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
Every September 11th, I wake up with the same pit in my stomach. It’s the one day of the year that instantly reminds me how cruel life can be … and how fast everything can change. I’m not a pessimist by nature, but this day is different. Because, 23 years ago, the world shifted. And […]
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 […]
Vivienne Medrano, aka Vivziepop, is a ‘Helluva’ Creator
Salvadoran-American Animator Vivienne Medrano is one of the most successful women in the entertainment industry. She’s the sole creator of the hit animated musical web series Hazbin Hotel, on Amazon Prime, and Helluva Boss, on YouTube. Both shows have garnered millions of fans, and have won industry awards, for their multifaceted characters, quick and witty […]
The Voladores de Papantla: A Sacred Dance Protected by UNESCO
Have you seen reels of the Voladores de Papantla pop up on your FYP or Instagram feed? It’s the one where men are dressed up as feathered creatures, performing some kind of ritual on a pole? It seems so unbelievable that most of us keep scrolling, convinced it’s some kind of gimmick or touristy thing. […]
Why is the VW Beetle Mexico’s car?
When I first visited Mexico City as a kid, the weirdest thing happened. I saw VW Beetles everywhere. My young, non-car-knowing self was in awe. It wasn’t like an attack of the birds, like in a black and white Alfred Hitcock movie, but there were too many buzzing bugs to ignore. They didn’t just take […]
Puerto Ricans Have ‘Perfect DNA’
It’s no secret that Puerto Ricans are a beautiful people, but are they perfect? The answer is “yes,” and there’s science to prove it. Well, sort of. It’s been 10 years since Computational Biologist and University of California, Berkeley Professor Lior Pachter wrote his now-famous blog post titled “The Perfect Human is Puerto Rican.” In […]