The Art of "La Visita"

 The Art of "La Visita"

Growing up, Sundays were marked by a tradition that I never quite appreciated: "Visitas" (visits). After lunch at one of our favorite spots, either "Casablanca" or "Badia's" on Miami's Calle Ocho, my parents would gather with friends and family for long visits at someone’s home. I hated it. I would be perched on the sofa, sitting stiffly with the clear instructions from my father: No toques nada (don’t touch anything) and don’t accept food or drink. These rules, known in Cuban families as Leyendo la Cartilla (reading the rules), were about maintaining decorum and, above all, safeguarding the family reputation from any foolish behavior.

Fast forward to yesterday, now much older and more patient, I found myself on a Visita once again. To my surprise, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Sitting there, chatting with friends, " Chismiando" reminiscing, and just being present was a welcome break from the hectic pace of modern life. It made me wonder: Do people my age still host these weekend visitas? With life moving at such a rapid pace, are we still willing to invite friends over, or does it feel more like an inconvenience?

The Visita is a rare moment of connection, an unhurried gathering where time slows down. In a world where instant messages and social media take the place of face-to-face conversations, there’s something deeply satisfying about sharing space and exchanging words without distractions. I found the time spent with friends not just enjoyable but meaningful. And although I still followed the old rule of not touching anything, I did indulge in a glass of water, breaking at least one tradition.

So, what are your thoughts on Visitas? Do you think they’ve lost their place in our busy lives, or is there still room for this cherished tradition in the modern world?