Story of Citlali from Mexico
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My name is Citlali, I am a 45-year-old business manager in an international corporation and I come from Mexico. I moved to Krakow 2 years ago with my family (my husband and eight-year-old daughter) because I got a job offer here.
What is Home?
My definition of home is where you feel free to be yourself, where you feel loved, and where you experience comfort and happiness.
Home is also about connections—where you can bond with family and friends, and where you become familiar with your environment, like knowing the locations of small stores and cafeterias in your neighborhood. This blend of belonging, comfort, and familiarity is what I call home.
The International Atmosphere of Kazimierz
In Krakow, home for me is the area near Kazimierz - the Vistula River, Galeria Kazimierz, and the vicinity. This is where I live; this is my home.
I first recognized this feeling upon returning from a road trip abroad. As we drove back into Kraków, I felt a sense of arrival: 'Okay, we’re home now.' What makes this neighborhood feel even more like home is its unique fusion of local charm and international flair. There's a diverse international community here, with people from Spain, India, Ukraine, Argentina, and many other places.
The international presence here makes us feel much more at home than in other areas of Kraków. For instance, when we take our dog to a vet in a more traditional neighborhood with older apartments, it feels different. In those areas, you get the impression that people can tell you aren't a local. Kazimierz, however, is open and inclusive. Even at the local gym, the instructors are mindful of the international members and often lead classes in English. This global atmosphere makes living here much more seamless.
A Special Spot by the River
I've found this special spot by the river that serves as my anchor in Krakow. There's a bench under a tree in this really nice location where I like to go when walking my dog. Depending on the season, you can see ducklings or even swans there. It's located near Bulwar Kurlandzki, just past where the railway crosses - you cross the railway bridge and it's nearby. Among the many benches along the river, this specific one stands out because of the tree and the beautiful sunsets I've witnessed there.
Whenever I need a moment for myself, I walk to that spot to sit, reflect, and practice gratitude or a quick meditation. At the end of every year, I find myself drawn there—not by design, but as a natural place to express thanks for life and health. It has truly become my sanctuary.
Moving Abroad with Children
Moving with children comes with its own set of challenges. One of the hardest parts is the loss of their social circle; they deeply miss their friends. As a parent, you have to proactively build a new community and find places where they can enjoy themselves. Initially, this was quite a hurdle for us. Through word of mouth, we discovered several playgrounds, which are actually surprisingly abundant here in Kraków. My daughter is particularly fond of the one near Galeria Kazimierz. In the summer, she loves playing in the fountains in her swimsuit.
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She also enjoys cultural outings and spending time with friends. One of her favorite places is "GOjump," where they have trampolines. But I think the most important thing has been school. It gives her a sense of belonging and helps her feel part of the society. Through school, she gets invited to events, and that has helped us meet more people and discover new corners of the city.
Street Markets
​As a family, we love visiting the city center, especially during seasonal markets. This resonates with our Mexican heritage because street markets are a staple of life in Mexico.
In Mexico, we have both permanent indoor markets and open-air street markets. These are social events where people wander, sample food, and enjoy a lively atmosphere. This is likely why we are so drawn to Kraków’s markets; the small stands and street food remind us of home.
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Mexican Flavors in Krakow
The culinary diversity in Mexico is vast compared to what is available here. We eat a lot of spicy dishes and traditional soups like pozole—a hearty corn-based soup with chicken or pork. While we enjoy tacos and quesadillas in Kraków, they are quite different from the authentic versions back home.
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I’ve learned to adapt, preparing dishes like huevos rancheros or calabacitas (Mexican zucchini) using local ingredients. While it isn’t an exact match, finding substitutes like cilantro (coriander) helps recreate those familiar flavors.
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We also enjoy making a traditional fruit punch, similar to Polish kompot but enriched with sugar cane, guava, apple and hibiscus. I brought the dehydrated fruits from Mexico so we can enjoy this warm drink during the Polish winter. These rituals help us anchor ourselves in our new environment.
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Apart from that, we strongly rely on a specialty store in Krakow called Ibernia. We even set aside a specific part of our monthly budget just for shopping there. They sell authentic products from Spain and Latin America. We can find items like spicy salsa and other favorites in Ibernia. Even though they are expensive, the joy they bring us is worth every złoty.
Día de Muertos and Traditional Foods
Beyond cooking Mexican dishes, we maintain connections to our roots through cultural traditions. We celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) by creating an ofrenda with photos of our relatives and pets who have passed away. We decorate it with sugar skulls, candles, tequila, and other treats they loved. We believe their spirits return in early November to enjoy the offerings we have left for them. It's a beautiful tribute to honour their memory and enjoy their spiritual presence in our home. Unlike how death is commemorated in other parts of the world with sadness, for us it's a happy moment of remembrance. All the skulls I have are from Mexico, hand-painted by my mother.
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Frida Kahlo & Mexican Culture
The recent Frida Kahlo exhibition in Krakow was a very moving experience for me. Seeing my culture displayed here brings me joy, especially knowing that people are interested in learning about Mexican traditions. My Polish friend asked me to accompany her so I could offer a cultural perspective on the artwork, which created a meaningful experience for both of us.
Frida holds special significance for Mexicans as one of our most internationally recognized artists. Her distinctive style, traditional dress, and appearance embody much of our cultural identity. We admire not only her artistic contributions but also her personal story of resilience—how she overcame an accident when she was young and became an extraordinarily strong individual, a quality that resonates deeply with our own family values.
In our home, we display a painting of Frida alongside Mexican decorative hearts crafted from "barro negro," a traditional art form from Oaxaca. These cherished items are the threads that keep us connected to our heritage.
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