Family Traditions Story Call
Family traditions are at the heart of our Tucsonense barrio heritage.
That special dish made only on certain occasions. The uncles who played music at family parties. All-night vigils. Finding the Baby Jesus in the cake. Decorating cars for weddings.
These are just a few examples of the countless traditions—big and small—that make up the folkways of a community and help tell the story of who we are.
In the spirit of community collaboration, we invite Tucson families to share a short video story about a family or neighborhood tradition. It can be something your family still practices today or something that has faded away. We especially want to preserve traditions and memories that go back generations.
Not tech savvy? This is a great excuse to connect with your kids or grandkids. Ask them to help you record and upload your story!
Help us preserve the traditions, memories, and everyday practices that make Tucson’s barrios unique.
Deadline to submit your video: October 17, 2026
How to participate:
- Think of a tradition and a storyteller. Is there a family elder who remembers an old family or neighborhood tradition? Maybe it’s your parent, grandparent, aunt, uncle, neighbor—or maybe you are the elder!
- Read Instructions ➡️
- Record your story. Use your phone to make a video of 3 minutes or less. Don’t worry about making it perfect—we’re interested in the story.
- Send it to us. Fill out a short online information form and upload your video.
How to record a good video:
- Once you have your oral history subject (the storyteller) pick a spot inside (less noise that way) where they can sit. The living room, the kitchen, it should be a place with plenty of light.
- Using your phone stand about 3 to 4 feet away so you get good audio.
- Compose the shot so the subject’s head takes up most of the frame and we can see their expressions clearly.
- Use your phone camera in portrait orientation (tall, not long) and video record your relative telling the story of how the family tradition was carried out.
Some helpful tips:
- Ask them questions to tease out more details. Some basic questions are:
- Who participated in this tradition?
- When did/does it take place?
- Was there someone in charge or that orchestrated the event?
- Were different people in charge of or assigned different parts of the tradition?
- Describe step by step the event or tradition from start to finish
- Was there any preparation ahead of time?
- What did people wear for the tradition?
- How was it passed on, how did people learn to carry it out?
- Are there any interesting or funny stories around this tradition? “Remeber the time your dad forgot to… ”
- Click on the link to submit your video
- Come to Barrio Stories 10 Year Anniversary Festival and see your video as part of the Family Traditions video art installation at the Sosa Carrio House.
