My name is Michael Rivera, and this picture represents my culture. I am from Staten Island, New York, and I am Italian and Puerto Rican. I do not focus on one, but instead these two integrate into one multi-culture. As an Italian, I celebrate Christmas Eve with The Vigil. During this time, Italians usually participate in a feast of seven different fish. As typical as the Italian stereotypes, I often eat pasta, lasagna, and pizza. Italian cookies are also delicious. As a Puerto Rican, I often participate in the Puerto Rican Day parade that occurs annually on the second Sunday of June. The parade honors the Puerto Rican heritage as it resides in the United States mainland. When I cook, I often include a side of rice gandules. This Puerto Rican dish consists of rice and pigeon peas. If a fruit were to represent Puerto Rican culture, mangos would definitely serve as a representation. They are sweet and tasty! Lastly, the centered photo is a picture of my brothers, my nephew, and I. This photo symbolizes how cultures can be so different, but they can integrate as one!
The Integrated Culture
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