A quinceañera is a celebrated tradition that transitions a young girl into a woman. It is marked with a festive celebration to commemorate a girl’s 15th birthday. It is generally celebrated in Mexico and other Latin American countries where Catholicism is rampant. It is a Latina’s very own sweet sixteen. Celebrating a quinceañera A quinceañera includes a mass [...]

Danza Folklorica, also known as Ballet Folklorico, is a beautiful Mexican dance that reflects heritage and tradition. There are many types of dances from different states throughout Mexico that highlight the culture of that region through unique costumes and music. The folklore, costumes, colors, steps and many other elements represent  Mexican culture. Fabiola Méndez Chaparro, dances Ballet Folklorico, [...]

The reasons to be proud as a Latina are endless with a culture full of rich traditions and history. These Latinitas editors and readers share their top reasons to be proud of their culture. I’m proud to be Latina because of what an amazing culture I have. My culture has rich food, spectacular dances, a [...]

As the holidays approach and the frenzy to buy the perfect gift for your loved ones starts to creep up on you, it is important to take the time and reflect on what the season really means. It is also equally important to remember that as Latinas, we have our own special sazon to the [...]

La Virgen de Guadalupe is one of the most praised saints in the Hispanic culture. She has risen to become the symbol of Mexico, and her basilica in Mexico is visited by millions every year. The Virgin’s iconic image can be seen in thousands of churches, homes and even city murals. Her legend is a miraculous [...]

Red, yellow, pink, white, black, purple and orange cut into intricate shapes decorate many Mexican homes and altars during what is known as the Day of the Dead or Día de los Muertos in Spanish. This unique colorful day celebrates family members who have passed away embracing la muerte (death). What are all these colorful [...]

A milagro can directly be translated to “miracle” in English. For many Latinos, those shiny charms are meant for more than just decorations. These religious folk charms have traditionally been used throughout Latina America for healing purpose or as religious offerings. Early accounts of milagros tell the story of Hernan Cortez of Spain who offered [...]

As strong Latinas, we should take it upon ourselves to strengthen our culture in ourselves so we can easily spread it to our surroundings. Sometimes it may feel like measures to stifle our culture are being taken more often than not. Although it is sad and unfortunate, we can help promote our culture by embracing [...]

During Spring Break 2012, I was given the opportunity to travel to Sevilla, Spain and spend a whole week there. Here’s a quick summary of Spain in my eyes. The People I arrived at Spain at around 12 o’clock p.m. CEST, meaning it was around 3 in the afternoon back in Illinois. I was so [...]

Selena Quintanilla Perez (April 16, 1971- March 31, 1995), known by many as “Selena” was a Mexican- American singer-songwriter, “Queen of Tejano music,” and was seen as an icon by many. Her musical career began at an early age and so did many obstacles but was able to overcome them and become successful. Selena began [...]

Vea este artículo en español aquí A quick twenty-minute drive from El Paso, Texas lies a town so small that, like the saying goes, if you blink, you’ll miss it. Home to under 300 residents, La Union, New Mexico boasts a history and culture as lavish as that of a major city. It has a [...]

I was thrilled to plan my first ever road trip to San Antonio, home of the Alamo and Girl in a Coma, an all-Latina punk rock band. All I needed was a full tank of gas, my trusty map, and a video camera to get started exploring the city. As I entered the city limits [...]

I grew up in Pasadena, a city on the outskirts of Houston. My childhood memories make my hometown so special to me. Pasadena is where I had friends and family within walking distance, and I first learned how to drive on its streets. There is a majority of Hispanics who live in Pasadena, so people [...]

The roar of car engines in the school parking lot faded as the fleet of cars belonging to my fellow classmates drove off into the westbound sun. It was the final class day for the school year, and summer lay before us like an unexplored frontier. It was vast, inviting and pleasantly unknown. I was [...]

Name: Mylan Torres Hometown: Brownsville, Texas Current city: Austin, Texas Were you nervous at all before you moved? Why? Yes, of course! I was really nervous since I’d be living on my own and so far away from home. I’m extremely close to my family; I really had no idea (and didn’t think) I’d be [...]

As the Guadalupe River weaves its way through Center Point, nature calls to the citizens of the small rural town with the approximate population of 1,000 residents. Center Point grows famous with saying, “everyone knows everything about everyone.” Center Point proceeds with one post office and a bed ‘n’breakfast, two gas stations, and three resident-owned [...]

Many people stereotype Southeast Austin and consider it to be the “ghetto” part of town, but many people don’t realize that by stereotyping a community, they are missing out on the really good opportunities to meet new people and have fun. As a resident, I know Southeast Austin provides many resources and opportunities to its [...]

I’m from the Bronx in New York City!! It is a complicated lifestyle, but you’ll make it. Even though I left to have a better life, I still love New York City because it is beautiful!! There are beautiful people everywhere.  There are a lot of fun things to do.  It is a blast.   There [...]

What do you like to do for fun there? Stroll on the beach, dance at the many Latin clubs, and have dinner with friends. What makes your hometown special? Miami has a unique mix of Latin cultures. Although Cubans are the majority, Colombians, Nicaraguans, Venezuelans, Brazilians, Dominicans, (just to name a few) are catching up! [...]

History says, the Mission is named for the Mission Dolores church, the earliest building in San Francisco, which held its first mass in 1776. It is well worth a visit and harkens back to an earlier time. The Mission Dolores was also featured in Alfred Hitchcock’s film, “Vertigo.” Mission Street, is the longest street in [...]

We were especially touched this year by the quality of entries to Latinitas’ 2012 Dia de las Madres writing contest.   Our writers were as young as 9 years old and as old as high school.  Girls presented “great mothers” in their lives through writing. My Mom by Celie Contreras My mom is special to me [...]

Our Latinitas share their memories about loved ones who have passed away. My Tio Obie passed away a few months ago due to an illness. He was always in a party mood. They always had coca cola at parties because it was his favorite drink. Once when we were playing rock band, he started to [...]

One of my favorite memories growing up was when I was a little girl sitting at the kitchen table looking up at my mom and grandmother as they made tamale. I remember the masa leaving globs of off-white goo on the table, while everyone around the table shared their stories, memories and happy tales. Now, [...]

I would’ve never thought that I’d actually get selected to travel to Brazil to study its culture. For months, the applicants for the traveling program with Brotherhood/Sistersol did projects and participated in different activities to see who would be a good fit to go to Brazil. I knew that once I was chosen, my life [...]

During Spring Break 2012, I was given the opportunity to travel to Sevilla, Spain and spend a whole week there. Here’s a quick summary of Spain in my eyes. The People I arrived at Spain at around 12 o’clock p.m. CEST, meaning it was around 3 in the afternoon back in Illinois. I was so [...]

  Acapulco serves not only as a popular tourist attraction, but as a major sea port that runs through the Panama Canal. Acapulco is known by many, but what hidden treasures it holds have yet to be discovered by tourist. In Acapulco, the history is timeless, the culture is captivating, the food is delicious, and [...]

Population: Approximately 616,000 Language: Spanish Climate: Varies from tropical to desert Religion: Roman Catholic Economy: Agriculture, Industry, Tourism In the state of Guerrero on the Pacific Coast of Mexico, lies the beautiful and mesmerizing Acapulco, Mexico. Surrounded by clear blue waters and the Sierra Madre to the east, Acapulco serves not only as a popular [...]

One of the most enchanting places to visit in the Caribbean is the Dominican Republic. Located on the island of Hispaniola and east of Haiti, the Dominican Republic is a beautiful country with rich culture. It was first inhabited by Taino natives until the arrival of Christopher Columbus in 1492. Santo Domingo, the country’s capital, [...]

Facts About Puerto Rico: Location – South of Florida National Anthem – “La Borinquena” National Bird – Stripe-Headed Tanager National Flower – Puerto Rican Hibiscus Tourism Motto – ¡Puerto Rico lo hace major! (Puerto Rico does it better!) Currency – Same as U. S. Dollar (Puerto Rico is part of the U. S.)   <strong>History:</strong> [...]

Interesting fact: The air in Mexico City used to be among the cleanest but changed to the most polluted in the span of a generation. Historical fact: Mexico City was founded in 1521 by Hernán Cortés (a Spanish conquistador) in the middle of a lake on the ruins the Aztec Empire. Famous figure or entertainer [...]

As the seat belt sign turns on and the airplane begins to descend, the island floats into view, first, the clear turquoise water and the light sandy beaches and next, the lush vegetation and rolling peaks and valleys of the inland mountains peak through the clouds. No wonder Puerto Ricans claim the name “the island [...]

Editor’s note: This is the second piece of a two-part article. The first part was published in January 2007. The adults of the Shacay community are so generous. The families took turns serving us meals everyday. Amazing, considering the little they have for themselves. I was a bit worried about this the whole time. They [...]

Choose your own adventure! Where do you want to go? Imagine hiking in the mountains, laying out on the beach, and exploring the rainforest! It’s amazing to think that you can do this in one country but you can. Peru, a country slightly smaller in size than the state of Alaska, is home to the [...]