Hispanic Heritage Month honors and recognizes the traditions and culture of Hispanic Americans. To commemorate, we sat down with three Rain Makers who shared some of their favorite traditions, what it was like growing up in a Hispanic household, and how their culture and heritage has shaped their values.
Diego Ochoa, Production Lead
Q: What are some of your favorite Hispanic traditions and why?
Some of my favorite Hispanic traditions are centered around how much the food culminates with the holidays and gatherings in general. The best part is getting with family to help prep and cook the food such as gathering around the kitchen to help spread the batter on tamale leaves, helping to sugar the Buñuel’s. This always brings fun conversations to catch everyone up on the family.
Q: What was it like growing up in a Hispanic household?
Weekends were meant for family gatherings and church. Weekdays during the summer meant waking up to go to work with my dad! My dad was a brick mason so we would brick houses during the summer. These where some of my favorite times, watching my dad. The best part was blaring our Hispanic music loud! It helped set the mood for the day.
Marriah Menchaca, Social Content Specialist II
Q: What are some of your favorite Hispanic traditions and why?
One of my favorite traditions is that of Mariachi music, specifically combined with Baile Folkflorico. From a very young age I grew up listening to Mariachi music while watching my older sister, Marivel, at Baile Folkflorico practice. I was always excited to watch my sister and her friends dance to the Mariachi music, so much so, my mother had a bright orange Folkflorico Falda made for me to dance around in. Many kids wanted to wear their favorite character costumes as kids, but I always wanted to wear my orange falda.
Q: How has your culture and upbringing shaped your values?
I have lived in multiples parts of the U.S., with sometimes being the only tan or brown girl in a room making me prouder of the cultural upbringing I had. By moving around, I have learned to re-love my heritage and the unique perspective it has to offer from sharing my upbringing, art, music, foods and more. My partner, friends and coworkers always have embraced me for who I am and my anecdotes for what they are.
Oscar Mayorquin, EVP of Commercial Operations
Q: What are some of your favorite Hispanic traditions and why?
In Nicaragua, where I grew up, there is a catholic tradition called La Griteria, which translates to “the shouting.” After the sun sets on December 7th, friends and family will bring a sack and go around town singing from altar to altar, receiving traditional food and treats from homeowners, restaurants, and shop owners. There are carols, firecrackers, and fireworks at midnight all over the country.
Q: What has your culture taught you?
My culture taught me the value of community and belonging. Sharing our language, music, art, gastronomy, and traditions is important, but it’s meaningless without community to share and experience it with. Family, community and belonging are indisputably the most important things in my life.