Hispanic residents display a warm sense of community

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 14: Recently, having just fuelled up on scrambled eggs and homemade pancakes, I remembered that a good friend of mine had invited me to an event called Celebremos de dia de la Hispanidad, which was about to start within the next two hours.

She told me that for $2.00 I could eat lots of food and that I should be there by 12! Hmm. This was going to be an impossible task to put any more food into my mouth — or so I thought. In the spirit of good friendship and sponsorship, I went along.

At the door, I was given a raffle ticket, a plate and a passport. The whole idea was to go around to each table, appropriately decorated with artifacts and food items from the various countries, and to sample everything prepared for the palate — and to get my passport stamped.

Countries represented were Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Ecuador, Mexico, Peru, Puerto Rico, and Republica Dominicana.   My tummy would only allow me to taste just a small spoonful of treats from three countries but I watched as others devoured plates piled with foodstuff I could barely recognize.  One thing was for certain though; based on the looks of their faces, the food was delicious.

I thought I’d try a particular drink made by one country — knowing full well that I don’t like milk.  The very thought of milk makes my stomach churn,  But hey, this milk was mixed with orange juice, water and sugar. One small sip of it ice cold concoction was enough for me. But I was so proud of myself for actually taking the opportunity to try something new. 

Entertainment followed as groups of representatives from each country put on cultural demonstrations. As I looked around, I was in awe at the number of foreign nationals we have residing on our tiny island and wondering just how many more we have here if this group of approximately 200 represented just a small percentage of the foreign population.

I tried to work it out in my mind what role each has in Bermuda. But I could only guess.

It was clearly evident from this event that those who are residing on our shores are a tight knit community. They seem to love each other and look out for each other. Even all their children played happily together.

Be that as it may, the event was well organized and pride for country and culture was clearly evident. Food and fun brought everyone together in a positive atmosphere. 

Music has the same effect. We’ve heard the old adage — music is a universal language. No matter where we go, and even if we are unfamiliar with the music of that country, we’ll tap a foot or shake our bodies. Music gets us moving. Music makes us smile. We’ll even readily take to the dance floor with someone we’ve never even seen before just to enjoy the beat. Music helps keep everyone united.

On Generations radio show, on Tuesday, November 13, one of Bermuda’s finest musicians, Bim Bademosi  spoke about the importance of music to all of us and about the vitality of music education.

Music has no ethnic background. Rather, it unites us. I encourage everyone to let the beat of the music fill your spirit with enough positive energy that others will want to be around you —  and dance with you.

Shawnette Somner is a Sun columnist and host of the radio show, Generations, which now airs on Tuesday evenings on Mix106 FM from 7:30pm to 9pm. E-mail:[email protected]