Ask any Hispanic or Latino, and they will tell you,
Our Thanksgiving is between two worlds, the Hispanic and the American.
In my case, it is between the American, the Cuban, the Argentine, and the Puerto-Rican.
They blend to form traditions that are rich, mixed, and often complicated.
The old meets the new.
The viejitos (older folks) yearn to hold on to the past. To everything they know or once knew.
They share stories about the country they left.
Everything was better until (said dictator) came along.
They had to pick up and forge ahead in a new country with new traditions.
They remind us regularly to be forever grateful that we are American.
Los jóvenes (young folks) attempt to teach los viejitos about everything that is new.
We answer every technology question.
We show off every new gadget.
We disagree with them over old school politics, ways of thinking, and ways of living.
But somewhere along the way, we meet in the middle.
Between the old and the new.
Between the Spanish and the American.
Because of them, hard work is as natural to us as breathing.
Because of the risks they took, we are American.
Because of us, they have new technologies to make their life a bit easier.
Because of us, they are more open-minded to new ideas.
Because of us, they experience the deliciousness that is sweet potato casserole.
My Thanksgiving celebrations since childhood are a mix of everything that is American.
Our table is as diverse as our country.
We have pastelitos, and we have spinach dip.
Broccoli casserole and pumpkin pie call our name.
We never miss the white rice and black beans.
Cornbread? Yes. Cuban bread? Also, yes.
We celebrate with a turkey but often with a pig roast too.
Wine is never in short supply, and a coquito toast takes us back to the islands.
Yuca and mash potato are sides to an endless table.
And don’t forget the flan and cafecito (Cuban expresso)!
The food is plentiful and a testament to the American table.
A table that is full of diversity and flavors from all over the world.
Our music is salsa, and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving plays on the T.V.
Because of them, we are American.
Hay que darle gracias a Dios por todo, they’ll say.
We must thank God for everything.
Our Thanksgiving is a mix of cultures.
It is quintessentially American.
I wouldn’t change a thing.
