The arrival of Sephardim in America
The expulsion of Jews from Spain in 1492 marked the beginning of a diaspora that would lead Sephardim to settle in different corners of the world, including Latin America. This historic event, known as the Alhambra Decree, forced nearly 200,000 Spanish Jews to leave the Iberian Peninsula or convert to Christianity.
The first communities
The first Sephardim arrived in America clandestinely, as the Spanish Crown had expressly forbidden the settlement of Jews in its American colonies. Many arrived as conversos or New Christians, keeping their Jewish traditions secret while appearing to be devout Catholics.
The main arrival routes were:
- Caribbean ports: Especially on islands that would later become Dutch and English colonies
- Brazil: During the period of Dutch occupation (1630-1654)
- New Amsterdam: Present-day New York, where they established the first synagogue
- Suriname and Curaçao: Important Sephardic commercial centers
Preserved traditions
Despite the difficulties and the need to keep their identity secret, many Sephardic traditions managed to be preserved through the centuries:
Ladino - The Judeo-Spanish language
Ladino or Judeo-Spanish became the main vehicle for keeping Sephardic culture alive. This language, based on 15th-century Spanish, incorporated Hebrew, Arabic, Turkish elements and local languages where Sephardic communities settled.
Culinary traditions
Sephardic cuisine in America preserved many elements of medieval Spanish gastronomy, adapting to available local ingredients. Dishes like meatballs, grilled fish, and various sweets maintained kosher laws discreetly.
Music and liturgy
Sephardic liturgical songs, known as piyyutim, were preserved orally. Traditional melodies were transmitted from generation to generation, keeping Jewish spirituality alive.
The current legacy
Today, we can find traces of Sephardic presence throughout Latin America. From characteristic surnames to culinary traditions that have survived the passage of time, Sephardic heritage continues to be an integral part of the American cultural mosaic.
Many Latin American families are discovering their Sephardic roots through genealogical research, connecting with a heritage that had remained hidden for centuries. This renaissance of interest in Sephardic culture is contributing to a greater understanding of Latin America's cultural diversity.
