I believe that music goes beyond being just entertainment, it can reflect your culture, your lifestyle, your personality. An old Chinese aphorism states that its music can define a society.
I grew up in Latin America but living in Guatemala is only part of my story. My parents loved The Beatles and classical music so in my house we really didn’t listen to that much music in Spanish, even though it was all around us. I attended a full immersion American school and all of my teachers where American, we had cable TV which at that time meant all programs and movies directly from the US, no translations only captions in Spanish and the same was true for most movies we watched at the theater.
For me music can be many things it can make us think, feel and act. But the best part about music is that it can create emotions, bring back memories and transport you.
I love all kinds of music and specially love music that combines elements from different cultures and that is why I have always loved and really identified with the music of JLo & Enrique Iglesias because their music represents that combination of Latino & American cultures that is me. They both have Latino roots and their music reflects that, but they both love and embrace American culture as well.
Because I live away from my family, my country and my culture Latino music and Latino artists that I feel a deep connection to like JLo and Enrique have become a way for me to stay connected to my roots and also express who I am. I feel that the music that I like defines me and Latino music not only says something about who I am and what I believe in but it also helps me connect with mi gente (my people).
Music is also a great way for me to share with my kids that mixture of cultures and tastes and keep them in touch with their Latino roots. Artists like JLO & Enrique Iglesias are great role models of Latino artist who are successful not in spite of being Latino but in great part because of it!
Win a VIP Concert Experience Entering the State Farm JLo & Enrique Sweepstakes!
So if you love JLo and Enrique Iglesias as much as I do don’t miss the opportunity to meet them. Enter the Starte Farm VIP Concert Experience by visiting the State Farm Latino Facebook Page and enter for your chance to win there. The grand prize winner will get a trip to Miami to attend a VIP Enrique Iglesias and Jennifer Lopez concert and meet the duo in person! If you’re already planning to attend one of the JLO and Erique concerts (in other cities) make sure to find a State Farm booth and enter for a chance to win there. The sweepstakes runs until August 20th, so don’t miss out and go to the State Farm Latinno Facebook Page now!
Disclosure: I received two tickets for the JLo & Enrique Iglesias concert in Miami. My opinion is sincere and this post was not edited by a third party.
Paula studied architecture and now makes a living as a freelance writer,traveler and amateur photographer.She started her writing & publishing career as the editor of Bebé y Mamá, the first parenting magazine in Guatemala.She is the founder of www.GrowingUpBilingual.com and www.365thingsswfl.com and writes articles in Spanish and English for both magazines and the web on travel,food and bicultural and bilingual parenting .
When she is not on a plane or road trip she likes to create recipes inspired in the flavors of her native Guatemala.
- Guatemalan Dulce de Chilacayote Recipe (Crystalized Chilacayote Candy) - February 26, 2024
- Guatemalan Naranjas en Miel Recipe (Candied Oranges Recipe) - February 25, 2024
- Traditional Guatemalan Candy - February 25, 2024
