Calle 13’s Latinoamérica, Our Latin America
There is a markedly different feeling here in Peru that I seldom feel in Canada: pride in one’s country. I often hear: “¡Que viva el Perú! ¡Que viva!” or “¡Arriba Perú!” which loosely translates to “Long Live Peru!” or “Go Peru!” depending on the context. You’ll hear it every time you sing the national anthem, at every sports game, and often in the news to create solidarity.
Sometimes, we also find the same pride for all of Latin America. That’s what shone through in Calle 13’s new single, Latinoamérica, which currently holds the Latin Grammy nomination for Song of the Year. With an introduction in Quechua from a radio station in Cuzco, Peru, these Puerto Rican brothers celebrate what it means to be Latin American, featuring female singers from Peru, Colombia, and Brazil. What’s so beautiful about this work of art is how it presents the true range of faces, experiences, and images you’ll find in Latin America. Peruvians are particularly proud of this short film because many of the shots are from their country, the graffiti artists are Peruvian, and a famous Afro-Peruvian singer, Susana Baca, sings part of the chorus. Calle 13’s Latinoamérica is our Latin America:
Here’s a translation of some of the poetic lyrics of Calle 13’s Latinoamérica:
- Soy el desarrollo en carne viva, un discurso político sin saliva.
[I’m development in the flesh, a political speech without saliva.] - Soy la sangre dentro de tus venas. Soy un pedazo de tierra que vale la pena.
[I’m the blood in your veins. I’m a piece of land that’s worth it.] - Soy lo que sostiene mi bandera. La espina dorsal del planeta es mi cordillera.
[I’m what supports my flag. The dorsal spine of the planet is my mountain range.] - Soy lo que me enseño mi padre: “Él que no quiere a su patria no quiere a su madre.”
[I’m what my father taught me: “He who doesn’t love his country doesn’t love his mother.”] - Tengo los lagos. Tengo los ríos. Tengo mis dientes para cuando me sonrío.
[I have lakes. I have rivers. I have my teeth for when I smile.] - Tengo mis pulmones respirando azul clarito.
[I have my lungs breathing clear air.] - Soy las muelas de mi boca mascando coca.
[I’m the molars of my mouth chewing coca.] - El viento que peina mi cabello. Soy todos los santos que cuelgan de mi cuello.
[The wind that combs my hair. I’m all of the saints that hang from my neck.] - Trabajo en bruto pero con orgullo. Aquí se comparte. Lo mío es tuyo.
[I work brutally but with pride. Here we share everything. What’s mine is yours.] - Este pueblo no se ahoga con barullo y si se derrumba yo lo reconstruyo.
[This town doesn’t drown in disorder and if it collapses, I’ll reconstruct it.] - Tampoco pestañeo cuando te miro para que te acuerdes de mi apellido.
[I don’t even blink when I look at you just so you’ll remember my name.] - La operación cóndor invadiendo mi nido. ¡Perdono pero nunca olvido!
[The Operation Condor invading my nest. I forgive, but I never forget!]
The ladies sing in the chorus, “You can’t buy the wind…the sun…the rain…the heat…the clouds…the colors…my happiness…my pain,” speaking to the fact that what is truly valuable isn’t bought with money. And through their lyrics, Calle 13 seeks to demonstrate that what we can be proud of has nothing to do with politics or the economy. It’s about the land and about who we are as humans.
What makes you most proud of your country?
Tags: calle 13 latinoamérica, calle 13 latinoamérica letras, calle 13 latinoamérica lyrics, calle 13 latinoamérica translation, calle 13 latinoamérica video, latin america pride, peru pride
Vinny T
Completely right on Samantha! Many people in Latin America may be materially poor, but they’re rich in spirit, and thank you for introducing me to ocalle 13 and that beautiful song. The one great song that exemplifies Peruvian pride is Asi es mi Peru by the late great Zambo Cavera.I always very much at home when i visit Peru, and am always super impressed by the great pride in their homeland displayed by it’s countrymen. I’m thrilled to be returning in December when I will again be in my “adapted homeland. Thank you Samantha for reminding me how much i love being in Latin America
Samantha Bangayan
You summarize it so beautifully, Vinny: “rich in spirit”! =) I’m so glad you enjoyed the song even though it isn’t really in the typical genres of Peruvian music that you enjoy. =) I just went to listen to Zambo Cavera’s song and love it all over again! =)
Isn’t it amazing how we can feel at home here even though there’s such pride in one’s country? To me, it demonstrates that having pride in one’s country doesn’t necessarily mean being exclusive.
Can’t wait for you to visit again!
Fred Tracy
Nice article Samantha!
I wonder if it’s a Western thing? Or I suppose, a Northwestern thing. I know that many of the Americans I know are not particularly patriotic. Hell, I’m not that patriotic either. I’d be more apt to be proud of the planet as a whole than any particular country.
That’s not to say patriotism is bad though. I’m curious as to where it originates, and all the underlying factors that cause it From what you have said here though, there’s no question that Latin America is very patriotic!
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Fred! You know, I always found Americans to be more patriotic than Canadians. Maybe it was just in my mind. =P
You know, reading through these comments has me wondering the same — where does patriotism come from? What I love about it is how it unites people. We all need more reason to come together. =)
Stuart Nager
As usual, just amazing Sam. Patriotism has so many meanings. I agree more with Fred: I wish we cared more about the entire world and it’s peoples then one location, getting so incensed about “others”.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks, Stu! And great point! Although, considering how we have such a hard time being true global citizens, I think pride in one’s country is a good first step as long as we don’t start creating barriers or comparing. =)
Girly
This is what I like about the Latinos – they live like today is their last day. They may be poor, but they enjoying the dawn, the nightfall and the spirit of being alive. You can only admire them!!
Samantha Bangayan
Krassy, it’s so great to meet you! Thanks so much for taking the time to stop by and leave a comment. I love that we’re both travel lovers, and I can see why you can identify with this post too. =) You describe the Latino spirit so well — that’s exactly what I love about the community here! I’m sure you must have a similar pride in Bulgaria! =)
Adrienne
Wonderful topic Samantha and as always thanks for sharing this with us. I enjoy hearing what you are experiencing during your time there in Peru.
I also have to agree with Fred though. I truly care about our country but am extremely proud of the planet as a whole. I wish everyone would just co-exist and get along. We would all be in such a better place if that were the case.
Enjoyed the video even if I didn’t understand what they were saying. Thank you for deciphering that for us.
Hope you are having a wonderful week!
~Adrienne
Samantha Bangayan
You are such an amazing example for me, Adrienne! Sometimes, I find it hard to identify with the entire world as a whole, particularly because I don’t feel that I know enough about it. I think that pride in one’s country can be a good start to creating that community feeling that we’re all lacking in general, but I completely agree that our true goal should be global citizens. =)
I’m so glad you enjoyed the music, friend! =)
Meghan
Thanks for sharing this, Sam! I hadn’t seen this video yet. You are right, it is a very beautiful example of the different cultures, people and sources of pride that resonate throughout Latin America. I too, I have noticed the immense pride that all Peruvians have in their country and culture. That pride is infectious. I find myself being proud of this country that I have temporarily adopted. I am proud of the cultures, the food, the dancing, the arts. With such a rich and diverse culture, who wouldn’t be proud? ¡Viva Perú!
Samantha Bangayan
You’re so welcome, Meghan! I knew you would love it! =) And I completely agree that the pride is infectious. =) I wanted to go to the Peru v. Paraguay game because I imagine the feeling to completely fill the soul when surrounded by thousands of other Peruvians in a soccer stadium!
¡Viva! =)
Ruth Porter
Beautiful, Samantha. I loved all the different faces in the video, and the land in the background was amazing for me to see. I have never been to South America, but it makes me want to go to Peru. I can’t be patriotic about what our country is doing in the rest of the world these days, but I can be patriotic about our beautiful land.
Samantha Bangayan
I’m soo glad you enjoyed the video, Ruth! I really feel that it’s a good representation of all types of beauty here in Latin America. =) And great point that we can feel proud of our country even though we don’t completely agree with all that goes on within it or through it. The same can be said of Latin America. There’s a lot of corruption, but there’s still a lot to be proud of. =)
Penelope J.
So true about Latin America. There’s a togetherness and a pride that unites Latin Americans, whatever country or continent they come from. Pride in their country, in their culture, in their language, in their being Latinoamericanos.
Loved the words of this song, so evocative of intense feeling and emotions, of one’s very being and union with the earth, country and culture.. What we have is yours and vice-versa. Excellent translation – I would never have tackled it myself – but I’m glad I could also read it in Spanish and appreciate its lyrical quality.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s exactly it, Pennie! I love the “togetherness” and “unity.” I think the identification with being Latin American is especially created when they go abroad and are grouped together more by the entire region.
I’m so glad you were able to appreciate the richness of the song as I know I couldn’t do it justice with the simplistic translation. =P
Akos Fintor
Hey Samantha,
I’m gonna add something to this that many won’t like but that’s the honest truth.
So here it is:
I’m Hungarian living here in California, USA and I am not proud of being a Hungarian at all.
In my opinion being a patriot gives a feeling of separateness from others (from other Countries) It’s like two fans of football are willing to go physically violent because they cheer for different teams. I find it really sad.
There should be no borders and we (humanity) should live together like one big family. (mainly because we are one).
so that’s my 2 cents on this subject
Anyways.. thanks for sharing your thoughts
Keep ’em coming!
Samantha Bangayan
You bring up a really good example, Akos! Here, soccer really divides the different countries of Latin America. The pride creates a barrier and creates enemies. At the same time, I’ve also seen many instances of how pride *doesn’t* establish this kind of exclusivity. Instead, pride can often unite and include. For example, I feel completely at home and welcome here even though I’m not Peruvian by blood.
In the end though, you’re so right that our goal should be a borderless world. =) How beautiful that would be! =)
Bryce Christiansen
Wow Samantha,
You are very talented, writing all these blogs, understanding multiple languages, and working super hard balancing everything you do.
I never knew about Calle 13 so it’s really neat to learn about it from you. I feel like I have a better understanding of different cultures because of you.
Thanks for that,
Bryce
Samantha Bangayan
Aww, that’s so kind of you to say, Bryce! Thank you so much! I’ve had an especially difficult time finding balance these last few months, so this means a lot to me and encourages me to keep on. =)
I’m so glad you enjoyed the video and that I can introduced you to different cultures! =)
Knikkolette
Having been born in Seoul, South Korea, I don’t know if I notice it more or less, but it does seem American’s don’t seem to show as much pride in being “American” unless there’s a tragedy such as 9/11 and it’s sad. When I go to a sporting event I notice almost no one sings the national anthem (although most people will stand) and people continue about their business, walking through the aisles, talking to one another, etc.
We were strong in our solidarity shortly after the attack, (every house had an American flag hanging on the front stoop) but now years afterward, I can tell the general public’s behavior has all but returned to what it was before.
My husband and I always have and will continue to hand our flag and sing the anthem with our hands over our heart as we pledge allegiance. Although I wasn’t born in America, I am a citizen and proud to represent. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
I hadn’t thought about that, Knikki. When I think about times that Americans have truly united, tragedies come to my mind as well. The way people’s lives and patriotism have returned to what it was before makes me think of a patriotic set point. =P
I feel the exact same way you do but of Canada! As a citizen, I’m proud to represent my country. It has especially come through as I travel. I’m also proud to tell others that I’m Canadian. =)
Adeline
One thing that I truly admired with you is the fact that you are not ashamed to proudly say that you’re half-Filipino, despite the many connotations that have been associated with us (if you know what I mean). How I wish that there will be more Filipinos like you, whether their living here in the Philippines, or elsewhere.
Samantha Bangayan
That’s so funny that you should say this, Adeline! One thing that I’ve learned while going through the comments is that there are always things we may dislike about our country, but we can still have the same feeling of bursting pride! I am so proud of being Filipino, especially because of the warmth of the people like you. =) Hugs!
Adeline
Hugs back at ya, dear! =) That’s so true! No country is perfect, but in the midst of all the imperfections there is always something that we can always be proud about.
Vinny T
Thank you for your very perceptive remark about my comment, Samantha. I consider myself extremely proud and lucky to be so closely attached to both the USA and Peru; and I feel that my life is much richer belonging to two cultures and societies that are so different and unique.I can’t wait to get to Peru to eat some cuy dehuesado. Absolutely no chance of getting any in the USA
Samantha Bangayan
Same here, Vinny! I think we should all strive to be more globally aware. =) Haha! Ew! Can’t share your love of cuy though. =P
Jimmy
Lyrics of songs are such powerful inspiration tools. And when you combined it with the geniune warmness and patriotism of a country like Peru, it becomes really a heart turner for the good things in life. One thing that really strikes me in this post is the way the song writer had protrayed love for family and country. Although we can debate about how come some people or country are more patriotic than others, I believe that deep down in our hearts we are all rooting for something close to us. Our family, our friend, our people. Basically just been thankful of things that we have.
It’s nice to read your post again Samantha.
Samantha Bangayan
Jimmy, I so love your final conclusion. It’s an important reminder of how we can find similarities in all cultures. Human connections are important to everyone and I love that this is what ties us together. =)
Deeone
Hi Samantha,
I really enjoyed the post! It’s great to see when people take pride in the place that they call home. It’s a powerful thing that you feel in the depths of your being.
With that being said, I can’t really say that I share that feeling in my own country. The thing that I do happen to take pride in here in America, the country itself could never take credit for. And that’s because the Creator of the world made it possible.
I think America is a beautiful place to live. From the highest mountains, to the Kentucky valleys, the land on which we live is what I love most about our country. I’ve been blessed to see a majority of the country, being ex-military and having a career in the Airline industry, and there’s so much here to see. Those visuals of beauty will truly take your breath away.
Yet, as a nation, we have so far to go and it almost seems that we’ll never get there. With the racial and sexual preference prejudices, hidden and visual; the split in our government, the constant competitiveness in the citizens; at the moment I don’t think there is anything about America that I would say that I’m actually proud of. There are a lot of people here that make it worth living in, and I try to give my attention to the good that presents itself to me. It’s a daily struggle to block the ignorance, arrogance, and hatred out, but a necessity to do
To me, it’s really sad to have say that I don’t have pride, not the the kind that you’ve written about here. However, it’s how I feel. Being an African-American Gay man, in this country it almost feels at times that I’m not American at all. There are times that I feel that I’m constantly having to prove something to a country that knows exactly who I am.
Imagine if you would going to a family reunion knowing everyone there and constantly having to prove that you’re related to every soul you try to embrace. It’s a hard reality to swallow, and pride of being apart of it, sorta goes out the window after awhile. You’d just get tired of trying.
But, I’m American, and in order to maintain my own pride in myself, I have to continue to look for the pride that I know one day will be apart of this beautiful place that I call home. Either that or I hope to one day go to another place where it will become more of a reality for me to take pride in.
I really appreciate you sharing your pride and the citizens of Peru’s pride of that country. It’s inspiring to read and hope that we will one day have it as well.
Thanks so much for sharing this. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
You know, as you talked about the prejudices, government split, and competitiveness, it had me thinking about how I could think the same way of Peru. There are tons of crazy things about Peru that I wouldn’t be proud of — mistreatment against natives and blatant corruption for example. =P But a Peruvian friend once explained to me that Peruvians always find hope in *something,* no matter how dire the situation is. I think that’s where pride can stem from. He used soccer as an example, explaining that you can identify with the players so deeply such that their successes become your own.
I’m not sure if I’m making sense here, but maybe pride is more about hope? No matter how often the Peruvian soccer team loses or how shamefully the players act on or off the field, I’m proud of them because I have hope in them.
So I’m going to hang on to that same hope you express… that you’ll be able to find the same pride in your country. =)
Thanks so much for sharing your thoughts on this, Deeone. I can’t even imagine the challenges you’ve faced and how you faced them, but I continue to admire you and look up to you for it.
Deeone
You make very valid points, Samantha. I have been meaning to revisit this post and my response to it. But as you know, as a blogger time is something that tends to get away from us from time to time. 😀
My partner and I had a similar conversation some weeks ago, and I told him about your post and the question you asked at the end of the post. Then I told him about my response to the question. The thing is a lot of times he is my beacon of sense making, if that makes any sense at all. He helps me to look at various situations in a different point of view. There have even been moments where I have changed my perspective wholeheartedly because of our conversations.
With that being said, you are absolutely right. There are so many things that we can choose to see and allow those negative things to over power the positive aspects. And in rereading my response to your post, I realize that I may have allowed the things that bother me the most about my home county to give a response that I’m not actually proud to have given.
I won’t take it back, because it’s honestly something that I feel very passionate about. However, it’s not the only thing that this country is about. There are plenty of wonderful Americans here, and a military that I myself was apart of that I am proud of every single day. I am proud of the fact that we have the freedoms that we do have, and that we are aiming to make even more of freedoms available. I am proud of one of the freedoms in particular, Freedom of Speech, without it I wouldn’t be able to voice my opinion whether it be right or wrong.
So, there are things that I’m proud of about this great nation that I call home, and there are definitely things that are in need of improving. I apologize for not answering the question in the first place, and ranting on the things that are being worked through at the moment. I’m thankful for you and my partner for shining a light on this for me.
All the best to you, my friend. Please know the feeling of admiration is definitely mutual. 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
First of all, I love how you describe your relationship with your partner. I strive to have that same humility and openness so that there are really positive discussions rather than debates or arguments.
I love what you *are* proud of in spite of all that you may not be proud of. It’s especially heartening to hear about your pride in the military even though you experienced discrimination. Personally, I’m also proud about the certain “freedom” we do have in North America too and that “freedom” is a conversation from early on in our lives.
Haha! Don’t ever apologize about the content of your comments, Deeone. I know for a fact that I’m always excited to read what you have to say, whether or not it’s directly related to the post. To me, that’s the whole point anyway — conversation! =) Hugs!
Abe Palmer
Great post Samantha. It was so evident to see the pride in Peru, not only when I visited but with all Peruvians I know here in the US. I believe that much of that pride is fostered through having to work for whatever they have. They have no since of entitlment like people in the US or Canada. People in Latin America provide for themselves not rendering themselves helpless when God has provided a land to live in.
Samantha Bangayan
I’ve actually never met Peruvians outside of Peru, but I can definitely imagine the same pride that you describe. =) Wow! I hadn’t thought about that — I can imagine having to work for your success (e.g., working on the land), makes you value your own land/country more. Interesting insight!
Patrick
Wow Samantha, if there is one thing you are great at it’s inspiration. I really love the post.
As you said, “its rare to see others in such strong support for their country” and I believe it to be true as well.
It’s great when people come together to show their appreciation and love and you do a great job of conveying that on your site 🙂
Samantha Bangayan
Aww! What kind words, Patrick! Thank you soo much for saying so! =) I’ve always wanted to be an inspiring person, if not for others, at least for myself. =P
I’m realizing that maybe it’s just rare for *me* to see others supporting their country. Here, it’s common. =P And I totally admire it too! =)
Carolyn
Thank you for sharing this with us, Samantha. I am learning so much about Peru! Very cool.
I think sometimes Americans can be very patriotic, like on the 4th of July (our Independence Day), but other times not so much, In sporting events such as the US Open, the fans might cheer for a non-American over an American.
My favorite patriotic song for the US is America the Beautiful. Moving song, awesome imagery.
Samantha Bangayan
You’re so right, Carolyn! I’ve had a couple American commenters who don’t seem to see the pride that’s possible in the US! =) Although that’s kind of funny how you’ll find Americans cheering for other countries in sports. =) I can imagine the exact same phenomenon in Canada, especially since we’re a country of immigrants!
Love “America the Beautiful” too! That brings to the same place Calle 13 does! =)
Dayle Fraschilla
Lovely song, Sam . . . I could have done without the beating heart, but otherwise, lovely song 🙂
The first line in particular strikes me – “I’m development in the flesh, a political speech without saliva.”
As for my country . . . I am proud of the ideals my country was built upon. I am proud of foundations of equality and freedom. However, I am disappointed that so many try to twist those ideals to fit religious and political agendas. At the moment, I am proud of those taking part in the Occupy movement and participating in one of the many things that I think makes this country great — the ability, the right to stand up for your beliefs regardless of what others have to say about it.
Samantha Bangayan
Haha! Yeah, internal organs always make me feel funny too. =P
You know, I had a hard time figuring out that first line. I think “a political speech without saliva” refers to not having the voice to express political opinions or unheard opinions. It’s definitely a common struggle here in Latin America, I find.
Wow! I love how you find something to proud of. It’s true that there is much that we may be disappointed in (just like Calle 13 sings as well), but it’s about keeping on and continuing to fight! =)
Sunday Sharing: Patriotism, Roald Dahl, inspirational progress and more! | I shall be a toad
[…] you proud of your country? Samantha reflects on Peruvian and Latin American pride in her recent […]
Lautaro Fuentes
I believe this song is beautiful and very strong because it talks about the richness of latin America and its heritage. I was born in Chile, my mother is Mapuche and my Father is Chileno and I was educated in Quebec so I speak french. However my parents made sure that my brothers and sisters learnt the rich and combative history of our peoples. Now I am a father married to beautiful Puerto rican and we have 2 beautiful girls who know of their Boricua background and know that their great great grandmother was the first born out of slavery in Puerto Rico and they know the stories my mother taught me regards to the bravery of the Mapuche clans that fought for more the 3 centuries to keep the Mapuche nation free from Spanish domination. The song speaks of the beauty pride resourcefulness of the peoples in Latin America and vast diversity.
keep your culture alive! (Fuerza We-tripantu)
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! I’m thoroughly impressed by your multicultural background and upbringing, Lautaro! It’s so great to meet someone who is so proud of his heritage! I have always made sure to make the Philippines an important part of who I am even though I was only born there and visited various times. Like your parents, mine found it important that we keep the culture.
I had never heard of the Mapuche before, but you’ve definitely piqued my interest and I’m super excited to delve into their history. =) Thanks, friend!
Boriquita
A beautiful & accurate summary. LOVE Calle 13 and am so impressed w/all that they’ve accomplished & where they’ve taken their art in recent years. This song is incredible.
Samantha Bangayan
Thanks so much, Boriquita! =) I wholeheartedly share your love for the group and song!
Woof Woof
The more I read of your blog I read, the more I’m impressed. It’s not only your writing style, but also the way you write about Peru with greater pride than I could. Maybe some of that will rub off on me as I continue to visit your blog in the future. 🙂
There are, of course, many things to love about Peru, my country of birth, such as its music, its history (well, some of it anyway), its culture (again, some of it), and maybe someday its (soccer) national team! 🙂 Though I haven’t traveled extensively in Peru, I have visited parts of the Andes; it’s a beautiful land, with a rich culture and history and some of the greatest people in the whole of Peru. I can definitely feel proud of that.
About my adopted country, the US, there are also many things to love. Like Peru, the US is not perfect, but it is a beautiful land, full of rich traditions, history (not all of it great), and cultures. I particularly love the northern Appalachia, with its proud history and beautiful music; the Midwest, with its progressive politics (at least in some places); and New York, with its cosmopolitan awesomeness. I’d love to explore the southwest a bit more as well. I’m particularly curious about New Mexico.
Your post on Calle 13’s song brought to mind the Himno de las Americas, which calls for unity among all American nations, including the US (i.e., “norteamerica”) and Canada, and has a “patriotic” quality to it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cNzpt_k3zTk
Samantha Bangayan
Wow! What an amazing compliment! I’m so glad to hear that my love for Peru can shine through my writing.
Haha! I’m rooting for the Peruvian soccer team too! =) Crossing my fingers for Markarian. =P
I guess no country is perfect, but we can choose to see the beauty. You know, it’s funny you mention, New York. I really thought I would hate the busy-ness of its lifestyle, but when I visited a couple years back, I completely fell in love! It has its own rich, unique culture.
Hey! I’ve never heard that song before. Thanks for sharing that hymn. It’s beautiful and I love how it includes two of the countries I love and personally identify with: Canada and Peru. =)
Jonathan
I am a huge fan of calle 13 since they came out. on there fb page they upload pictures of people with tattoos inspired by there lyrics, most of them are latinoamerica lyrics. here is another song from another artist that you will enjoy. Patria by Ruben Blades
Samantha Bangayan
I had no idea that people have tattooed themselves with these lyrics. They sure are powerful words.
Omigoodness! Patria is such a beautiful son, Jonathan!! Thanks so much for sharing it with me! =) It’s like a poem too. =)