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 […]
Tostadas: A Culinary Tapestry Unveiled
Tostadas often fly under the radar compared to the beloved taco, largely due to their lesser-known status. Sure, tacos and tostadas share similarities. But there are distinguishing features that set these favorites apart. It’s high time we shed some light on these crispy delights, with an origin story … or two. What is a Tostada? […]
Examining Sugar’s Not-So-Sweet Past
So sweet and so refined. It’s sugar, the world’s favorite sweetener. But, its history? Now, that’s less sweet. You see, when you look at sugar’s long journey into Latino’s lives, you’ll see it’s a complicated rollercoaster ride – deeply intertwined with the rise of empires, the exploitation of labor, and the global exchange of goods. […]
The Enduring, & Mysterious, Legacy of ‘Mamacita’
Before Puerto Rican singer/songwriter Jose Feliciano bursted on the holiday scene with his bilingual christmas classic “Feliz Navidad,” there was Augie Rios and his holiday hit “Mamacita (¿Dónde Está Santa Claus?).” And, thanks to business giant Amazon, “Mamacita” – which reached 47 of the Billboard charts back in 1958 upon its release – is once […]
Jose Feliciano’s Journey to ‘Feliz Navidad’
It’s the most wonderful time of the year! The time when beloved holiday melodies fill the airwaves and echo through department stores, bringing everyone together. And, thanks to Puerto Rican Singer/Songwriter Jose Feliciano’s catchy tune, it’s a time when everyone sings in Spanish! The tune everyone knows, loves, and is happy to sing every year […]
Discovering Peruvian New Year Traditions: An Insider’s Insight
With the countdown to New Year’s Eve ticking away, I caught up with my Peruvian friend, Christian, to uncover his country’s unique holiday traditions. Curious about his plans for the upcoming festivities, I delved into a casual, nonchalant conversation about his family’s celebratory customs. How was I supposed to know Peru had the most unique, […]