As we move through the month of October we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate the history, culture, and contributions of American citizens with ancestry from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, and South America. National Hispanic Heritage Month is a period from September 15 to October 15 in the United States and it brings with it a celebration and seeking to understand more about the heritage of others in recognizing that Hispanic heritage is American heritage. We asked our founder and leader, Mic Ortega, whose ancestors emigrated from Spain, to share his family story and what this month signifies for him and his family.
Tell me a little bit about your family history. Where was your family from originally and where did your family plant roots here in the US?
The Ortega’s settled in a tiny village in northern New Mexico called Chimayo in the mid-1700’s. They emigrated from Spain originally and there have been Ortega’s in the Chimayo Valley ever since.
Is there a story about your childhood or family ancestors that has helped you shape who you are?
Being taught to weave by my grandpa is one of my favorite memories. There are 9 generations of Ortega Weavers and I’m looking forward to teaching my kids someday.
Are there any special heirlooms or relics that have been passed down through your family?
We have blankets that are hundreds of years old that are very special to the family.
What personal or family accomplishments are you most proud of?
Ortega’s weaving shop is known worldwide and it's something we are all very proud to be a part of.
What jobs did you or your family do to get where you are today?
My family lived for many years as ranchers and farmers. They also are weavers going back as far as we can remember weaving blankets and rugs that originally they used to trade. In the mid-1900’s my grandpa David turned the family weaving tradition into a business opening Ortega’s Weaving Shop that my uncle Robert runs today.
What family traditions do you wish to pass down, or that your parents have passed down to you?
Definitely the weaving tradition. Growing up, it was a rite of passage to learn to weave and it’s definitely something I want to keep alive.
What are your favorite foods from your family or culture?
Northern New Mexico cuisine is my absolute favorite and that’s what we grew up on and had at every get-together. Red Chile on everything and nothing can beat red Chile chicken enchiladas with a fried egg on top. Visiting my great-grandmother and eating fresh tortillas hot off her stove is one of my favorite childhood memories. Every Christmas Eve I make a very traditional Northern New Mexico meal of tamales, posole, beans, Red Chile, and biscochitos for our friends and share with them one of my very favorite traditions from home.
What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
I love that it’s a time to recognize and celebrate all that the Hispanic heritage encompasses. I’m very proud of my heritage and love sharing everything about it with those that aren’t familiar with it.
Featured on graphic from left to right: Gloria + Emilio Estefan, Frida Kahlo, Sonia Sotomayor, Juan Felipe Herrera, Cesar Chavez, Ellen Ochoa, Roberto Clemente, Rita Hayworth and the artwork is by Diego Rivera. Hispanic Heritage Month runs from September 15 - October 15th.
