Chapter 3: Tradition

Tradition

The eight street festival known as "calle ocho" is a local carnival that takes place every year on March 15. According to The Miami Herald "over one million people come from all over the world to attend this street party." Adults and children of all ages are welcomed to Calle Ocho. I have never been to this festival, but I have heard from people about it.

1. What are the local customs surrounding how this food is prepared, eaten, or celebrated?

This festival mainly celebrates the cuban heritage, but you may also find a variety of dishes. As you walk through the streets of "calle ocho" you see plates of black beans and rice being served while the next stand serves churrasco. Some countries prepare their foods with different ingredients, adding their own touch and making their plates unique. Instead of just frying, the food is cooked by many different methods such as "a la parilla", steamed, or barbecued. You can also eat these foods in different ways, besides a fork and a knife you can also use your hands, or eat it on a stick. Calle ocho is celebrated on March 15 from 11 am to 7 pm.

2. What would those attending this event for the first time learn about local or regional practices or traditions? What would they learn about the local or regional culture-its value or beliefs?

Those attending this event for the first time will learn about the Hispanic culture. They can also learn that most of the population in Miami speaks Spanish. Tasting the different native dishes for the first time in this festival can change your perspective of food. Once you have tried dishes like black beans and rice you will be tempted to come back next year. Newcomers are treated with hospitality because most people are friendly, happy, and nice.

3. When it comes to food, what makes a dish "traditional"? What is the difference between calling a food "traditional" and simply describing people's eating preferences?

A traditional dish is a meal that is eaten by most locals and has been around for years. It is usually passed on from generation to generation and can sometimes define the eating style of a community. Someone's eating prefereneces depends on the individual; but a "traditional" dish is something you are brought up with and something you are brought up to love. A "traditional" dish can always take you back to your roots and give you the sense of being back home. However, people's eating preferences are determined by the choices made in the household not by the entire community.

Juan C