Thank you for journeying over the Andes with me during this crazy 2020. As the year that shall never be forgotten comes to close, I wish each of you and your loved ones: Season’s Greetings. Happy Holidays from my family to you!
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Nochebuena celebrations in latin America
Nochebuena celebrations are no joke in Latin America. Here, fun is serious business! Nochebuena literally translates to ‘good night’ and is the Spanish expression for Christmas Eve. It is a major festive celebration within Latin American culture. For many, December 24 is a much bigger event than December 25. In fact, Christmas Eve is the big day for most folks across the region and for…
Children’s books set in Latin America
Children’s books set in Latin America are great to introduce younger ones to the cultural diversity of the region. They’re also fantastic to provide adults with a little peep into the history and legends of Latin America. I’ll readily admit to learning more from reading some of these stories with my children. I’ve sorted through the books! And can’t wait to share my top 11…
The Women of Mexico’s Independence Story
The women of Mexico’s independence story are many. History texts record a few names and leave out far too many details. However, scholars, researchers, journalists and information seekers of the 21st century are making strides to uncover the untold stories of many of the world’s heroines. On September 16, 2020 Mexico celebrates 210 years of independence. To mark the auspicious occasion, let’s look at a…
FUN FACTS ABOUT LATIN AMERICA (10)
With over 3000 km of coastline, Colombia has hundreds of beaches to delight locals and tourists alike. Check out The Crazy Tourist‘s guide to the best beaches in Colombia: 15 Best Beaches in Colombia. One famous Colombia native (hint: Shakira) hails from one of the largest coastal cities in the country: Barranquilla! Would you like to read more fun facts about Latin America? Download this…
The Afro-latino experience: a list of 15 useful resources
The Afro-Latino experience isn’t one that gets enough attention when we speak about Latin American culture, yet it is a major facet of the region and evidence of a diaspora intrinsically linked to the colonial slave trade. Latin America is a diverse region. The diversity is seen in its geography, flora, fauna, languages, culture, history and ethnicities. Ancestors of the present population came from almost…
Diego Rivera for kids- An Art Project!
Help your kids explore Diego Rivera’s art! It’s never too early to introduce some great art to children, especially if you can also teach them about another culture! Earlier this year, I found the book Diego Rivera His World and Ours by Duncan Tonatiuh. It was during the lockdown period and I’d already gone through all the storybooks on Latin American culture that I had…
FUN FACTS ABOUT LATIN AMERICA (9)
Size is relative… All the countries in the European Union could fit twice into Brazil. Brazil is even larger than Australia. It is a bit smaller than China and the United States. Learn more about the 100 largest countries in the world (by area) here. Would you like to read more fun facts about Latin America? Download this FREE e-book 33 Latin America Culture Facts. If…
15 Books Set in Latin America for Your Reading List
Looking for books set in Latin America to expand your Summer reading list? I’ve got some recommendations. Exploring a culture is always interesting, but it’s made more fantastic when you can immerse yourself in the surroundings, read the dialogues and experience the setting from varied perspectives. With that in mind, here are a few of my favourite books set in Latin America. Maybe you’ll add…
When We Left Cuba by Chanel Cleeton: Book Review
I read Chanel Cleeton’s Next Year in Havana in 2018 and absolutely adored it. You can read my review of that book here. Somehow, I never got around to reading the sequel 2019. I rectified that situation in April this year! The author mentions that Next Year in Havana was meant to be a stand-alone story. However, the character of Beatriz Perez came alive in…