One of the unexpected joys of raising a family across borders has been learning how different cultures celebrate life, love, and community. From Mexico to Indonesia to Spain, we’ve found that festivals are more than just traditions—they’re invitations to belong. Here’s what we’ve learned through embracing celebrations as an international family.

Building Our Family Traditions in Mexico

We began our family life in Mexico, a country bursting with culture, warmth, and tradition. One of the first celebrations we embraced together was Día de los Muertos. It didn’t take long before setting up an ofrenda—a home altar honoring deceased loved ones—became a cherished part of our family rhythm. With candles, marigolds, and old photos, we found a meaningful way to connect across generations.

Not long after, Christmas arrived. For me, it was more than just a holiday—it was a chance to reclaim something I missed growing up. In Indonesia, celebrating Christmas openly wasn’t always welcomed in our neighborhood. But in Mexico, I finally had the freedom to bring that festive joy to life. So, when our daughter was born—even in the haze of sleepless nights—we were determined to decorate our home and bring the magic to life. It didn’t matter that she was just a newborn. It mattered that we were finally celebrating freely, with intention and joy.

Quiet Celebrations in Indonesia

When we later moved to Indonesia, we found ourselves juggling work and exhaustion. We didn’t have the bandwidth to participate in many community festivities. But we did carve out time to celebrate New Year’s Eve with my family—grilling fish under the stars and laughing through the night. It was simple, but soul-filling. It reminded me that celebration doesn’t always have to be big to be meaningful.

Discovering the Joy of Festivals in Spain

Moving to Spain opened up a whole new world of festivals and family-friendly traditions. Our first celebration here was La Castañada, where we ate roasted chestnuts and panellets while learning about Catalan autumn customs.

Then came Christmas, again—but this time with a twist: Caga Tió. He’s a wooden log with a painted face and a red hat, and children “feed” him in the days leading up to Christmas. On Christmas Eve, they hit him with sticks while singing a traditional song so he can “poop” presents. Yes—it’s hilarious. And yes—we absolutely joined in, making our own Tió and watching our daughter delight in the tradition.

We also embraced Fiesta Major, with its fire-breathing dragons and local parades, and more recently, Día de Sant Jordi—a Catalan celebration where people exchange books and roses. We bought gifts, joined a crafting activity at the library, and fell in love with the way books are celebrated like treasures.

Feeling Welcomed Through Celebrations

What we’ve come to realize is this: festivals are bridges. They help newcomers like us feel connected to the culture and community around us. Especially now that our daughter is in school, we’re more exposed to local events and traditions. But we also make a conscious effort to show up—to check the ayuntamiento’s activity calendar, visit museums, and read children’s books that explain the meaning behind these celebrations.

Because we don’t want to just attend—we want to understand.

Why Festivals Matter for Families Like Ours

Celebrating local festivals has become one of the fastest and most joyful ways for us to feel at home in a new place. Through them, we learn what’s important to the people around us: what they value, honor, and remember.

And sometimes, we stumble on something completely new—like how people in Spain celebrate books with the same energy others reserve for national holidays. That was unheard of for us, coming from Mexico and Indonesia. But now? It’s something we cherish and have lovingly adopted as part of our own family traditions.

---

As an international family, we don’t always have roots in the places we live. But through festivals, we find connection, understanding, and belonging. Whether it’s roasting chestnuts in Catalonia, honoring ancestors in Mexico, or grilling fish on a quiet Indonesian night, we’re creating a unique rhythm of celebration—one that reflects all the places we’ve been and the love we share in between.

If you’re raising your family across cultures too, I hope this encourages you to embrace the local traditions around you. Even if you feel like an outsider at first, showing up with curiosity and openness can turn any celebration into something deeply personal.