The Viral Rise of ‘Hasta Luego, Maricarmen'”
In the United States, we have our Felicias and our Karens. You know them. They’re labels we give to women (and, now, sometimes men) when they’re annoying in one way or another. You know what I mean. Done with a conversation? Just say “Bye, Felicia.” At the grocery store behind a woman who is demanding […]
The Story of Olympic Athlete Adriana Ruano, In Her Own Words
Everyone’s been talking about Guatemalan Olympic Athlete Adriana Ruano this week. The 29-year-old made sports history by winning Guatemala’s first Olympic gold medal. “Guatemala’s Olympic history is written in golden letters thanks to Adriana Ruano. First Olympic medal for a Guatemalan woman, first gold for our country. Congratulations, Adriana!” Guatemalan President Bernardo Arévalo wrote on […]
Loving Cilantro: The Mexican Herb from the Middle East
You know cilantro, that leafy herb, also known as coriander, that’s found in most Mexican dishes? Well, contrary to what most of us may believe, cilantro isn’t originally from Mexico at all. Its roots actually trace back thousands of years to far away lands. So, how did this star herb land in our pico de […]
11 Music Genres from Colombia
Everyone knows Colombia has one of the best music scenes in the world. The South American country has singlehandedly given us Shakira, Maluma, JBalvin, and Karol G, to name a few. It’s a fact: millions across the globe love Colombian music. But, contrary to popular belief, there’s more to Colombia’s music than Shakira’s cumbia or […]
The Arabic Origin of “Ojalá”
Spanish speakers love the word “ojalá.” Especially moms and abuelas, amirite? I think they love it because it rolls right off the tongue. Plus, it’s timeless, non-controversial, and, most importantly, hopeful. Who doesn’t love a word that’s full of hope? But, contrary to popular belief, this beloved staple in the Spanish language is not a […]
Who Invented Tabasco Sauce?
It may have been created in the Southern state of Louisiana, but Tabasco sauce, known all over the world for its fiery flavor, has deep roots in Mexican. I mean, it’s named after the Mexican state of Tabasco, where the pepper has been cultivated for centuries. So how did a Mexican pepper end up on […]
Embracing the Japanese Cholas
The Japanese chola look, inspired by East Los Angeles cholas, is a striking blend of street fashion, attitude, and identity. These Japanese women are intentionally embracing this style, even though it originates from a very different cultural context. Does this mean the Japanese cholas are mocking the plight of millions of Chicanas? Of course, many […]
Argentina Defeats Colombia to Win Copa America
Argentina defeated Colombia to win Copa América 2024, played at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami last night. With a goal by Player Lautaro Martínez in overtime, Argentina won the game and defended their 2021 title. And, of course Argentinians all over the world are still celebrating today. “We were born to suffer! That’s what […]
Understanding Mofongo: Puerto Rico’s Unofficial Dish
My friend Rachel is no stranger to mofongo. As a Ecuadorian/Puerto Rican from New York, she says she grew up eating this Caribbean treat. She loves mofongo so much, that, when she visited me in Miami, she insisted on going to Monfongo restaurant in Little Havana. Yes, she opted for a mofongo dish instead of […]
If You Like Piña Coladas
If you like piña coladas and getting caught in the rain, then you’re in luck. It’s National Piña Colada day! And this year marks the drink’s 70th anniversary. So, go ahead. Escape work early to celebrate the creation of the frosty and creamy “strained pineapple” cocktail which exudes summertime bliss. If You Like Piña Coladas […]
The Emergence of Freestyle
The 1980s gave the world more than big hair and Blockbuster stores. It was also the decade that introduced music fans to freestyle, contagious dance music which followed the disco days of the 1970s. But, unlike disco, and its glitzy beats, freestyle blended electronic dance music with Latin rhythms. Yet, just like disco, freestyle left its […]
Embracing the Power of Latina Aesthetics
From Selena Gomez’s SNL skit about Cholas to CBS’s upcoming comedy featuring “The Chonga Girls,” Latina aesthetics are being brought into the mainstream spotlight. “It’s a whole aesthetic: dramatic cat-eye liner, matte foundation, pencil-thin eyebrows, and lips that don a dark and defined liner, often worn in conjunction with hoop earrings, gold nameplates, ornate acrylic […]