Family Heritage

What is Your Family Heritage?

Today I visited my paternal’s family town of origin: Aulesti. A small town located in the Bizkaia province in the Spanish Basque Region. Two brothers, about ~250 years ago, immigrated to Peru and then to Ecuador. They gave birth to the Aulestia family in Latin America.

Even though this immigration happened hundreds of years ago, for some inexplicable reason, there are ties that connect us to that unique shared history. This history is the story of how we came to be: where the family originated from, the hardships and trials that they survived, the traditions, foods, and the love that has been a part of the family for generations. Family heritage not only connects family members to other living members across the globe, but it connects us with the deceased, the pioneers, the people who essentially made us who we are today. Having a history allows us to have a strong sense of self, and we often feel rooted in our place in the world.

In my case, this helps me understand my love for Spanish food and some of its traditions. The way I look and many other traits. Family heritage is that information that travels through generations, even if we are unaware. Then, learning about it gives us strength and connects us to who we are today.

There is much more for me to explore & learn… from dad-mom’s sides of the family. A mix of Ecuador-Brazil with ancestors coming from Spain-Portugal… a fascinating blend of many cultures, traditions, traits and locations that makes me who I have become.

What do you know about your family heritage?


hashtag#heritage hashtag#family hashtag#purpose hashtag#values hashtag#ties hashtag#history hashtag#whoweare