Direct from Funko: SNL’s Domingo Is Now a Must-Have Collectible
First, Barbie delights fans by honoring Latina legends Rita Moreno and Celia Cruz with their own beautiful dolls. And now, there’s a new addition to the doll universe. And no one saw this one coming. The latest “Latino star” to be immortalized in plastic is none other than Domingo. That’s right, the viral “direct from Domingo” […]
From Miami to Utrecht: The Bizarre and Controversial Dutch Holiday Tradition That Left Me Speechless
As I prepared for my first frosty Christmas Eve in Utrecht, The Netherlands, far from the balmy Nochebuenas in my native Miami, I had no idea that my holiday season was about to take an odd turn. My new, friendly Dutch neighbors, Hans and Elsa, introduced me to a holiday tradition so bizarre and so controversial, […]
The Holiday Season Kicks Off in Colombia with Velitas and Wishes — Here’s Why You Need to Know About It
In Colombia, the holiday season doesn’t start with Black Friday deals or an inflatable Santa. Nope, it starts with something way better: fire. This weekend, on December 7, Colombians lit up their lives (literally) with the Día de las Velitas, a celebration so beautiful and heartwarming that even the Grinchiest among us would melt with […]
This Christmas Classic Is Actually About Nuclear War And We Can’t Unhear It Now
Did you know a Christmas song you’ve been singing for years is actually about … the Cuban Missile Crisis and the threat of nuclear war? Flashback to October 1962, tensions were soaring as the United States and the Soviet Union were locked in a political and military standoff. The Soviets had deployed missiles in Cuba, […]
Say It Like a Local: 7 Fun Spanish Slang Words You’ve Been Missing Out On
Let’s be honest. One of the best parts of speaking Spanish is using a plethora of slang, right? Like, a single, little word can mean “Wow,” “Hey,” or a flat out “I have no idea.” It all depends on where you are and who you’re talking to. Spanish slang is like a linguistic choose-your-own-adventure, and […]
Who Was Henry Rogers? The Mystery Behind a ‘French’ Painter Who May Have Been Mexican
Growing up, our family room was graced with two paintings by the talented painter Henry Rogers. Or was it Henri Rogers? Honestly, I never gave the artist’s signature much thought. The paintings were classic Paris street scenes — quaint streets, stylish Parisians, and a French landmark. Très chic. They hung there for years, silently reminding […]
McDonald’s New Happy Meal Sparks a Season of Giving – And These Latina Moms Are Leading the Charge
As we kick off one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year, restaurant giant McDonalds, and a couple of Latina moms, are teaching little ones important lessons. One is that giving a present is more important than receiving one. Another? Sharing is caring. This is why, right now, at participating McDonalds’ restaurants nationwide, kids […]
Sangria: A Drink Born Out of Necessity & Innovation
Let’s not talk turkey. Let’s talk about drinks! And this Thanksgiving, from what we gathered, it’s all about homemade concoctions. Sure, you’ve heard about mojitos and coquitos, but what other cocktails will be served at our holiday gatherings? “I’m making sangria for sure,” Luidin De Los Santos, a proud Dominican-American from New York City, tells us. […]
Operation Wetback: The Story of How America Invited Workers, Then Turned on Them
Remember being taught about “Operation Wetback” in elementary school? No? What about in your middle school history class? Still a no? Then how about in high school? Still not ringing a bell? Actually, that sounds about right. You won’t find Operation Wetback in school textbooks, either printed or online. It’s never been sandwiched between chapters […]
Ponche: The Mexican Winter Drink With a Punch (and an Indian Passport)
If you’ve ever sipped on ponche during the holiday season in Mexico, you might have assumed this charmer is a leftover from Spain’s colonial rule. But you’d be wrong. Ponche, despite its Latino reputation, is actually an import from … India. Si, that’s right — Abuela’s beloved holiday punch has roots in a land far […]
Pavochon: The Puerto Rican Thanksgiving Twist You Didn’t Know You Needed
Picture this: it’s Thanksgiving Day, and you’ve been invited to your Puerto Rican friend’s house. (I hope you’re reading this, Rachel.) And the table is spread with all the classic fixings — cranberry sauce, mashed potatoes, and dinner rolls. But instead of a plain ol’ beautiful turkey sitting in the center of it all, there’s […]
Why People Love Puerto Nuevo Lobster, and How to Make Their Signature Dish Yourself
Did you know that, along the coast of Baja California, Mexico, there’s a tiny town with a big reputation? This seaside stop is Puerto Nuevo, translated to “Newport” in English, and it’s known around the globe for one thing and one thing only: lobster. And not just any lobster. I’m talking a red-shelled, butter-bathed, deep-fried […]