Life in the United States has never been better for the Latino community. Latinos are making inroads in every industry and niche. Some especially hardworking Latinos are launching their own businesses and becoming leaders of the community.
The contributions of the growing Latino population should be wholeheartedly celebrated. Here’s how to do it with passion and style.
1. Celebrate With Some Tasty Latin American Fare
There’s nothing better than a tasty taco with chorizo, poblano peppers, queso, guacamole, and beans. The likes of Chipotle, Moe’s, and Qdoba certainly hit the spot yet there are more authentic options including DIY Mexican cooking at home.
Bypass TexMex Mexican food in favor of traditional Latin American fare and your taste buds will thank you. Make a traditional taco with corn tortillas. Cook your own lime rice and mix some pico de gallo for a flavor infusion.
If you are in the mood for a more complex flavor, whip up some mole in the kitchen. Additional authentic Latin American foods perfect for celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month include pupusas with culinary roots stemming from El Salvador. Arepas from Venezuela is another excellent option.
2. Take a Latin Dance Class
Salsa dancing was popular decades ago and is starting to make a comeback in the 2020s. Grab a partner, hit the dance floor, learn how to salsa dance, and you’ll relish the spirit of Latino culture.
In addition to salsa dancing, flamenco, merengue, cha-cha, mambo, and rumba dancing are also great ways to learn new moves and get some exercise. If you can’t find a local Latin dance class, consider taking virtual classes online with services like Salsanerd and Latin Dancing Online. Above all, don’t be shy! Ask a stranger to dance, put one foot in front of the other, and feel the beat as you groove the night away.
3. Enjoy a Latin Game Night With Family or Friends
Play is central to all cultures, it’s no different for Hispanics. The Mexican variation of Bingo, Loteria, is a popular card-based game in which players match words to pictures on a personal game board. A row of matches is a victory. Be sure to shout, “Buena!” when you’ve got a row.
Pick up the Nuestra America Memory Game and you’ll have a blast playing a bilingual match game complete with colorful illustrations. The game is memory-based, requiring players to match 25 pairs of colored cards with historical figures from Latino culture. Flip through the game’s accompanying booklet and you’ll find entire illustrations including highlights detailing the contributions and quotes from more than two dozen Latinos who made an impact on the United States.
4. Watch a Hispanic-Themed Movie
There’s nothing better than curling up on the couch with a significant other or even a pet and taking in some Latin entertainment. Some of the most enjoyable Latino-themed movies that celebrate the spirit of the Hispanic community include Encanto, Lolita, Coco, Pachamama, and Vivo.
If you have kids, lean toward Encanto to celebrate Hispanic culture. The 2021 hit is set in Colombia, providing a look at highlights of the culture’s food, architecture, animals, and fashion.
Coco is also an excellent option for those looking to learn more about Hispanic tradition and family. Vivo, available on Netflix, celebrates Cuba’s culture with a focus on a whimsical rainforest animal.
5. Hispanic Trivia Night
You haven’t lived if you haven’t played Hispanic trivia. You can play Hispanic trivia in person or virtually. Virtual Hispanic Heritage Trivia Game is available on WatsonAdventures.com. Sporcle.com also has Hispanic games, quizzes, and trivia. Spanish speakers are encouraged to give Preguntados a try.
You can also test your knowledge of Latino culture with Aworded. The game “Quizas” tests your understanding of Latino culture, entertainment, and history.
Latinos with a passion for knowledge, history, and fun also rave about Trivia Crack. Trivia Crack is a mobile game that tests knowledge of Latino history, culture, and entertainment.
6. Read the Work of a Latino Author
Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Julia Alvarez, Junot Diaz, and Cristina Henriquez are some of the most popular Latino authors yet few people are willing to sit down and read a book. Turn off the screen, hop into an immersive novel, and read the night away.
Fictional portrayals of Hispanic families written by Latino authors are the perfect way to learn more about this rich culture. Some of the best books by Latino authors include How the Garcia Girls Lost Their Accents, One Hundred Years of Solitude, and The Brief Wondrous Life.
Be sure to donate the book to a local Little Free Library after reading to pass on the knowledge of Latino culture to others in your community.
7. Make a Latin Music Playlist
Latin dance music is the pick-me-up everyone needs. Create your own Latin music playlist with the likes of Ricky Martin, Bad Bunny, Rage Against The Machine, J Balvin and Shakira. Let your Latin music playlist play while doing household chores or dancing in your living room and you’ll relish the culture’s rhythm and spirit.
FAQ
Q: When is Hispanic Heritage Month?
A: National Hispanic Heritage Month begins on September 15 and extends through October 15. The purpose of the month is to recognize the influence and contributions of Latinos to American culture and history.
Q: Does my city have resources for Latinos?
A: Most midsize and large cities have resources specifically geared toward Latinos. As an example, plenty of cities have Hispanic Heritage Councils, community centers, and additional resources.
Q: Why are Latinos important outside of Latin America?
A: Latinos are the fastest-growing ethnic group in the United States. Based on current birth rates, one in four residents of the United States will be Latino by 2060.
Q: What is the best way to celebrate the Hispanic community?
A: A night of delicious tacos, margaritas, and salsa dancing is the perfect way to celebrate Hispanic culture. Finish the night with Latin trivia with friends and family, and you’ll have newfound pride in Hispanic culture.
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