Italian | Ghanaian
My Dad's side is from Ghana and my Mum's side is from Italy, but they both grew up in England. I am a triplet and have two sisters, they will be sharing their story too. I have been asked where I’m from. I felt proud about telling them which countries my Dad and Mum were from because it's good to learn about different cultures. I read a story on Mixedracefaces about a lady who was from Scotland and Japan which is a different mix to me. Someone asked me if my Dad was from a place in Africa and I told them he was from Ghana. They also asked me if I preferred my Italian or Ghanaian side. To be honest I feel more Ghanaian because I prefer Ghanaian food, well I do like Italian food too, so it's 50/50. I also like both countries because they are hot. I've never been to Ghana, but I've heard it's very hot.
In the summer we go to Busso, in Italy. There is a festival that we go to in celebration for St. Lawrence who is the Saint of the village. In England we also have an Italian tradition of eating fish on Christmas eve with my Nonna and Nonno. My Grandma spends a lot of time in Ghana but comes to visit us often. When she does she makes a traditional food called Jollof rice which can be spicy or not spicy. It's nice to have it with a Ghanaian hot sauce called Shitto. It's spicy but if you’re a proper Ghanaian person you will get used to the spice.
In Italy they are very passionate about their food and they all love cooking. When they speak it is very entertaining and they are always using hand gestures when speaking which is funny. I like that I have 2 other languages that I can learn. I also like the Ghanaian dresses that my Grandma brings back for my sisters. They come in colourful patterns and look beautiful. I've also got a backpack in a traditional Ghanaian pattern.
I asked my parents if there are any more Italian traditions that you can tell me about? What is it like in Ghana, is it like England? My Mum said that traditionally Italians exchange presents on Christmas Eve and eat a fish dinner. Our family has always eaten a popular fish dish called Baccala which is cod, breadcrumbs and grapes. My Dad said that Ghanaian people are generally laid back, relaxed and happy, and we like a party too.