Pan dulce has always been a part of Latinx daily life. Whether it’s for breakfast during the week or dessert around the holidays, it’s those pieces of food that connect us to our families, friends, cultures, and traditions. Since I’ve been living in Little Village my entire life, I wanted to get an idea of what making pan dulce was like for a nearby baker.
On a brisk morning in January, I interviewed Mario, the owner of a local panaderia. I came to find out that making pastries wasn’t his dream or passion. His lively hood was something that was passed down to him at an earlier stage in his life. He started working at his father’s bakery at 14 years old in order to help support his family. Mario continues to work at his family’s bakery.
While absorbing everything he had to say about his upbringing, I had come to the realization that being passed down a business due to obligation and necessity was another element of Latinx culture. Traditionally, when someone in a family owns a business it’s assumed that their children or grandchildren would figure out a way to keep that business open. Passing down trade is a way to sustain income, security, and acknowledgment of one’s legacy that will always be remembered.
Looking through these photographs allowed me to reflect on how fortunate individuals are to not only pursuing their passions, but to cherish the process. In addition, Mario’s words taught me that we should start becoming advocates for our neighbors, schools, families, friends, and communities, and fight for those who continually fight for their dreams. Overall, I want these photographs to start conversations on what it means to have the liberty of fulfilling a dream; all while keeping in mind the conviction we should have when representing people, cultures, and futures.
