This past weekend I attended the "Zamorada" which is an annual reunion of the Contreras and Zamora families. The roots of the Zamorada trace back to the 1950s when a number of cousins from the two families used to gather. The site of the reunion changes each year as do the people who organize the event. This year it was held in Guadalajara and about one hundred people were in attendance. The Contreras are the descendants of Rafael Contreras-Contreras and Domitila Zamora-Torres. Rafael Contreras-Contreras was the first cousin of my great grandfather, Manuel Carrillo-Contreras. The Zamora who gathered at the Zamorada are the descendants of the siblings of Domitila.
The Zamorada consisted of an early afternoon mass, followed by a social gathering made up of food, beverage, games, music and speeches. About four hours into the reunion a few elders gathered in front of the large crowd to share some words. I attempted to listen but heard little because of the activity at my table. After everyone had a chance to speak it appeared as if the speeches were wrapping up. I started to turn my attention elsewhere when I heard the words "tenemos un pariente de California con nosotros." No longer was the activity at my table a distraction. I paid close attention to what was being said and clearly heard when I was introduced to the family. As heads turned in my direction, I half way stood and raised my hand in acknowledgement. As I began to sit down I heard, "ven Iván, a decirnos unas palabras." The moment felt dreamlike and the surreal feeling increased when the crowd began to chant my name. "Iván...Iván...Iván!" I immediately thought about my struggles with Spanish but had no choice but to join the others up front. As I made my way I attempted to remember everything I had learned in my Spanish courses. Unfortunately my mind was racing in every direction and I recalled very little. While I couldn't find the words I was looking for I was not nervous at all. I was excited to share my thoughts with the family. I was handed the microphone and communicated in Spanish that I was in Mexico to learn the language and that at this time I did not think I could express my true feelings. I then asked for their permission to speak in English. I am sure most people did not understand what I said but those that did encouraged me to speak in English. I asked for a translator and then began to share my thoughts. While the translator left out a bit the underlying message was received. I regret not attempting to speak in Spanish but I am happy I had the opportunity to share some words with the family.
After I spoke, the speeches concluded and the festivities resumed. Before I could return to my seat I was met by a dozen or so family members who introduced themselves and offered me tequila, hugs and handshakes. I spent the next two hours with family I just met, sharing stories and discussing our families histories. I had a copy of our family tree and eagerly shared it with them. The Contreras family was blown away with what my family tree contained and asked me repeatedly to send them copies. They too had a family tree but their records only reached back to the late 1800s while mine traced the Contreras lineage back to 1630.
I left the Zamorada warmed by the love with which I was received. My experience was another example of how truly special my family is, and that is exactly what I spoke about when given the opportunity.
The Zamorada consisted of an early afternoon mass, followed by a social gathering made up of food, beverage, games, music and speeches. About four hours into the reunion a few elders gathered in front of the large crowd to share some words. I attempted to listen but heard little because of the activity at my table. After everyone had a chance to speak it appeared as if the speeches were wrapping up. I started to turn my attention elsewhere when I heard the words "tenemos un pariente de California con nosotros." No longer was the activity at my table a distraction. I paid close attention to what was being said and clearly heard when I was introduced to the family. As heads turned in my direction, I half way stood and raised my hand in acknowledgement. As I began to sit down I heard, "ven Iván, a decirnos unas palabras." The moment felt dreamlike and the surreal feeling increased when the crowd began to chant my name. "Iván...Iván...Iván!" I immediately thought about my struggles with Spanish but had no choice but to join the others up front. As I made my way I attempted to remember everything I had learned in my Spanish courses. Unfortunately my mind was racing in every direction and I recalled very little. While I couldn't find the words I was looking for I was not nervous at all. I was excited to share my thoughts with the family. I was handed the microphone and communicated in Spanish that I was in Mexico to learn the language and that at this time I did not think I could express my true feelings. I then asked for their permission to speak in English. I am sure most people did not understand what I said but those that did encouraged me to speak in English. I asked for a translator and then began to share my thoughts. While the translator left out a bit the underlying message was received. I regret not attempting to speak in Spanish but I am happy I had the opportunity to share some words with the family.
After I spoke, the speeches concluded and the festivities resumed. Before I could return to my seat I was met by a dozen or so family members who introduced themselves and offered me tequila, hugs and handshakes. I spent the next two hours with family I just met, sharing stories and discussing our families histories. I had a copy of our family tree and eagerly shared it with them. The Contreras family was blown away with what my family tree contained and asked me repeatedly to send them copies. They too had a family tree but their records only reached back to the late 1800s while mine traced the Contreras lineage back to 1630.
I left the Zamorada warmed by the love with which I was received. My experience was another example of how truly special my family is, and that is exactly what I spoke about when given the opportunity.
Hola Ivan: Gracias por escribir tus memorias. Me da gusto que estes conociendo a tantas personas y familiares dia con dia. Asi, nos da mucho gusto ser parte de tus experiencias de "juventud". Nos hacen sentir bien, al enterarnos de que todo esta saliendo como tu planeabas. Te extran`amos en "Thanksgiving", pero en pensamiento estuviste cerca de nosotros. Que disfrutes cada momento! Tia Maru
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