La familia-the Definition

Vero’s grandfather drinks his two servings of tequila.

As I mentioned previously, Mexican families offer the best hospitality. As I entered Vero’s house, her father told me, “Bienvenidos a tu casa”- “Welcome to your home” and I had only known them for only forty-five minutes! During the rest of the weekend, I met the other members of Vero’s family: grandparents, aunts, uncles and cousins as we celebrated the cumpleanos (birthday) of her grandpa and cousin amidst piles and piles of tortillas, lengua, chorizo, pollo (chicken) and the tastiest cakes ever.

I knew family was important in the culture before coming to Mexico.  After being immersed in the activities of Vero’s family, I realized the strength and importance of la familia. Even at the party of Vero’s counsin (who turned nine years old), all generations were present. Here, family defines a person.

It’s like a painting, the family is the frame of a person and the painting is the individual. Without the frame, the picture is not complete, thus, the individual is not complete without their family. La familia is there during the good and bad times, during celebrations and times of mourning. Its importance is difficult to comprehend for the American but its strength is undeniable. Before Vero and I boarded the bus on Sunday evening to return to the university, her family told me “Nos vemos el proximo vez”-“We’ll see each other next time.” Being a stranger, I was blown away with their kindness and hospitality. Although I am extremely close with my parents, I felt some jealousy because this close-knit family feeling with cousin, uncles, aunts, grandparents and such was new to me but something I had always wanted. After spending a weekend with a Mexican family, I have learned that while the landscape and architecture define a place, its people make it unforgettable.

Saludos,

Lydia