KEEPIN’ IT SPICY

Hablemos de Hispanic Heritage Month! Time to crank up the salsa music, feast on all the delicious dishes, and embrace our vibrant culture like never before. Who says we can’t keep the party going all year long? Let’s celebrate with passion, flavor, and a whole lot of spice – because when it comes to our traditions, there’s no dialing it down. ¡Que viva la cultura latina!

“Baila Esta Cumbia.”

Translation: Dance this cumbia.

Meaning: An iconic track in Latin music and a beloved part of Selena’s musical legacy.

The second “Suavemente” by Elvis Crespo plays, EVERYBODY is dancing. PERIOD! No, seriously. Whether it’s the smooth moves of the tango or the energetic beats of reggaeton, dancing is our cardio and therapy rolled into one. We’ve got the abuelas bustin’ moves that’d put younger generations to shame and primos who’ll teach you how to dance with more rhythm than a flash mob at a mall. We embrace every step, spin, and shimmy with the passion of someone who’s been saving up their dance moves just to show them off when they have the opportunity. Forget about stepping on toes or what you look like, just try to keep up with the beat!

“Donde hay hambre, no hay mal pan.”

Translation: Where there is hunger, there is no bad bread.

Meaning: When you’re hungry, any food will be appreciated.

Ah, food—the universal language of love, and for us, a full-blown cultural showcase. Our kitchens transform into bustling markets, filled with the aroma of freshly made empanadas, tamales, arroz con pollo, and so much more. You know you’ve made it when your abuela’s secret recipe is so coveted that it’s passed down through generations like a sacred treasure map. And don’t even get me started on asking for any traditional recipes (especially the measurements) of salsas or sopas. They will only make you pay attention to how they make it and fend for yourself. Whenever you try to replicate it, it NEVER tastes the same because your measurements are ALWAYS off. UGH! It’s always a culinary battle.

“El que cuenta un cuento, añade un punto.”

Translation: He who tells a story adds a point.

Meaning: When telling a story, people often embellish or modify details, intentionally or unintentionally. It reflects the nature of storytelling where narratives can evolve over time.

Gather ‘round, everyone! It’s time for some good ol’ family storytelling. Our tales are a mix of folklore, modern myths, and/or just plain exaggeration. That’s why we are so dramatic and our telenovelas are so iconic. These stories keep our roots grounded while adding a sprinkle of magic… or pure horror. I’m Mexican, so I’ve heard tales of La Llorona and El Chupacabra. One is considered a perfectly acceptable children’s bedtime story and the other one was a full-blown conversation and main topic of the 90s. The stories might be passed down with a touch of embellishment, and the trauma is what makes them memorable.

“En la casa de los locos, todos son cuerdos”

Translation: In the house of the crazy, everyone is sane.

Meaning: This saying humorously acknowledges that in a chaotic or unconventional family environment, everyone adapts and finds their own way of managing the situation.

Family gatherings (or in this case, my annual family tequila tasting party) are where we discover who the real MVPs are in our lives while wearing traditional folklorico dresses and charro suits… just because. It’s like a chaotic Olympic event with dodging personal questions, balancing multiple conversations at once, trying to remember everyone’s dietary restrictions, and trying to keep a straight face while listening to that one tia who insists she’s the human Google search engine who knows everything and what’s best for you. From the prima who insists on taking a million pictures (and mostly posting her selfies on social media), to the tio who should not eat the carnitas because of his doctor’s orders, but does it anyway. Every family gathering is a reminder that, despite the mess, we are united in our shared love and laugh…drama. Complete drama.

“Lo viejo y lo nuevo, siempre en equilibrio.”

Translation: The old and the new, always in balance.

Meaning: This saying emphasizes the importance of finding a balance between traditional and modern elements.

Traditions are like old friends—they’re comforting and familiar, but they can also be spiced up with a modern twist. We’re all about blending our cherished customs with new experiences. Whether it’s incorporating contemporary music into our traditional dances or experimenting with fusion cuisine, we celebrate our heritage while embracing the here and now. It’s like adding a splash of creativity to a classic recipe—always keeping things exciting and delicious.

“No hay mal que por bien no venga.”

Translation: Every cloud has a silver lining.

Meaning: This saying conveys optimism, suggesting that even in bad times, something good will eventually come.

Embrace the chaos, amigos! Life’s like a fiesta where things never go as planned. From busted piñatas to tamale filling disasters and cringe-worthy singing performances – we’ve all been there! 😂 Here’s to laughing through the slip-ups and finding joy in the unexpected twists that make our stories epic. It’s these moments of humor that remind us of the joy and resilience that define our heritage.