For generations, the cueca has been more than just a dance for Chile—it is a cultural symbol that embodies history, identity, and emotion. Officially declared the national dance on September 18, 1979, the cueca takes center stage during Chile’s Independence celebrations, yet its roots go far deeper than festivity. RELATED: The History of Cuban Drums: […]

The City of Rio de Janeiro has officially declared Bossa Nova as cultural heritage, recognizing its profound impact on Brazilian identity and global music. Emerging in the late 1950s, Bossa Nova blended samba rhythms with jazz harmonies, creating a sophisticated yet intimate sound. The genre was pioneered by João Gilberto, Tom Jobim, and Vinicius de […]

In Baracoa, Cuba’s chocolate capital, the legacy of cacao cultivation and chocolate production remains deeply woven into the town’s identity. For José Alexander Eugellés, who has worked in Baracoa’s chocolate factory for 28 years, crafting chocolate is more than a profession—it’s a way of life, inherited from his father and shared with his sister. The […]

The Moai statues of Rapa Nui (Easter Island), Chile, have captivated the world since Dutch explorers first arrived on Easter Sunday in 1722. Even by the late 19th century, French traveler Pierre Loti described them as “colossal heads emerging from the earth,” remnants of a lost civilization watching over visitors from the past. Despite centuries […]

Sugarcane, originally from Southeast Asia and New Guinea, spread globally through Muslim expansion, reaching Europe before being introduced to the Caribbean and Latin America by Spanish colonizers. The plant flourished in countries such as Cuba, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, and Ecuador, becoming a cornerstone of agricultural economies. Guarapo: Cuba’s Refreshing Legacy While sugarcane is primarily used […]

In the streets of Dakar, Senegal, life-sized animal sculptures are turning heads—and sparking conversations. This is the goal of The Herds, a traveling public art project designed to generate deep emotional responses to the global climate crisis. Launched by an artist collective from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the initiative plans to travel through […]

Standing tall as one of Mexico City’s most iconic landmarks, the Ángel de la Independencia is more than just a striking architectural marvel—it is a powerful symbol of the country’s struggle for independence and its enduring spirit. At the turn of the 20th century, during the presidency of Porfirio Díaz, plans emerged to construct a […]

The poncho, an iconic garment of the Andes, goes beyond its role as a cloak to become a symbol of cultural identity and connection to the land. Used since ancient times, its design and purpose reflect the richness of Andean communities, their traditions, and values. Primarily made from sheep, alpaca, or llama wool, the poncho […]

Among the high plateaus, misty lakeshores, and wind-swept Quechua territories of the Andes, tales persist of a mystical being known as Lari Lari — a creature of many forms and even more secrets. Depending on the region, Lari Lari manifests differently. In the highlands, it takes the form of a feline with glowing eyes and […]

Corn is much more than just a food in Mexico; it represents a rich history, tradition, culture, and national identity. This grain has been fundamental to the diet of Mexicans since ancient times, serving as the base for making tortillas, tostadas, and totopos, as well as delicious snacks like popcorn, elotes (grilled corn), and esquites […]