Voice of the Diaspora
Andrea Torres: Cultural Connections from Tijuana to Mexico City
A Mexican from the border finds striking similarities between Indian and Mexican cultures, shares her love for chole, and dreams of exploring India
Could you introduce yourself—your name and where you're from?
I'm Andrea Torres, originally from Tijuana, Baja California.
You've been living in Mexico City for quite some time—how long exactly?
I've been in Mexico City for 10 years now. In October, I'll complete a full decade here.
Do you enjoy Indian culture?
Yes, yes! I think it's really cool. It feels a bit similar to Mexican culture in some ways.
What specific things do you see as similar between Indian and Mexican cultures?
It's hard to describe exactly, but the way people interact, the way they live together—everything feels familiar. I feel like Hindu culture resembles Mexican culture a lot in these aspects.
How did you find today's Holi festival?
It was very beautiful, very beautiful. I arrived super late, but I enjoyed it so much.
Is this your first time celebrating an Indian festival, or have you been to many?
This was my first time. This is the first Indian festival I've ever attended.
How did you hear about the festival?
My friend Sachin from India invited me. He invited me and I said yes, I'll go, I'll go! Because today I only had small plans, so I said, ah, let's go, let's go!
I've been in Mexico City for 10 years now. In October, I'll complete a full decade here.
Do you enjoy Indian culture?
Yes, yes! I think it's really cool. It feels a bit similar to Mexican culture in some ways.
What specific things do you see as similar between Indian and Mexican cultures?
It's hard to describe exactly, but the way people interact, the way they live together—everything feels familiar. I feel like Hindu culture resembles Mexican culture a lot in these aspects.
How did you find today's Holi festival?
It was very beautiful, very beautiful. I arrived super late, but I enjoyed it so much.
Is this your first time celebrating an Indian festival, or have you been to many?
This was my first time. This is the first Indian festival I've ever attended.
How did you hear about the festival?
My friend Sachin from India invited me. He invited me and I said yes, I'll go, I'll go! Because today I only had small plans, so I said, ah, let's go, let's go!
Do you like Indian food?
Yes, I've tried it before. I've eaten it many times and I really like it a lot.
What's your favorite Indian dish?
Ah, I don't know what it's called—the one made with chickpeas, the dish with chickpeas...
[Interviewer suggests: Chole?]
Ah yes, yes, yes! Chole—that one, I like it a lot!
Would you like to visit India soon?
Yes, yes, very much.
Are there any particular places you'd like to visit?
I don't know specifically. I think a little bit of everything, a little bit of everything. Because everything has something to teach you and give you.
Final question—any message you'd like to share with Indians who might be reading this interview about Mexico or Latin America?
Well, we all coexist beautifully together, and thank you for also embracing us within your culture, and we also embrace you within ours.
Yes, I've tried it before. I've eaten it many times and I really like it a lot.
What's your favorite Indian dish?
Ah, I don't know what it's called—the one made with chickpeas, the dish with chickpeas...
[Interviewer suggests: Chole?]
Ah yes, yes, yes! Chole—that one, I like it a lot!
Would you like to visit India soon?
Yes, yes, very much.
Are there any particular places you'd like to visit?
I don't know specifically. I think a little bit of everything, a little bit of everything. Because everything has something to teach you and give you.
Final question—any message you'd like to share with Indians who might be reading this interview about Mexico or Latin America?
Well, we all coexist beautifully together, and thank you for also embracing us within your culture, and we also embrace you within ours.
Interview conducted at a Holi celebration in Mexico City, March 2026