Surely, like me, at some point, you’ve asked yourself: What makes you Latino? Is it the ability to speak Spanish? Or maybe just being born in Latin America?
In a recent episode of our WorldsAcross Spanish Podcast, we explored some complex cases that don’t have simple answers, but they helped us appreciate diverse and interesting perspectives. Join me in answering this famous question: What makes you Latino? Let’s dive in!
Does Being Born in Latin America Automatically Make You Latino?
Many believe that being born in Latin America automatically makes you Latino. But imagine this case: someone is born there but, for some reason, emigrates, adopts a new culture, changes their traditions, and even learns another language. Are they still Latino?
Here, opinions are divided. For some, the answer is clear: If you were born in Latin America, you are Latino, no matter what you do afterward. But as we mentioned in the podcast, what truly matters is what you carry with you. Identity is not just about the place of birth, but about the connection with our roots and the choices we make throughout life.
What makes you Latino is not just a passport, but a deep bond with our culture.
Latino Blood: How Much Does Lineage Matter in Our Identity?
What about those who weren’t born in Latin America but have Latino blood through their parents or grandparents? Do they deserve to be called Latino just because of that?
Many say yes. If these individuals choose to embrace our traditions and culture, they can proudly call themselves Latino. Blood is important, but what truly counts is the desire to honor our roots. It doesn’t matter if they were born on another continent; what matters is if they feel connected to what our traditions represent.
And there’s another case that I find fascinating: those who choose to be Latino. Those who marry Latinos or deeply immerse themselves in our traditions. Is that not enough to call themselves Latino?
For us, the answer is a resounding yes. These individuals have chosen to be part of our community, and that is worth much more than just a blood tie. They don’t just accept our culture—they celebrate it and embrace it with passion. And that is the true essence of being Latino: the love for who we are.
Spanish: A Symbol, But Not the Only Key to Latino Identity
Now we reach a key topic: language. Does speaking Spanish make you Latino?
Although Spanish is a symbol of our identity, it’s not everything. What about the indigenous communities of Latin America, who speak their own languages and dialects? Or what about our Brazilian brothers and sisters, who don’t speak Spanish but are part of Latin America?
As we mentioned in the podcast, being Latino goes beyond language. Language is just one part of a much richer identity. What really matters is the sense of belonging, the connection to roots, and shared values.
Language is a symbol, yes, but Latino identity is not limited to speaking Spanish. It’s something you feel, live, and breathe through our customs, our celebrations, and our way of seeing the world.
Latino Identity: Not Just Inherited, But Also Adopted with the Heart
Another interesting topic we explored in the podcast was about people who are born outside Latin America but adopt our culture when they live here. Even if they haven’t spent much time in Latin America, they feel so identified with us that they call themselves Argentine, Colombian, Mexican, etc.
They show us that Latino identity is not always inherited. It can also be adopted with love and authenticity. Bravo to them! Identity is not just about blood—it’s about what we choose to embrace.
These people are not Latino because they were born in a specific place but because they feel Latino at heart and have decided to incorporate our traditions as their own.
The Essence of Being Latino: Connection, Pride, and the Culture You Carry Inside
So, what makes you Latino? Is it language, birthplace, or ancestry?
While all perspectives are valid and there is no single answer, one thing is certain: being Latino goes beyond all of that. What truly makes you Latino is your connection to the culture, your feelings toward it, and your choice to represent it.
Being Latino is something you carry inside. If you are someone who feels that connection, congratulations—you are Latino enough! Latino identity is not just about what we inherit, but about what we choose to do with it.
It’s the ability to embrace our culture, celebrate our traditions, and be proud of who we are.
If you’re interested in this topic, we invite you to listen to our podcast!
You’ll find more interesting stories while having fun and learning with our amazing hosts: Juan, Vicky, and Osmel. We’ll be waiting for you!
