The Controversial History of Taco Bowls
A giant fried tortilla shaped like a bowl. Lettuce. Tomatoes. Shredded cheese. Chicken or beef. All the necessary ingredients that make up a taco. But deconstructed. They’re taco bowls, or taco salad, or taco tostada salads. And they take the average “Taco Tuesday” to another level. But how did this creation – a tasty twist on the classic TexMex […]
Passion, Politics, & Tragedy: Frida Kahlo and Leon Trotsky’s Affair
In Frida Kahlo’s short, but colorful, life, one chapter still stands out: her love affair with the exiled Russian communist revolutionary Leon Trotsky. Their intense affair only lasted two years, but her art remains, offering a glimpse of love and politics that defined an era. Their connection unfolded against the backdrop of political turbulence, from […]
Beyond Survival: The True Story of ‘Society of the Snow’
Half a century has passed since fate turned Fernando “Nando” Parrado into the face of an incredible true story: the leader who emerged from the legendary Andes plane crash. Back in 1972, a 21-year-old Parrado became the beacon of hope for fellow survivors, leading them through 71 harrowing days devoid of food, water, and hope. […]
Pozole Chronicles: From Complexity to Comfort
When it comes to comfort food, pozole stands out as a family favorite. It’s a hearty soup filled with pork, hominy, and a flavorful blend of garlic and chiles. Its name traces back to the Nahuatl word “pozolli” or “posolli,” meaning a stew of maize kernels, highlighting its deep-rooted connection to ancient traditions. Yet, beyond […]
Frida Kahlo’s Arrests and Artistic Resilience
Mexican artist and feminist icon Frida Kahlo is probably the most famous artist in the world. In the past decade, her work has sold for millions at auction, breaking records for paintings by any Latin American artist. And details of her life are often celebrated in books, plays, operas, and even gardening exhibits. Yet, woven […]
Intangible Gems: The Rise of Peruvian Ceviche
Maybe you missed it, but Peruvian ceviche made headlines recently. Like Korean Kimchi before it, Peruvian ceviche – namely the practices and meanings associated with the preparation and consumption of it – just made its way onto the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. This means the UN […]
Frida Kahlo’s Garden: A Battleground of Politics and Nature
We know Frida Kahlo through her striking self-portraits, with flowers in her hair. What many may not know is that the very blossoms woven into her braids likely originated from her enclosed garden at Casa Azul, where she was born in 1907 and died in 1954. The most famous Mexican painter and feminist icon was […]
A Savory Tale: The History of Tacos
It’s everyone’s favorite dish: the taco. Who doesn’t love a hand-sized Mexican food combining seasoned meat, fresh fillings, and cheese inside crunchy corn shell or soft flour tortilla? And taco sauce. We can’t forget the sauces. But,as simple and delicious as it is, the taco’s exact origin story is somewhat elusive and shrouded in history, […]
Frida Kahlo’s NYE Resolutions: “New year, new life.”
Frida Kahlo, the Mexican artist known for her vibrant spirit, thrived on exploration and free-spirited adventures. “… she was a person who loved to explore the streets of Mexico City, ride her bike as fast as she could in Coyoacan, and run through the halls of The National Preparatory School,” Celia Stahr, University of San […]
The Time Capsule: Celebrating 65 Years of Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul
In the heart of Mexico City lies a place revered by art enthusiasts and history aficionados alike — the Frida Kahlo Museum, known fondly as La Casa Azul, or the Blue House. And this year marks the museum’s 65th anniversary. For decades, this iconic haven has been a sanctuary for the exploration of art, culture, […]
The Untold Story of El Burrito Sabanero
Music and the holidays go hand in hand. And, when it comes to “Mi Burrito Sabanero,” it’s not just music. It’s a holiday tradition. Every year, the original song, with over 129 million view on YouTube, acts as a musical bridge connecting generations and cultures. “ … it’s one of those ubiquitous songs that you […]
Grapes of Good Fortune: Unveiling Spain’s New Year’s Ritual
As the clock strikes midnight on December 31, New Year’s Eve, a centuries-old tradition takes center stage in Spain. It’s the eating of the twelve grapes. The custom dictates that, as each chime of the clock strikes 12, on Nochevieja, you must swiftly consume a grape, aiming for twelve in total. It’s not just a […]