How to Connect with Your Culture as an American-Born Latina

Most Latinx people my age in the US today are first or second-generation Americans. That means either our parents or our grandparents were immigrants. Though most of us are considered Americans by birth, we tend to feel very connected to our “country of origin.” To add more spice, when both parents are from different countries, it’s a beautiful mix of cultures encapsulated into a lovely human being. In my case, being half Brazilian and held Peruvian has its advantages. It also has its challenges, such as the feeling that you don’t really belong, no matter where you are. Here in the USA, I’m considered Peruvian or Brazilian depending on how someone perceives me. When I’m visiting family in South America, I’m considered an American. In truth, I sometimes get offended at the thought of being considered just an American. I’m much more than my country of birth; my childhood was spent in Brazil, and my first memories are in Brazil. Making Brazil my home, to me, and for a long time, I always told people I was Brazilian since my identity and life felt more established there than in any other place. That was until I moved back to the USA. As I grew older, my lifetime had reached a point where I lived in the USA longer than I lived in Brazil, therefore cementing the new label of American I couldn’t shake no matter how many visits I made to Brazil, and it only worstened when I began to lose my language and sound like and American speaking bad Portuguese rather than a Brazilian native. Let’s not forget I’m half Peruvian, it was infinitely harder to “fit in” since I rarely spent time in Peru, and I barely knew any Spanish since I was “Americanized” in school.

What’s the reason for this autobiography, you might ask? Well, the more time I spend here, the more I begin to realize I’m not alone. Many Latinx people like me want to feel connected with their culture but feel so far away from it. It’s not just about speaking the language, it’s about identity, a need to belong. I’ve found many ways to connect myself with my cultures and make it into a melting pot of beauty that I love to share with others. This blog is a great example since it was inspired by my desire to feel closer to both Brazil and Peru. I named it Sinchi Vida in honor of my Peruvian heritage.

So, without further ado, here are ways to connect with your culture!

Learn to Cook Recipes from Your Culture

It’s been said that a way to a man’s heart is through his stomach. The same can be said for those of us who desire to connect to our culture. Nothing makes me feel more Peruvian than eating ceviche with canchitas while my dad raves about his childhood in the Andes.

Learn Popular Dances from Your Country

Humans always find ways to connect with one another, and when it comes to Latinx people, the art of dance is the most popular! Nothing beats the feeling of dancing to Peruvian Huaynos with my cousins during family reunions and dancing Samba with my mom pretending it’s Carnaval season!

Hang a Flag in Your Car or Room

I feel like this is such a popular thing to do, especially amongst Americans. Nothing says “I’m proud of where I come from” like a giant flag in your room. I have a Peruvian and Brazilian flag hanging in my room as we speak! Now all that’s left is an American flag, and I’ll have my entire identity hanging on my walls.

Dress in Popular Trends from Your Country

Before you go there, no, I am not suggesting fellow Brazilians to dress like it’s Carnaval every day. That would be a very time-consuming ordeal. However, when I go to Brazil, my looks will fool anyone into thinking that I’m a native. I always wear Brazilian trendy fashions. It’s my way of connecting with Brazil when I feel so far away.

Listen to Music from Your Culture

Huaynos, Sertanejo, Marinera, Samba. That’s just a few of my favorite genres from my vast cultural background. It goes hand in hand with dancing, I mean, I’ve never heard of a Latinx individual who doesn’t dance to the music from their country of origin!

Befriend Others Who Share the Same Cultural Background

It’s always thrilling to meet someone who shares the same cultural background as you, especially when it’s a random mix like a Peruvian-Brazilian. I’ve only ever met two, and they’re like siblings to me. Building a community that feels so familiar to you will make you feel a little more grounded in your culture.

Visit your Country as Much as Possible

When it comes to feeling connected, there is no better way to do it than to go to the place that started it all. I love to visit Brazil and Peru, and my heart soars as soon as I land, knowing that my family history lies within these places. I’ve seen it all before, and yet I’m in awe of its beauty every time.

Be Proud of Who You Are

Finally, take pride in your cultural background! You’re still an American with a really cool origin story! Don’t be ashamed of the American label, embrace it and show them that being an American is about more than just wearing red, white, and blue.