The Uncensored History of Romance Languages in Latin America
What picture comes to mind when you hear the expression “romance languages”? Cheesy French movies or gladiators talking to Roman soldiers in the Coliseum? Can you name all the languages that belong to this linguistic group in one breath? I’ve got even more questions. Like, how many people speak Romance languages? And, what is the relationship between Romance languages and Latin America?...Read More
10 Creepy Myths from Spanish-Speaking Countries
Even if you don’t believe in the supernatural, you gotta admit there’s some thrill in being shaken up by good old-fashioned scary stories or myths! Feeling a little bit spooked is an exciting and fun experience, especially when shared with others. In Spanish-speaking countries, scary stories are a big part of our family upbringing—they’re the tales and myths we pass on from...Read More
Catholic Traditions of Holy Week and Easter in Latin America
There’s no time like Easter in Latin America! Otherwise known as Holy Week or Semana Santa, Easter is one of the most important and widely celebrated Catholic traditions in Latin America. Every year during Easter, people dress up, they grow quiet, they make noise, they eat certain things and stop eating others, they organize parades, they play music, and go to church; they do all of these and...Read More
Mayan Chocolate: The Birth and Invention of Chocolate
Discover the true origin of your favorite dessert by diving into the history of Mayan chocolate! Sweet, creamy, and delicious are all words you might associate with delectable chocolate. But, who invented chocolate and where did this delicious dessert come from? To answer these questions, we have to go back to Antigua, Guatemala during the age of the Maya. Read on...Read More
A Brief Yet Captivating History of Latin America
The history of Latin America dates back centuries to when it was first populated by ancient civilizations and cultures. However, Latin America as a region acquired its name after the arrival of European colonizers in the 15th century. Read this article for a full timeline and breakdown of the captivating history of Latin America. ¡Empecemos! Let’s begin! The History...Read More
All You Ever Wanted to Know About Cinco de Mayo Celebrations
Cinco de Mayo is the ultimate Mexican holiday. It’s a celebration of Mexican culture, history, and way of life. Actually, it has even been called the “Mexican St. Patrick’s Day.” Surprisingly enough, in Mexico, it’s not such a big deal. Yes, Mexicans love a good fiesta, just not this one in particular. On the other hand, people in the United States just love it! So much that...Read More
Latin American Food: What Are Pupusas?
Latin American food embodies unique, robust, and memorable flavors—and pupusas are no exception! Did you know that Leonardo Dicaprio declared in an interview that this typical dish from El Salvador was one of the best he’s ever tasted? Even better than tacos! Pupusas have crossed borders around the world, positioning themselves as one of the most popular Latin American...Read More
How Do Latinos Celebrate Thanksgiving in the US and Canada?
Cinco de Mayo and Día de los Muertos are traditional Latino celebrations in the US and Canada. Obviously, the Latino communities in these countries also celebrate Christmas, or Navidad. But, Thanksgiving? Latinos in the US and Canada do celebrate Thanksgiving, but they do it in their own unique style and, as we’ll see, in a very delicious way. In this post, we’ll explore...Read More
A Brief Introduction to Latin American Culture, Traditions, and Beliefs
“Who do I call if I want to call Europe?” – Henry Kissinger That quote from the former US Secretary of State was a way of saying that the European Union was just an abstract idea. In a way, he had a point. At the time Kissinger said it, European institutions were not as developed as they are today. Something similar happens with Latin America that makes us wonder: Where is the...Read More