Voice of the Diaspora
Brian González: Discovering India Through Friendship
A young Mexican shares his first Holi experience, love for Indian food, and appreciation for cultural diversity
Hello! Could you introduce yourself—your name and where you're from?
My name is Brian González and I'm from Mexico City.
How did you find the Holi event so far?
It's been really cool so far, honestly. The coexistence, the food, the people, and the way two different countries can express themselves as one—I think it's very cool, truly.
Do you like Indian culture? Do you think there are many similarities between Mexican and Indian cultures, or don't you know much about it yet?
I know about Indian culture through a friend named Bharat. The truth is, there can be similarities. Indian culture, yes, of course, it's very cool. I find Indian culture incredible. Similarities could be in certain types of food, maybe. And perhaps some ways of dressing or sharing things. I'd say that.
Do you like Indian food? How did you find it today?
Ah, I just tried it right now and yes, very very good—the sauce, everything it contains, plus the chai tea.
Great! Chai is my favorite too. How did you hear about the festival? Do you celebrate other Indian festivals as well?
No, actually this is my first Indian festival. I found out about it through a friend who is from India, and I came here to learn and experience things like this. Everything is very cool, very incredible.
Would you like to visit India soon? Where would you like to visit?
Yes, I'd like to visit, spend some days there. The truth is I don't have a specific destination right now, but I want to explore—you know, go backpacking.
It's been really cool so far, honestly. The coexistence, the food, the people, and the way two different countries can express themselves as one—I think it's very cool, truly.
Do you like Indian culture? Do you think there are many similarities between Mexican and Indian cultures, or don't you know much about it yet?
I know about Indian culture through a friend named Bharat. The truth is, there can be similarities. Indian culture, yes, of course, it's very cool. I find Indian culture incredible. Similarities could be in certain types of food, maybe. And perhaps some ways of dressing or sharing things. I'd say that.
Do you like Indian food? How did you find it today?
Ah, I just tried it right now and yes, very very good—the sauce, everything it contains, plus the chai tea.
Great! Chai is my favorite too. How did you hear about the festival? Do you celebrate other Indian festivals as well?
No, actually this is my first Indian festival. I found out about it through a friend who is from India, and I came here to learn and experience things like this. Everything is very cool, very incredible.
Would you like to visit India soon? Where would you like to visit?
Yes, I'd like to visit, spend some days there. The truth is I don't have a specific destination right now, but I want to explore—you know, go backpacking.
Finally, any message you'd like to give to Indians reading this interview about Mexico?
That together we are more united, and thanks to the diversity we have in this country, we can coexist together.
Interview conducted at a Holi celebration in Mexico City, March 2026