Written by Deb del Villar, Director of Communications
National Hispanic Heritage Month, observed September 15 to October 15, honors Latin American independence days and celebrates Hispanic contributions across the United States. Our theme for this month, “Collective Heritage: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future,” echoes many of these same values.
As grandparents, we desire to honor the past by sharing it with our grandchildren and point them to the future with all its possibilities. It is in this delicate balance of memory and vision that grandparents serve as living bridges between the past and the promise of tomorrow.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we would like to explore what it means to be an abuelo (grandfather) or abuela (grandmother).
As we take a bird’s-eye view, we will get a glimpse into the heart of Latino grandparents. We will see their appreciation of history, tradition, wisdom, and unconditional love. We will notice the lasting bonds of family, the importance of cultural expectations, as well as the desire that their heritage be passed on.
A grandparent’s role is not defined simply by age, but by the intentional way they nurture belonging, protect traditions, and encourage the next generation to walk in faith and hope.
So, when you hear abuelo or abuela, what do you think?
If you are Latino, you probably have a clear picture come into focus. Maybe you see your family sitting around a table sharing your favorite meal prepared by Abuela, for no one can make traditional dishes like her. Maybe there is healthy banter between Abuelo and the generations surrounding him, eager to listen, learn, and laugh. Many Latino families are close-knit, often living in multi-generational homes or at least living close geographically, so this is often what mealtime looks like.
One in six Latino children lives in a home with their grandparents. Therefore, Latino grandparents naturally have a strong presence, resulting in almost daily connections with their grandchildren. This daily rhythm of life together means values, stories, and faith are passed on almost naturally, woven into ordinary conversations and everyday routines.
Let’s look a little closer at the remarkable influence of abuelos and abuelas.
Connection
Abuelo brings authority, wisdom, and tradition. Abuela seeks to build strong family ties while providing a sense of identity and belonging. They desire to see their sense of heritage live on in each generation. They focus on who they are as members of the Latino community and their family.
Preservation of their cultural traditions is instilled through various means. The goal is to shape and ground their family, so their rich cultural heritage is not lost. The stories, traditions, and values help the younger generation understand their roots and strengthen their connection to their cultural heritage. What the children and grandchildren learn is what they will pass on to the next generation.
Family values are defined, lived out, and taught. This cultural emphasis enriches life as connections are made to the past, present, and future. Grandparents become living storytellers, reminding younger generations that they are part of something bigger than themselves—an ongoing story of perseverance, love, and faith.
There is great pride and emotion linked to their heritage. Family gatherings and celebrations are a vital part of Latino culture. Abuelos and abuelas are actively involved in the preparation and presentation of these gatherings. They participate by ensuring that traditional foods, music, and customs are included. Sharing food and music is a primary way to connect to their culture.
This link to their past becomes the foundation, the deep roots to give the grandchildren a healthy sense of who they are. This sense of belonging, being part of something bigger than yourself, empowers them as they mature. It will hold them firmly in place. Maintaining these lifelong connections builds them into stronger families as they do life together. Consider some things you do as a family to build identity and belonging.
“If you want to touch the past, touch a rock. If you want to touch the present, touch a flower. If you want to touch the future, touch a life.” – Author Unknown
Interaction
As respected members of their community, they help hold the communities together. These interactions build fond memories as well as powerful ties to what they do as a culture. Their influence extends beyond the family circle, shaping neighborhoods and communities through shared celebrations, mutual support, and collective resilience.
Abuela is a role model, mentor, caregiver, and friend. Abuelo is often the heart of the home and the one who helps hold the generations together. He has been called the hero and the historian, and his words pass down love more than sage advice.
Their strong family bonds are maintained through family gatherings, celebrations of milestones, and a resolute sense of community. One example is the Quinceañera, which is a tradition to celebrate a rite of passage of a 15-year-old girl. It is a momentous occasion where the family and community come together. Interdependence is a strong cultural value for them. They are there to assist one another.
It might be fun to consider ways you can interact with Hispanic Heritage Month. Maybe cook some traditional dishes like tamales, explore Latino art, or attend area museum exhibits with your grandchildren. There are books that can be read, music to listen to, and crafts that can be made.
- Retablos are folk art indigenous to Peru. Religious scenes are depicted in a box with doors. Think of retablos as 3D storytelling in a wood box. You can make yours out of cardboard, paint, and various craft items.
- While you read a book, consider drinking hot chocolate. Did you know each Latino country has its own unique hot chocolate recipe? In Colombia, the hot chocolate contains cheese.
- You could play a game like Lotería or dominoes, which are common to some Latinos depending on their country of origin.
While you are doing these various activities, have a conversation about your family heritage and answer any questions your grandchildren may have. These small yet meaningful practices help children see that heritage is not just celebrated once a year but lived out daily through traditions, creativity, and shared joy.
Communication
Abuela seeks to connect through giving care and emotional support to both her children and grandchildren. There is a special bond with each nieto (grandchild). Abuelo imparts life lessons as he shares those family stories and history, being sure to focus on the memories and traditions that will shape their family identity.
These personal stories, family history, and cultural legends help provide a sense of continuity from one generation to the next. The cultural significance of Latino grandparents cannot be overstated. They are often the moral compass and protector of the family.
Religious and spiritual practices are common and play a significant role in Latino families. These practices help maintain and strengthen family traditions and values. Abuelos and abuelas lead by example, affirming the importance of faith through their actions and decisions. They practice spiritual traditions like praying, attending church services, and participating in religious festivals. These strong religious and spiritual traditions are passed on to their grandchildren. The goal is to instill a sense of faith and spirituality in the younger generation, so the traditions will be preserved and cherished in the generations to come.
Additionally, Latino grandparents provide a framework for the family, guiding the values and principles by which the family operates. This framework helps younger generations navigate challenges with wisdom, grounded in faith and strengthened by love.
Wisdom is shared with kindness and strength. Encouragement and support are given with a measure of indulgence – it’s what a grandparent does! Often, abuelos are active in their grandchildren’s education. Abuelas are involved too, offering emotional support during challenging times. The ups and downs, the dos and don’ts of their own experiences in life – these are imparted to the grandchildren. They hope that by sharing what they have learned, they are helping prepare the grandchildren for life – a life that is improved because of their teachings.
Abuelos and abuelas desire to keep the language continuing into the next generation. Therefore, they often speak in their native language to the grandchildren, teaching them and encouraging them to teach it to their children.
Conclusion
So, whether the abuelos or abuelas are connecting, interacting, or communicating with their grandchildren, they play an indispensable role in their family. Their service as custodians of their culture, curators of their stories, confidants, and emotional anchors is essential.
Did you know that the United States has the second-largest Hispanic population compared to any other nation in the world? Hispanics now are the largest minority in our society, with one in four children being Latino. A fun statistic: by 2050, the Hispanic community will reach over 110 million residents in the United States.
This growing influence is not only demographic but cultural and spiritual, offering new opportunities for churches, schools, and communities to learn from the wisdom of Hispanic grandparents.
Will you consider how we can get the message of intentional Christian grandparenting to our Hispanic neighbors? As grandparents, they are interested in much of the same things we are.
As you spend time with abuelos and abuelas in your community, listen and learn from them. As you build relationships with them, ask and invite them to grandparenting events your church is holding.
