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I have always said that eating is an act of tradition, and as a Mexican-American I get to experience and enjoy both worlds, which is especially fun during holidays like Independence Day.
Growing up, the Fourth of July meant a trip to Ascarate Park in El Paso, where, as little kids we ran around the park, pleading with our parents to break out the sparklers early. As we got older, we drove up to Rim Road or Scenic Drive, both winding roads that hugged the side of the Rocky Mountains. From up there we had a great view of the city and beyond.
Looking back I remember July 4th had a different meaning for my mom’s family. In Mexico, July 4th is the religious observance of Our Lady of Refuge, or día de Nuestra Señora del Refugio; making this day my grandmother’s Saint day. Grandma Refugio, or Granma Cuca as we fondly called her, was woken up early — like 3 a.m. early — by my grandfather to be serenaded by mariachi singing Las Mañanitas. That begun the day-long celebration of my Grandma Cuca. Celebrating my grandma’s saint day on the 4th of July with mariachi got harder for my grandparents, and the mariachi eventually gave way to fireworks in the park.
It was a bitter-sweet evolution, but one that was bound to happen being 2nd generation here in the U.S. The 4th of July is Independence Day here in the states. As an American I celebrate it with friends, family, food and fireworks. As a Mexican-American, my July 4th celebration is not of religious observance to Our Lady of Refuge anymore, but after talking to my mom, I realize that, pocho-or-not, I still honor and celebrate those things from which I came: Mexican food, Spanish-language music, dance and a naughty joke or two. Still, food and traditions are fluid, dynamic things, and they are ever changing to encompass me, and you and everyone in-between. So while we’re grilling our carne asada I might be listening to some 80’s music while nibbling on charcuterie, potato salad and a fresh ensalada de nopalitos. Grilled summer corn is always great slathered in butter and chili powder, just like watermelons are still best with seeds, and all grilled meat is perfect with fiery salsa. The nostalgia feeds me, and fuels my passion for my roots.
So along with fireworks and carne asada, we’ll be celebrating America’s birthday with s’mores because there is nothing more American than marshmallows and chocolate sandwiched between Honey Maid graham crackers. Just so you know, and your kids might agree with me here, s’mores are the perfect celebration food because you can enjoy them by grilling, baking, nuking them in a microwave or not cooked at all. You can eat them by a campfire, picnic or simply hanging at the beach. And they’re the perfect fit for your little ones’ hands. If you’re like me, you might need two.
Join us and Honey Maid in celebrating America’s birthday and her diversity by toasting with your own s’mores creations. Honey Maid has a mini documentary from the “This is Wholesome” campaign, featuring the Gomez Family, who have immigrated to America to provide a better life for their kids. Watching it made me think about my family and our traditions. How do you share your love for your family? How do you celebrate the Fourth of July?
Use #MeltingPot and #ThisIsWholesome to join the conversation. Share with us how you celebrate Independence Day with your family and we’d love to see your s’more creations!
Learn more about the Gomez Family and keep up with Honey Maid on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for s’more inspiration. From our family to yours, please have a happy and safe 4th of July.
