Cornish Talk: Latin American Interviews

© Dr Sharron P. Schwartz

Cornish in Latin America Talk: Podcasts with Jon Bonfiglio

Just recently, I had the privilege to be interviewed by prominent Latin American journalist, Jon Bonfiglio, about the importance of the Cornish in Latin America.

The first interview covers the historic importance of the Cornish migration to Latin America, its significance within the modern Cornish Diaspora, and the resurgence of Cornish identify in places such as Mexico.

The second interview describes my interest in Latin America through my family connections, covers Trevithick’s venture in Cerro de Pasco and the 1820s mining boom in the post colonial period, and some of the reasons that made it attractive to Cornish migrants.

Then we get into football, as Mexico is one of three host nations in North America for this year’s World Cup.

I describe the beginnings of the ‘beautiful game’ in Mexico and the significant role played by Cornish mineworkers in its popularisation, especially in Pachuca, which claims to be the spiritual home of Mexican football. There is also a mention to pastes in relation to sport, and the wonderful annual Paste Festival in Real del Monte.

Thank you to Jon for giving me a platform to showcase the importance and significance of Cornish migration to Latin America, which has been relatively overlooked.

Listen to both interviews here:

Football in Mexico and More