As a Colombian living in Toronto, I've learned that staying connected to your roots while traveling isn't just about remembering where you came from; it's about enriching where you are. It's about weaving the vibrant threads of your heritage into the tapestry of your new experiences. For me, that means keeping Colombia close to my heart, no matter where my adventures take me.
The Importance of Cultural Connection
Maintaining a connection to my Colombian heritage is incredibly important, especially while living so far from home. It shapes my perspective and influences how I experience new places. I remember one Christmas in particular, a few years after moving to Toronto. The snow was falling, the city was buzzing with a festive cheer, but I felt a pang of longing for the warmth of a Colombian Christmas. The natilla and buñuelos, the familiar carols, the close embrace of family – it was all missing. That's when I realized how crucial it is to actively nurture my cultural identity. It’s not just about nostalgia; it's about grounding myself and sharing that richness with my daughter, Sofia.
Finding Your Community Away From Home
One of the best ways to stay connected is by finding your community. In Toronto, I've been fortunate to connect with many fellow Colombians and Latin Americans. There are several organizations and cultural centers that serve as hubs for our community. For example, the Colombian Canadian Foundation organizes events and provides resources that help us stay connected to our roots. Sharing experiences, traditions, and even just speaking Spanish with others who understand the nuances of our culture is incredibly comforting and reinforcing. It’s like having a little piece of home right here in Canada.
Celebrating Traditions and Festivities
Celebrating Colombian holidays and traditions is a big part of how we keep our culture alive in our family. We make sure to celebrate Día de las Velitas (Day of the Little Candles) every December 7th, lighting candles and lanterns to honor the Virgin Mary and mark the beginning of the Christmas season. We also celebrate Colombian Independence Day with gusto, attending events in Toronto that showcase our music, dance, and food. Toronto also hosts Carnaval del Sol , a vibrant celebration that includes Latin American culture. Even small things, like making arepas on a Sunday morning, help us maintain those cultural ties.
Savoring the Flavors of Home
Food is a powerful connector to culture. Fortunately, Toronto has some fantastic Colombian restaurants and food stores where I can find authentic flavors. El Ranchito Colombiano is one of my go-to spots for a taste of home, and there are several Latin American grocery stores where I can find ingredients to make my favorite dishes. I often make bandeja paisa or ajiaco for my family, sharing the stories and traditions behind each dish. Even something as simple as the aroma of a familiar spice can transport me back to my childhood in Armenia.
Language and Cultural Expression
Preserving the Spanish language is crucial for maintaining our cultural identity. We speak Spanish at home as much as possible, and we encourage Sofia to embrace her bilingualism. We also incorporate Colombian music, literature, and art into our daily lives. I love sharing the works of Gabriel García Márquez with Sofia, and we often listen to Colombian music while cooking or driving. Toronto even has the Colombian Dance Company , which offers a wonderful avenue for cultural expression. It’s about creating an environment where our culture is not just remembered but actively lived and celebrated.
Embracing Biculturalism
Ultimately, it’s about balancing my Colombian heritage with my Canadian experiences. Sofia is growing up in a bicultural environment, and it's beautiful to see her navigate both worlds with ease. She loves arepas as much as she loves poutine, and she's just as comfortable speaking Spanish as she is speaking English. My advice to anyone in a similar situation is to embrace both cultures fully. Don't feel like you have to choose one over the other. Instead, find ways to integrate aspects of both into your identity. It’s a journey, and it’s one that can enrich your life in countless ways.
A Colombian living in Toronto shares tips on staying connected to cultural roots while traveling, emphasizing community, traditions, food, language, and embracing biculturalism.
