This photo was taken at a Portuguese bakery in Miami, Florida, on August 18th, 2023, the day of my sister’s birthday. Although we don’t live in Miami—we actually live in Georgia—Miami feels like a second home to us. It has everything we love: tropical weather, beautiful beaches, a Latin community, and, of course, bakeries. Specifically, the Portuguese bakery we visited reminds me of the bakeries back home in Venezuela.
Though we are from Venezuela, a country located in the northern part of South America between Colombia and Brazil, our connection to Portugal runs deep. Many Europeans, including the Portuguese, immigrated to Venezuela during and after World War II, drawn by the opportunities created by the oil boom. The Portuguese were among the largest groups to migrate, and as a result, Portuguese traditions, culture, and food became woven into the fabric of Venezuelan society. One clear example of this influence is the bakery culture in Venezuela. Virtually every bakery in Venezuela was founded by Portuguese or Italian immigrants.
When I tell people that Venezuela has many elements of Portuguese culture, the common assumption, especially from those in the United States, is that this is a result of colonization. However, this isn’t the case. In fact, I want to highlight that not all European influence is negative. The wave of European migration played a significant role in shaping Venezuela into what it is today.
When I stepped into this Portuguese bakery in Miami, I was amazed not only by the familiar bread and pastries but also by how everything felt so comforting and recognizable. At that moment, I realized just how deeply Portuguese culture had influenced Venezuela. What stood out even more was that the only customers in the bakery were Spanish speakers, mostly Venezuelans. My sister later told us that the owners were Venezuelans with family roots in Portugal.
As the situation in Venezuela has deteriorated, millions have left in search of a better life. In fact, over 8 million Venezuelans have emigrated, and many have brought their traditions with them. In Georgia, where we now live, there are Venezuelan bakeries offering traditional foods like arepas, empanadas, and coffee. However, few of these bakeries offer pastries and bread, which makes me reflect on how migration often carries not only food and traditions but also a deep sense of identity. These bakeries help preserve and share our cultural heritage, ensuring that we don’t forget where we come from, even as we adapt to new places.
