experience a culture without its music and dance, can you? So, I looked up some traditional Colombian music genres like Cumbia and Vallenato. I spent an afternoon listening to different artists and even tried to learn some basic Cumbia steps. My living room became my dance floor, and it was a blast, even if I did step on my cat’s tail a couple of times. Sorry, Mittens!
Learning About Colombian Art and Literature
I also wanted to learn more about the art and literature of Colombia. I checked out some works by Gabriel García Márquez, you know, the famous author of “One Hundred Years of Solitude.” His magical realism style is just captivating. I also discovered the vibrant street art scene in cities like Bogotá and Medellín, full of colorful murals and powerful messages. It was inspiring to see such creativity.
Connecting with the Colombian Community
Finally, I reached out to some local Colombian organizations. I found a cultural center that was hosting a Hispanic Heritage Month event, and I decided to go. I met some amazing people, heard more stories, and even tried some authentic Colombian coffee – which, by the way, is incredible.
- Talked to Abuela and looked at family photos.
- Cooked Colombian dishes (some more successfully than others!).
- Listened to Colombian music and learned some dance moves.
- Read Colombian literature and researched Colombian art.
- Connected with the local Colombian community.
Overall, it was a really rewarding experience. I feel much more connected to my Colombian heritage now, and I’m already planning what I’ll do next year. Maybe I’ll even try to learn some more Spanish! Wish me luck!
