My object that represents my family's culture and roots is a traditional pastry called an empanada. My mom’s parents both immigrated from Argentina to the United States in 1969. They did not bring many physical objects with them from their home country. One tradition from their home is making empanadas for holidays and special family events. My grandmother, known as Abuela, is a great cook. Cooking traditional Argentinian foods reminds her of home and continues to remind all of us of our many roots. As far back as I can remember, Abuela has brought empanadas to our family holiday events. This adds to our sense of roots as a family. Empanadas are a pastry usually filled with chicken, meat, or veggies. For example, on Thanksgiving we have a traditional American turkey and mashed potato dinner with our Argentinian empanadas. My Abuela usually fills her empanadas with chopped meat. These empanadas serve as a connection to her native country in her home country. Food helps bring our families together and reminds us that we come from different parts of the world.  Empanadas are present during Christmas and Easter as well. If Abuela wants to surprise us with a special treat on our birthdays, she will make them for us. It really highlights how culturally diverse my family is and it is something I am very proud of. I hope to learn to make empanadas one day and continue the Argentinian tradition. 

– JL

Relationship:  Grandchild of im/migrant Grandchild of im/migrant