My Cuban Ethnicity

Although I was born in Pennsylvania, I come from a latino background because my father was born in Cuba. My cuban ethnicity means a great deal to me. My childhood consisted of being around spanish music, learning how to speak spanish, and feeling joy from eating and cooking Cuban food. The popular Cuban song, "Guantanamera" by Celia Cruz, is an index because it reminds of all the good moments I had when I visited my family in Cuba for the first time. Out of the numerous times this song was played when I was in Cuba, my favorite time is when it came on while it was pouring outside for hours when I was at lunch with my family at "La Bodeguita del Medio." The restaurant was packed with people not only eating, but also using the restaurant as a shelter to avoid getting wet. My family and I just danced with random people we did not know and sang our hearts out. The fast beat tempo and projection from the singer's voice allowed me to feel a sense of communitas with the Cubans around me. Infact, since everybody felt a feeling of connectedness, we requested the song to be played again. Whenever this song is played in Cuba, it is a sign to get up and dance or sing.

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