As a son of an immigrant father I have been blessed with a traditional platter. Cuy, better known as guinea pig, is has been a part of my culture for generations. My grandfather, from my mother’s side, is also an immigrant who feasts on this traditional platter. My two warriors always travel to Ecuador and when they come back, they come with a handful of these frozen guinea pigs. My father came to America at the age of seventeen and feels a connection with his nation, like myself, when eating cuy. My father was the first one of his family to arrive to America. My mother, on the other hand, was born in NYC to immigrant parents. Because of my father’s struggle, his relatives made the decision to follow his footsteps and migrate to America. For me, being able to sit down with my father and our relatives while eating cuy is a cherished feeling and a wonderful memory. Although some may hesitate to taste their culture and history, I believe that by giving your identity a chance one is able to feel closer to their roots. 

– JP Amaya

Relationship:  Child of im/migrant Child of im/migrant