Mazapan de La Rosa is the Crumbly Candy That Stole Mexico’s Heart (and the World’s Too!)
If you’ve ever dared to open a Mazapan de La Rosa without breaking it, you know it’s like trying to pick up a snowflake without melting it. It’s that tricky. But it’s also a treat. You could say this candy is a trick and a treat. Are you thinking what I’m thinking? It’s perfect for […]
“Gringo”: How a 400-Year-Old Word Became a Cross-Cultural Classic
You know the word “gringo,” right? It’s the catch-all term for anyone who hails from the land of hamburgers, the Yankees, and asking for the manager. But, if we’re being totally honest, “gringo” is one of those words with a lot of flexibility. Did your cousin Jose move to Ohio and can no longer handle […]
Gigi Perez Is Taking Over the Charts, One TikTok at a Time
Gigi Perez is having a moment. The queer Latinx artist is climbing the charts with her new hit single “Sailor Song,” and it’s not the usual path to fame. After facing setbacks that would make most musicians give up, like being dropped by her record label, Perez is proving that she’s unstoppable. And we have […]
The Menendez Brothers: Revisiting a Cuban-American Tragedy
I remember watching the Menendez brothers trials back in the early 1990s. They were everywhere — from the evening news to the cover of People magazine. The brothers and their crime were the topic of many dinner conversations too. Everyone had something to say about the good-looking murderous sons. But what stood out to me, […]
José Iglesias Hits Home Runs in Baseball and Music
José Iglesias, the Cuban American infielder for the New York Mets, is making hits both on and off the field. The professional baseball player is going to the playoffs with his team and is headed to the top of the music charts with none other than Mr. 305, Rapper and Singer Pitbull. The way José […]
Si, SNL Sketch Pays Tribute to Sabado Gigante
¡Mira! ¡Sabado Gigante got a shout-out on SNL! Many of us, including Sabado Gigante’s longtime host Don Franciso himself, never thought we’d see the day that the all-American NYC-based comedy sketch show Saturday Night Live would feature a Sabado Gigante skit in Spanglish. But we did see the day! It actually happened this past Saturday […]
“Hijos de la Diáspora”: Exploring Cuban Identity Across Borders
They’re from all over the world. From Scotland to Ecuador — to Angola, Ecuador and Miami —, young Cubans come together on film, for the first time, to tell their stories of growing up Cuban, outside of Cuba. In the new documentary Hijos de la Diáspora, 21 young Cubans share stories of adapting to life […]
Is it Hispanic, Latino or Latinx Heritage Month?
It’s called Hispanic or Latino Heritage Month? Or is it Latinx Heritage Month? The answer is “Yes.” Allow me to explain. In 1968, it was officially named “Hispanic Heritage Week,” a time set aside to recognize and celebrate Latin American culture in the United States. Then, in 1988, it was expanded to a month celebration. […]
Miami Vice Turns 40: Celebrating the Show That Changed Miami
It’s hard to believe that “Miami Vice” first hit television screens 40 years ago, in the fall of 1984. Has it been that long? The show was an instant hit, revolutionizing television. And, while “Miami Vice” was originally known for its slick, action-packed plotlines and iconic pastel fashion, its impact around town was bigger. It […]
Today’s Google Doodle: Honoring Emerson Romero
Today’s Google Doodle celebrates Emerson Romero, a Cuban-American silent film actor and close-captioning pioneer. “Between starring in films, directing plays, and taking action to make movies more accessible, Romero left an incredible legacy behind. As Hispanic Heritage Month kicks off, we honor Romero for his many contributions!” Google writes. He’s not widely known by movie […]
Remembering Norma Cruz Khan: A Personal Reflection on 9/11
On this day, September 11, we are once again reminded of the deep loss and tragedy that befell our nation 23 years ago. For many of us, it’s not just about the national grief. It’s also about the personal connections that bind us to that day. Every 9/11, I wake up and think of all […]
Santiago Cabrera Lands ‘Incredible’ Role in “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice”
Tim Burton’s “Beetlejuice Beetlejuice,” the long-awaited sequel to the 1988 hit “Beetlejuice,” is here. And, fans are finally meeting the newest member of the haunted Deetz family, Astrid. Without giving away too many spoilers, Astrid, played by Jenna Ortega, opens up a can of sandworms. And, along the way, audiences are introduced to her beloved […]