“Sopa de Caracol” (snail soup) is about celebrating a joyful Caribbean way of life in which music, dance, and community spirit are central. The song uses playful sounds and exclamations to create an atmosphere of energy and festivity. The lyrics encourage people to move, enjoy themselves, and follow the music. It’s mainly about joining the celebration, feeling the rhythm, having fun together, and experiencing the vibrancy of coastal culture.

The song is beloved because it became a musical symbol of Honduran identity. Its distinctive punta rhythms and catchy melody represent an important part of the country’s cultural background. The performance by Banda Blanca gave Honduras international visibility, leading many Hondurans to see the song as a positive and recognizable expression of their nation.

I grew up on the coast where the song “Sopa de Caracol” originated. It reminds me of the most jovial time of the year in Honduras. My home town was La Ceiba, where we host the annual carnival season, and the whole city would fill with music, dancing, and laughter. Being part of the marching band in high school, I had a lot of fun playing this song and many other carnival songs during the parades. It takes me back to a time when life felt simpler, and I was surrounded by friends, family, and a joyful atmosphere.

My name is Carlos Romero. I moved to the Netherlands in 2019, at the age of 18, right after finishing high school in Honduras. I consider myself very fortunate to have had the opportunity to pursue my studies abroad. What initially felt like a temporary academic opportunity gradually developed into something much bigger: I am now building my professional and personal life in the Netherlands as a soon to be graduate from the University of Twente.

I have not been back to Honduras since I moved, and there have certainly been moments when I have deeply missed my family and friends. Nevertheless, I have been lucky enough to feel at home here in the Netherlands, whether through the new friends whom I now consider family or through the strong sense of inclusion I have experienced while living here. I will be forever grateful.