Celebrating National Anisette Day … and Abuela
It’s National Anisette Day. You know anisette, that sweet liquor that brings so many of us nostalgia and a touch of magic. When I grew up, my abuelita always had a trusty bottle of anisette. It was her go-to remedy for everything from colds to holiday cheer. And now it has its own calendar day. […]
How to Ask for a Drinking Straw (Without Offending Anyone)
If you’ve ever traveled through Spanish-speaking countries, you know that regional dialects can turn a simple request into a game of linguistic roulette. One of these slippery slopes, which I mistakenly stumbled upon, is what to call the humble drinking straw. Ask for the wrong thing, while miming what you want, and you might end […]
The Woman Behind “La India María”
She’s as popular today as when she was 50 years ago. Some say she’s Mexico’s greatest female comedian. She’s Comedienne María Elena Velasco, best known by millions for playing her iconic character, La India María. Her fame and international stardom is all quite a feat for a girl who was born in rural Mexico, far […]
Inside the Real ‘Cocaine Hotel’
I still can’t believe what they say about the Mutiny Hotel. To me, and my neighbors here in Coconut Grove, it’s just one of the handful of hotels we recommend to anyone visiting the area. It’s a block away from the water, and just steps away from popular restaurants and cute shops. But, the stories […]
Meet the Xoloitzcuintli: Mexico’s Ancient & Hairless Dog
It’s national “Take your dog to work day.” So what better way to celebrate this day than to honor the Xoloitzcuintli, Mexico’s ancient and hairless dog. Sure they were once pets that became food for the hungry Spanish settlers. But let’s not dwell on that sad part of their otherwise impressive history. Today, these hairless […]
Miami’s Hidden History: The Story of Plymouth Congregational Church
After days of being indoors thanks to the relentless rain and flooding, my daughters and I hopped in the car for a much-need paseo around our favorite Miami neighborhood, Coconut Grove. Known for its lush landscapes, the Grove, as we locals call it, never fails to surprise and inspire us city gals. Sometimes, if we’re […]
The Secret Dance of the 41
The “Dance of the 41,” as it’s now known, serves as a reminder of societal attitudes towards the LGBT community in early 20th century Mexico. The historic event, held in 1901, was a raid on a private gathering in Mexico City, where 41 men — half dressed as women — were arrested during a secret […]
Create a Taco Tuesday Charcuterie Board
By now, many have heard of the ongoing Taco Tuesday controversy, right? It goes back almost 50 years. And it shows no signs of stopping. Wait, you haven’t heard it. OK, here’s what you need to know: This playful weekday nickname, honoring one of our favorite foods, with catchy alliteration, was presumably created by a […]
Celebrating the First Female President in North America
My father named me after Russia’s Catherine the Great. I didn’t exactly know why she was great, but I always liked knowing that I was named after her. It’s like, somehow, I was connected to someone important. When I found out I was pregnant with a girl, I wanted to give her the same gift […]
Why is Frida Kahlo so Famous?
People are usually surprised when they find out that during her lifetime, Frida Kahlo was not famous. She was not the most famous artist in the world or the feminist icon that she is today. In fact, Kahlo was mostly known as the wife of fellow artist Diego Rivera. It’s hard to believe, but it’s […]
He’s José Carioca, Disney’s Feathered Diplomat During WW2
José Carioca, the green bilingual cartoon parrot, holds a special place in Disney’s pantheon of animated characters. Sure he’s suave and sophisticated, but there’s much more to his origin story than a great personality and expert animation. José Carioca is a product of war, created to unite the United States and Latin America during World […]
The ‘Invincible’ Raul Benavidez, a Real-Life Rambo
Master Sergeant Raul Perez “Roy” Benavidez is one of the most heroic figures in United States military history. Yet, unlike other decorated Vietnam vets, his story has not been widely told, until recently. In the last decade, millions have learned about the “Invincible” Raul Benavidez thanks to social media and dozens of YouTube clips and […]