A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños

The Heart Behind the Book

There is a very specific kind of magic that happens when the different circles of your life finally overlap.

For many children, a birthday party is just a party. But for me, growing up, it was the one day of the year where my family traditions and my school friends existed in the same space. It was the moment I got to invite my "school world" into my "home world," and that beautiful, sometimes nervous, always vibrant collision is exactly what inspired my newest book, A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños.

The Rhythms of a Tradition

In this story, I wanted to capture the sensory experience of a traditional celebration—the kind that starts before the sun even comes up.

I remember the sound of Las Mañanitas drifting through the house in the early morning, signaling that the day was finally here. I remember the "prep work" days before the party that felt like a labor of love: the hours spent layering tissue paper to make the perfect piñata, and the sound of my mom’s sewing machine as she crafted a special dress just for me.

A Feast for the Senses

A birthday isn't just a date; it’s a smell and a taste. In the book, I’ve tried to bottle up that atmosphere—the aroma of slow-cooked food filling the kitchen, the sweetness of the treats waiting on the table, and the joyful chaos of a house full of people you love.

But some of my favorite memories happen when the "official" party starts to wind down. I wanted to capture those lazy, golden evenings where the kids are finally left to their own devices, chasing fireflies in the grass, while the adults linger at the table, playing cards, their voices and laughter creating a background hum of safety and belonging.

Why This Story Matters

Writing A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños was my way of honoring the bridge between our roots and our everyday lives. It’s about the orgullo we feel when we share our culture with our friends, and the realization that our traditions aren't just "ours"—they are gifts we give to the people around us.

Whether you grew up with Las Mañanitas or you’re just looking for a story about the universal joy of a birthday, I hope this book finds a special place on your shelf.

A Family Fiesta Para Mi Cumpleaños is officially out now! You can find it on Amazon.com