As a mom raising a son in a bicultural family – half Mexican, half Jewish – I often think about how he is experiencing a beautifully different world perspective than the one I grew up with, enjoying traditions passed down from two vibrant cultures on both sides of his family. Between everyday moments at home, enjoying Nana’s quesadillas or Meme’s matzah ball soup, to bigger traditional events like his cousin’s Bat Mitzvah parties or the Fiesta de San Miguel Arcángel in Mexico (a must-see festival!).
Raising our son in a Jewish-Mexican household offers us the opportunity to show our son how valuable each person’s heritage is and how, even though he comes from two different cultures, there are similarities in both. Blending the two gives him a unique perspective on the world. I was raised in a Mexican household where the food was spicy and the music was spicier. My husband was raised in a Jewish household where homemade matzo balls were the perfect comfort food. Over the years, we have grown to love each other’s cultures and introduce each other to the traditions we grew up with. Now, we get to share that with our son and maybe even add our own unique twists to our families’ foods and traditions.
Being a bicultural family means that we can weave together two rich cultures and honor and celebrate them both. There is no shortage of cultural events in the St. Louis area, and one of our favorite weekend activities is finding an event or festival to attend so that we can immerse ourselves in a new culture with food, music, and dance.
Our son is the perfect blend of two incredibly vibrant cultures, so it’s important for us to celebrate those cultures, not just once a year but all year round. Still, having a celebratory month like National Hispanic Heritage Month gives us a chance to celebrate more openly with the community here in St. Louis, and I love that he can grow up to proudly embrace his culture and share it with the world around him.
We are so lucky to live in a city dedicated to celebrating culture and diversity. Here’s a list of local events throughout National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated annually from September 15- October 15.
Cultural Events
Hispanic Heritage Month festivities kick off early in the Lou with Fiesta Cardenales at Busch Stadium on Sunday, September 7. There are cultural celebrations throughout the game and Cardenales-themed giveaways.
The Missouri History Museum is offering cultural programs throughout the month. They have Cuentos en el Museo and a Hispanic Heritage Month Military Panel. Although it’s not during Hispanic Heritage Month, one of the best events for celebrating Hispanic culture at the history museum is the Dia de los Muertos and a Celebration of Hispanic Culture event in early November.
Greater St. Louis Hispanic Festival is happening September 19-21 in Soulard Park. This is an event filled with live Latino bands, folk dancing, children’s activities, local artisans, delicious food, and of course, margaritas and beer.
The Missouri Botanical Garden is teaming up with the Ecuadorian Society for A Chocolate Social with the Ecuadorian Society. Discover the origins of Ecuadorian chocolate, explore the biodiversity of cacao, and sample chocolates on Tuesday, September 23.
On Sunday, October 5, join The St. Louis Art Museum for Family Sunday—Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration. Family Sunday activities focus on a different, family-friendly theme each time. This week highlights Hispanic Heritage Month with various activities that explore and celebrate the rich cultural traditions of the Hispanic community.
The Opera Theatre of St. Louis will host a Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration on Tuesday, October 7 at Cocina Latina in the CWE. This cocktail party features a specially curated performance featuring two rising Hispanic opera stars.
