Hispanic Heritage Month - Paula Berlingeri
Paula Berlingeri was born and raised in Puerto Rico. She describes her persona as an embodiment of the ‘Latina spark’ many in her culture refer to. She proudly proclaims herself to be “…outspoken and loud and the way I enjoy starting a conversation with just about anybody is something I’m sure comes from my Puerto Rican heritage and our culture.”
She spoke of how she identifies with her background, explaining that “…my culture is my birthright and regardless of where someone is physically born, their traditions and what the word culture means to them will always be their right…but for me, Hispanic is my race and Latino is my ethnicity. Being ‘Latino’ integrates so many different communities…regardless of their different forms of use of the language and other particularities…but all have one thing in common – an intangible characteristic that identifies them as Latinos around the world.”
About a year ago, Paula made the move to Miami, an eccentric, multicultural city. Her new lifestyle has been rewarding, but she finds herself “I find myself missing the little things; mofongo from my favorite restaurants, nightlife, and just the feel of being there, surrounded by my culture and that very peculiar, fun, way of living in Puerto Rico.”
A part of Paula’s lifestyle also includes dancing. Reggaetón, a dance style born on the island of Puerto Rico, has since evolved into many different styles of what is a huge part of the Latin X culture as a whole, she described how dance “…encapsulates so much of who we are, and who I am, and what identifies Puerto Rican culture around the world.”
Her grandparents migrated from Cuba in the early 60’s, and from the very beginning, Paula recalls stories of how her grandmother explained over the years how she was sure going to America was the only way to ‘make it.’ Paula fondly explained how her grandmother thought her “… the importance of hard work, responsibility, and accountability. She and my grandfather spent years working and saving to then move to Puerto Rico and start a business. Everything my family and I have is because of those sacrifices and the immaculate work ethic they both had. I’m so grateful for the chance to grow and live in a free country that I never take for granted, being able to work hard and enjoy this life as it is a gift.”
As Paula described her connection to Hispanic Heritage Month, she reflected on the importance of validating those individuals, regardless of where they were born, who contribute every day to the economy and achievements of the nation where they live. She put it in simple terms, that “…it’s an opportunity to recognize the millions of stories and journeys and use this as inspiration for acceptance and unity.”
Reminiscing of her childhood, she recalled the very well known ‘Fiestas de la Calle San Sebastian’ or as locals of Puerto Rico would refer to it as ‘Las Calles.’ She furthered that it is a weekend long festival around the old streets of the Island’s capital of San Juan. “You can find people from all around the island coming together in the streets of the oldest town on the island surrounded by artisans, jewelers and all kinds of local businesses and artists displaying their work…all the while appreciating and partaking of the local cocktails and cuisine. It is a blast, going from around 9 a.m. to hours well past midnight…a right of passage and a very anticipated event for all Puerto Ricans!”
Speaking of yummy cuisine, Paula made clear she “…wouldn’t change her mofongo, arroz con gandules, pasteles, or alcapurrias for anything…and to be truthful, the list is 10 times longer but I will refrain from giving a whole menu as my answer to what my favorite dishes are!”
The staff of TMG is so lucky that Paula’s passion and spirit is reflected in her work. We applaud all that you are.