Para español presione aquí >>A ritmo de Gaita, comunidad venezolana celebra el Día de la Virgen de Chiquinquirá

By Alejandro Salazar

Our Lady of the Rosary of Chiquinquirá is the patron saint of Colombia and of the Zulia State in Venezuela. In Colombia, the image rests in the Basílica in honor of her name. In Venezuela, the image of the Virgin engraved on a wooden board is found in the Basilica of Maracaibo, Zulia State, and serves as its formal patron saint. Every year on November 18, the celebration of Her Day involves massive processions and songs in honor of the Virgin, also affectionately known as “La Chinita” or “Queen Morena.”

Celebrations in honor of La Chinita are now held worldwide by the Venezuelan diaspora. In this sense, on November 18, the Venezuelan and Hispanic community prayed with Brother Manuel Solórzano to celebrate a solemn mass and procession in honor of this invocation of the Virgin at the Hispanic Apostolate in Metairie. The celebration continued after the mass with a tasting of typical Venezuelan food enjoyed during the Christmas season.

For many, the day marks the beginning of Christmas. The Virgin is serenaded to the rhythm of Gaita de Furro, a musical genre originating in the Zuliana region that has spread to the rest of Venezuela. The traditional Gaita has very particular instruments, among which the following stand out: the cuatro, the maracas, the charrasca, the pipe drum, and the essential instrument called furro or furruco, a direct descendant of the Spanish zambomba. This rhythm can include religious, romantic, historical, or protest themes.

This popular rhythm is represented in Louisiana by the Nolagaita group, composed of a group of musicians and enthusiasts from Venezuela whose main objective is to make this popular genre known in the community and encourage its growth. The group maintains an active presence on social networks, posting about their presentations and activities. Nolagaita has 12 members who delighted the audience with songs dedicated to Chinita, such as “La Elegida” and “Reina Morena,” among many others.

The organizing committee was pleased with the participation and hopes the celebration will continue growing.

Para leer este artículo en español, presiona aquí>>Compra Local

By AnaMaria Bech

As the holiday season approaches, we prepare to celebrate the spirit of community and togetherness in New Orleans. One of the best ways to do that is by supporting local businesses. Shopping local during the holidays infuses the magic of the season with a unique New Orleans flair and plays a vital role in preserving the heart and soul of our city.

New Orleans is a city brimming with culture, history, and tradition. The local businesses here are the keepers of that heritage, offering a slice of NOLA’s distinct flavor. When you shop local, beyond buying a product, you’re investing in the community and helping local artisans, makers, and entrepreneurs thrive.

According to studies, for every dollar spent at a local business, 67 cents stays within the community, which translates into more jobs, thriving neighborhoods, and a more robust local economy. Supporting local businesses is investing in the prosperity of your neighbors and friends.

Moreover, local businesses often provide unique and unique gifts, showcasing New Orleans culture’s diversity. From handcrafted art pieces and jewelry to delicious cuisine and specialty items, you’ll find gifts that truly reflect our city’s rich heritage. These personalized gifts carry a special significance, making your holiday presents more memorable and meaningful.

Soon after the Thanksgiving Holiday, make it a point to enjoy the Christmas vibes in the French Quarter and take a day with a friend to stroll the six blocks of retail stores of the French Market. From the Upper Pontalba stores, the Shops of the Colonnade, all the way to the flea market, you will find art galleries, clothing stores, toy shops, home decor, handmade jewelry, and everything in between, finding New Orleans-infused gifts wherever you shop.

Enjoy coffee and beignets during your shopping break, or dine at a new restaurant. Take pictures with the holiday decor and the French Quarter as your backdrop and make your local shopping a whole experience. Do not overlook the delicious food at the farmer’s market restaurants when you visit the local artisans and find unique handmade gifts in the flea market.

This holiday season, let’s come together as a community to shop local, preserve our traditions, and ensure a prosperous future for our beloved city. In doing so, we’ll experience the true spirit of New Orleans during the holidays, and our celebrations will be more prosperous, more meaningful, and filled with the love and character that only local businesses can provide.

Para artículo en español clic aquí: ¡Esto es Bananas! B-A-N-A-N-A-S

By Axel Lola Rosa

I have the privilege of being a first-generation Latino in New Orleans. I get the best of every type of bean here. On Mondays, we have our traditional red beans and rice; on any other day, we have arroz y frijoles (Honduran rice and beans cooked by my mom). Since 2012, I’ve worked with tourists in the French Quarter and surrounding areas and even lived out of state. I proudly say I was born at Charity and raised in Metairie to Honduran Immigrants. I emphasize the Honduran part to make it known that a solid Honduran presence in New Orleans dates back to the early 1900’s. 

Growing up here, I noticed at a young age that the media talked about Honduras or its surrounding countries only if there was a Hurricane or something very wrong; go figure. I also noticed that Miami was “referred to” as Cuban, Texas as Mexican, and New York as Puerto Rican because of each city’s history with those countries. So why hasn’t anyone discussed the connection between New Orleans and Honduras? 

When you hear the words Banana Republic, you think of the multi-million dollar clothing brand owned by Gap, Inc., Right? But did you know that the Banana Republic is a real thing? Like about, you guessed it, BANANAS, B-A-N... How did it begin the history and relationship between the cities of New Orleans and Honduras? To be clear, I’m only discussing the “Banana” part and not the “Republic” part. 

Since New Orleans has a well-established port, it all began with popular produce brands that we’ve most likely all had in our kitchen: Chiquita, formerly known as the United Fruit Company, and the Standard Food Company, were based in New Orleans. For decades, New Orleans has imported and distributed Cavendish Bananas from Central America to all over the U.S. In the early 20th Century, these two companies created close ties, specifically with Honduras. Eventually, these companies bought land for plantations. They hired Hondurans as dockyard workers who decided to stay in New Orleans, making our city an entry point for Hondurans migrating to the U.S. Aside from the employment opportunities, many chose to settle in this region due to the heavy influence of Catholic culture. Some sent their children to Catholic Schools in New Orleans, and many stayed upon completing their studies. Besides Honduras itself, by 1962, New Orleans had the world’s largest population of Hondurans.

Over time, the population expanded further out of the city and into surrounding areas such as Kenner and the Westbank. According to NOLA.com, in 2010, Jefferson Parish had the fourth-largest Honduran population by county in the United States. In 2021, The Data Center analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau data from the American Community Survey 2021 reported that 36% of the Hispanic Origin in Jefferson Parish identified as Honduran, 21% in Orleans, and 32% in the Metro Area within an estimated 1.1 million Hispanics of Honduran origin living in the United States. Overall, according to brcitykey.com, Hispanics make up 7% of the population in Louisiana. Most recently, Parish President Cynthia Lee Sheng mentioned in an interview that about 63,000 Hispanics make up 18% of the people in Jefferson Parish.  

Today, we see the influence of Honduras everywhere in our local community. We see cars with Honduras stickers or flags and find imported Honduran products. We see Honduran-owned and branded businesses. We enjoy frequent events featuring native Honduran bands like La Banda Blanca or Los Rolands. Even events honoring the Virgin of Suyapa, the Patron Saint of Honduras, occur at Divine Mercy Church in Kenner. These influences have maintained Honduran traditions that have helped shape not only the Latino Community in this city but also New Orleans itself.

Para artículo en español, click aquí: Latinas Supporting Entrepreneurs at the WB Collective

By AnaMaria Bech

The WB Collective is a woman-focused coworking space created by the Women’s Business Enterprise Council South (WBEC South), and it is more than just a workplace; it’s a community where women from diverse backgrounds come together to share their expertise, support one another’s endeavors, and spark groundbreaking ideas. The beautifully designed and thoughtfully curated space, located at 401 St. Joseph Street in New Orleans, exudes an atmosphere of collaboration and creativity.

 At the WB Collective, diversity isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a guiding principle. Two Latinas play pivotal roles on the team. Katerine García, the Director of Operations of the WBEC South, brings her extensive experience in supplier diversity, always finds ways to connect women, and provides mentorship and growth opportunities for their companies. “We have built a strong community of women who understand and support each other’s challenges and aspirations,” says Katherine.

Karla López-Gammage is the Director of the WB Collective. She ensures that entrepreneurs have everything they need to work and thrive and that events become memorable. As Karla says, “Social expectations and mentorship opportunities are major hurdles to success for women,” she believes “being in a space that understands how much of a disadvantage women business owners are in helps the woman entrepreneur in so many ways.” 

Katherine and Karla represent the broader spirit of the WBEC South, which aims to empower women entrepreneurs of all backgrounds and break down barriers for women executives and CEOs. Their stories are a testament to the incredible potential of diverse perspectives in driving innovation and success.

Beyond its coworking memberships, mailboxes, luxury common spaces, private offices, dedicated desks, and smart meeting rooms, the WB Collective boasts a stunning event space for rent.  “When women are surrounded by leaders like themselves, in a setting like ours, they feel inspired rather than the need to be competitive,” adds Karla.

This versatile venue has become a destination for hosting seminars, workshops, and networking events. Its charming architectural details and modern amenities make it the perfect place to host gatherings that inspire collaboration and growth.

“When you’re seeking an opportunity to connect, think of the WB Collective as your go-to resource,” says Katherine.  Whether you’re looking for a workspace that inspires creativity, reflects your innovative personality, connects you to resources to grow personally and professionally, and helps leverage your network, or if you are ready to host an event in a stunning venue for your next event, the WB Collective has it all, making it a hub for empowerment and entrepreneurship in the Warehouse District of New Orleans.

To book a tour and learn more about the WB Collective in New Orleans or Nashville, contact Karla at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Para español clic: Celebración Mes de la Herencia Hispana en el Mercado Francés

By AnaMaria Bech

As most know, the United States celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15. This commemoration serves as a platform to highlight the contributions of immigrants and Latino citizens in the country and celebrate Latino culture on a grand scale.

The historical New Orleans institution, the French Market District, takes part in this celebration by highlighting the Latino artists and vendors at the market, and it also organizes a great festival that provides entertainment to the entire community and, in turn, offers visibility to Latino cultural acts, musical bands, restaurants, and non-profit organizations.

Although the organization has held several events that showcase Latin performances and food, it officially established the Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration in 2022. On its second edition, the festival will take place on September 16, starting at 11 a.m. at the flea market section of the French Market. This celebration includes live performances by various local bands every hour until 4 pm.

The Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration is a free festival for the whole family with activities for children, live music, delicious Latin food and drinks for sale, and the opportunity to find out about the programs of various organizations that support the Latino community in the city.

 The French Market District administration and organizers have done a great job putting together events that genuinely embrace the diversity of the New Orleans community and provide a space for an authentic representation of those participating in the festivals. Last year, bands like Arpa with the Garifuna Connection, Papo y Son Mandao, Merengue 4, and Julio & Cesar, among others, showcased various Latin music genres. At the same time, restaurants like El Gato Negro, La Milpa, and La Chilanga offered their already-recognized dishes from Mexico and Central America, while up-and-coming vendors like Numada and Punto Criollo had the opportunity to showcase their delicious meals.

We invite you to enjoy this annual Latin celebration in the heart of the French Quarter. Join the party, taste the delicious flavors of various restaurants in the city, dance to the contagious Latin rhythms, and browse through the French Market o discover the artists and vendors that bring a bit of Latino culture to the oldest market in New Orleans every day.

For an updated list of performances and participating restaurants during the 2023 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration at the French Market, visit frenchmarket.org.

En español >> Un turista en tu propia ciudad

Tips from Cassandra Snyder, Soul of NOLA Tours

We asked Cassandra Snyder, tour guide and founder of the tour company Soul of NOLA, how to enjoy New Orleans as a tourist, and she gave us some great suggestions. So be a tourist in your town, and if you have visitors this summer, don’t miss out on showing them the best of New Orleans and its surroundings:

Sydney and Walda Besthoff Sculpture Garden, City Park

FREE every day, 10 am - 6 pm

New Orleans Museum of ART, City Park

FREE Wednesdays for Louisiana residents. 10 am - 5 pm 

The Historic New Orleans Collection

FREE. 520 Royal Street, French Quarter Tuesday - Sunday

Vue Orleans

An observatory and cultural experience featuring the only 360-degree panoramic riverfront views of New Orleans and beyond. A state-of-the-art interactive technology and digital experience designed to honor, celebrate, and share stories of the diverse cultures that converged to create the magic that is New Orleans.

Bonus: Watch the 4th of July fireworks here. Purchase tickets in advance. Vueorleans.com

Adults $24.95. Special prices for juniors, seniors, Louisiana residents, students, and military personnel.

 The National WWII Museum

The National WWII Museum tells the story of the American experience in the war that changed the world—why it was fought, how it was won, and what it means today—so that all generations will understand the price of freedom and be inspired by what they learn.

ACE Hotel New Orleans 

600 Carondelet -Boutique in NOLA’s Warehouse District, close to art galleries, museums, and shopping.

Day passes for the swimming pool for locals, deals for rooms for locals, and live music, including “La Noche Caliente,” a night of Latin music on the third Saturday of every month.

The Virgin Hotel, The ACE Hotel, The W Hotel, NOPSI Hotel

- Offer day passes for swimming pool access.

Coolinary August 1-31

Citywide, restaurants offer prix-fixe meals.

Great deals at some of New Orleans’s finest restaurants!

Away from New Orleans:

Whitney Plantation Museum, Wallace, La.

A non-profit whose mission is to educate the public about the history and legacies of slavery in the Southern United States. Self-guided tours in Spanish. $25

Destrehan Plantation 

A Creole-style plantation and the closest to New Orleans. You will learn the family’s history that lived in the house for several generations and its role in the Slave revolt. They offer self-guided tours in Spanish, or you can also schedule a time with a Spanish-speaking guide in advance. Guided tours in English are ongoing. 

A day trip to Bay Saint Louis 

A getaway only one hour away! On the 2nd Saturday of each month, the shops and restaurants in Old Town Bay St. Louis roll out the red carpet for guests! There will be live music, food and beverage, and retail specials.

SATURDAY, JULY 8, 2023, AT 4 PM is FRIDA FEST, which pays homage to Frida Kahlo- includes a Frida Kahlo look-alike competition!

You no longer have an excuse to experience and get to know New Orleans and its surroundings. If you want to learn more about New Orleans, its history, and the culture of the Crescent City, consider booking a private tour with Soul of NOLA. If you are looking for Spanish-language tours, they offer a French Quarter walking tour on Saturdays for small groups of up to 12 people: JUNE - SEPT 9 am - 11 am and OCT - MAY 10 am - 12 pm.

En Español >>El significado real del ORGULLO

By Axel "LOLA" Rosa

When you think of Gay Pride, what comes to mind? Rainbow flags, parades, parties, your gay coworker constantly reminding you of it all month? Yes, that’s all true, but have you ever wondered how PRIDE started? Perhaps, you didn’t even know that one of the first individuals to riot was a Trans Latina woman. 

The history of PRIDE, some say, began in the 1950s when the President of the United States, Dwight Eisenhower, identified homosexual men and women as a threat to National Security. During his time in office, he signed an executive order banning LGBTQ members from federal government jobs. 

At this point, homosexuality was still considered sodomy and illegal. Many members of the LGBTQ community experienced violence, harassment, discrimination, and even police raids. In New York City, Police raids on LGBTQ bars were common. Although these bars were illegal, the LGBTQ community could still enjoy themselves and socialize amongst each other thanks to the Mafia. They operated the establishments and paid police officers to look the other way. That would stop working on June 28, 1969, when police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar on Christopher Street in lower Manhattan. Patrons were fed up, and their rebellious rioting that night ignited marches of activism and awareness across the nation, setting the tone for the modern gay liberation movement. A year later, on the first anniversary of the riots, the first Gay Pride Parade was organized and held on Christopher St. Back then, there was no glitter, no music, no cover charges, no shows, no sponsors, not even the rainbow flag. It was a movement to fight for the LGBTQ community’s rights. The Rainbow Flag would later become the universal symbol of PRIDE in 1978 by artist Gilbert Baker. Today, PRIDE is celebrated worldwide and still brings awareness to critical issues within the community. In 2011 President Barack Obama proclaimed June to be LGBT PRIDE Month.

The Stonewall Inn riots were said to be led by trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Rivera was born in 1951 as a male but identified as a woman. Her Puerto Rican father was absent, and her Venezuelan mother committed suicide when Rivera was three years old. Eventually, running away from home at 11, she fell victim to sexual exploitation and was homeless most of her young life. Later, she met Johnson, and the two were credited, amongst others, with throwing the first drink at police officers when the Stonewall riots began, and Rivera was only 17 years old.

Along with Johnson in 1971, the two created STAR (Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries), where they housed and supported homeless transgender youth. Rivera died of liver cancer in 2002, but her legacy remains with the Sylvia Rivera Law Project. In 2015, Rivera became the first transgender activist to have her portrait added to Washington D.C.’s National Portrait Gallery.

There is no New Orleans Without Nueva Orleans

By AnaMaria Bech

Click aqui para español- >No habría New Orleans sin Nueva Orleans

The Spanish colonial period in New Orleans lasted for nearly four decades in the late 18th and early 19th centuries, but its impact and legacy remain to this day. Although the city is known for its French heritage, the bilingual exhibition “Spanish New Orleans and the Caribbean” from The Historic New Orleans Collection (THNOC) seeks to rescue the vital influence of the Spanish in the region.

Under Spanish rule, New Orleans saw advances in its infrastructure, economy, and population growth, with a cultural life enriched by its well-educated and knowledgeable leaders in science, agriculture, and the arts.

New Orleans served as an important center in the new world, along with cities such as Havana, Mexico City, Santo Domingo, Santiago de Cuba, and Veracruz.

In this exhibition, more than 120 objects are shown, including maps, documents, furniture, paintings, and books; THNOC owns some, and others are on loan from institutions in Spain, Mexico, and other cities in the United States. These objects are presented together for the first time and demonstrate the importance of New Orleans as a Spanish city in French territory.

Alfred Lemmon curated the exhibit. It was a slow process that took almost seven years due to disruption due to the pandemic. “We had to look for the right documents, but at the same time, we have to find visual documents that tell a story that is interesting to the attendees,” Lemmon said. He also explained some objects are replicas made using the techniques of the time. An example is three flags inside the exhibition. “Made in Madrid, the flags took ten months to complete using 18th-century techniques,” Lemmon added. Another replica is a model of a ship representing one of the Spanish galleons that traveled from the Caribbean to New Orleans, which took 18 months to build.

Touring the exhibition, one can understand the close relationship between the cities along the Gulf of Mexico. Even though Veracruz was closer to Mexico City than New Orleans, the topography made traveling between those cities difficult. According to Lemmon, the exchanges between Veracruz and New Orleans were more frequent, so a school was proposed for young students from Veracruz to study in New Orleans.

Photo credit: Image courtesy of THNOC

In the exhibition, you can see letters between Louis XV, King of France, and Carlos III, King of Spain, in which they greet each other with “dear brother and cousin.” The letters between the monarchs ​​are for the first time in an exhibition together. Based on these documents and years of extensive research, Lemmon concludes that the actual influence in New Orleans was the convergence of the Bourbon kings since the founding of the province of La Louisianne coincided with the strengthening and development of the Bourbons as kings of France and Spain. 

Lemmon also realized that the Spanish understood that although New Orleans had no wealth in gold, its most considerable wealth was the Mississippi River. For this reason, they made sure to populate the region by bringing the Acadians from the new France and the Isleños from the Canary Islands. These inhabitants helped prevent the English from crossing the river and seizing the riches of the Mexican territory.

The exhibition highlights Bernardo de Galvez, governor of Louisiana, son of the Viceroy of Mexico, and a relative of diplomats from Russia to Tierra del Fuego, who dedicated themselves to serving the Spanish crown. Galvez, renowned for his military might, was an intellectual who wrote plays, founded the San Carlos Academy, and donated much of his wealth to help citizens in Mexico. 

“At the end of the Spanish period, the city of New Orleans was three times larger, and the architecture was stronger. The city had a defined center at Jackson Square, with the Cabildo, the Presbytere, and St. Louis Cathedral. It remains one of the most beautiful official centers in the United States,” said Lemmon. 

According to Lemmon, the Spanish also contributed to the independence of the United States. “Carlos III was a close friend of George Washington. A lot of money from the revolution was moved from Havana to New Orleans to help Washington,” he noted.

To learn more about the fascinating history and details of Spanish New Orleans, attend the free bilingual exhibition “New Orleans and the Spanish Caribbean,” on view until January 22, 2023. 

Mardi Gras

with Arthur Hardy

By Ana García

¡Laissez le bon temps rouler!

Let the good times roll!

Click aqui para español- >Mardi Gras con Arthur Hardy

New Orleans is known worldwide for its nightlife and, during Carnival season, for its colorful costume parades and parties on its busy streets. Mardi Gras is not only a big party in the Big Easy, but it is also a deep-rooted tradition that makes our city the most magical of all.

Arthur Hardy, recognized as the leading authority on New Orleans Mardi Gras, is a fifth-generation New Orleanian. Since 1977, Hardy has shared his knowledge of Mardi Gras while appearing on all local and various national media. This time he addresses a bicultural audience for the first time to share the meaning and history of the New Orleans Carnival.

The beginning of Carnival

January 6, Three Kings Day, also known by Christians as “Epiphany,” marks the official start of the Carnival season. Carnival comes from the Latin “carne levare,” meaning “farewell to meat.” Hardy reminds us that the carnival season can be as long as 63 days, always culminating on Fat Tuesday, the day before the important day of repentance in the Catholic tradition of Ash Wednesday. It is that last day of carnival, Mardi Gras, when people opt to party and feast on the famous Bourbon Street.

The King Cake

During this season, it is also tradition to enjoy the famous King Cake, which includes the surprise of a plastic baby. The person who gets the piece with the baby in it becomes the king or queen for the day. According to Hardy, that’s the good news. “The bad news is that person has to buy the next cake or throw the next party, so it’s a fun tradition.” King Cake is the flavor of Mardi Gras, and “hundreds of thousands of King Cakes are shipped out of town to give people a little taste of the Mardi Gras season,” adds Hardy.

Krewes through the years

Krewes are another vital component of the Mardi Gras celebration. Hardy reminds us that the first krewe began in 1857. It was a group of white men, mostly very wealthy, who practically ran the city and society. This krewe was a free party for visitors and its residents. Since then, it has become a more diverse and inclusive celebration. “It started small, and now it’s big. It was exclusive, and now it’s inclusive. Women have taken over within the last ten years. Women now lead large krewes like Muses,” says Hardy.

“There’s something for everyone at Mardi Gras. If you want to join an organization, you’ll find one for you. There are male organizations, female organizations, predominantly black, co-ed, any combination of gender and race you want.”

Ball Dances

Some of the oldest krewes that continue today maintain their traditions. Rex, established in 1872, is the oldest parade, which this year celebrates its 150th anniversary. Comus was the first parade, but now they only have the gala that represents the closing of the carnival on the night of Mardi Gras. The carnival ball is a unique experience. “These are all traditions where for one day you can be a queen or a king, it’s all a fantasy, but it’s fun, and in New Orleans, we take fun seriously.”

A celebrity always represents the King of Bacchus and, instead of the traditional ball, there is a big party at the Superdome,” Hardy relates.

Controversy

Zulu, a parade whose members are African American, was the first parade to include white people as guest passengers on its floats, and its tradition has wearing blackface. “It’s a controversial thing; some people think it’s undignified,” says Hardy, who doesn’t see this tradition as a controversy. “It’s what we’ve done since 1910. We think it’s fun, so if you don’t like it, don’t come. I like that attitude, don’t tell us how to celebrate, we know what we’re doing, and we have fun. If they don’t get it, tough luck.”

The Colors

Rex’s krewe chose the representative colors of the Mardi Gras Carnival. Hardy reminds us that the meaning of each color comes from the Catholic Church. Purple represents justice, green represents faith, and gold signifies power.

Throw me something, mister!

Each float has tokens members throw to carnival-goers as souvenirs.

The doubloon is one of the oldest objects, introduced in 1960 by the Rex parade. This coin is a favorite among collectors and is made of aluminum and comes in various colors, the most predominant being purple, green, and gold.

Plastic cups and beads are also popular during Mardi Gras. They usually have the krewe’s logo, the float’s name, and the year.

Handmade throws include the famous Zulu hand-painted coconuts and the Muses’ shoes decorated and designed uniquely, with lots of shine and personality by its members.

Toys are also crucial for the children in the crowd. Some of them have the krewe’s emblem, and although they do not have a historical significance as the doubloon, they are lots of fun to try to grab.

The meeting of the kings

Lundi Gras is the annual meeting between the King of Rex and Zulu, representing the opening of the Mardi Gras festivities. This tradition that existed many years ago resurfaced when Errol Laborde, publisher and editor of New Orleans magazine, came up with the idea of hosting a Monday night event to bring people back to be part of the celebration. “Now on Lundi Gras, it’s a huge deal. Parades in the evening, Rex and Zulu’s landing at the foot of the Mississippi River. It used to be a slow carnival day to get ready for Fat Tuesday, but now it’s a big celebration.”

Today’s Mardi Gras

Hardy believes that Mardi Gras is such a big celebration that it has no room to grow any bigger, although he acknowledges that there are always ways to innovate and improve it. Carnival is also a significant economic driver for New Orleans and the state of Louisiana, which, according to Hardy’s research, no one has been able to measure accurately. “It’s big business. When we lost Mardi Gras last year, it was devastating to many people. So I think this year will be a very successful Mardi Gras.” Hardy believes that Mardi Gras is better now than it used to be.

The Mardi Gras Guide

Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide is the only publication dedicated 100% to Carnival. It includes articles, facts, and the schedules of all the Mardi Gras parades. Arthur Hardy’s Mardi Gras Guide has sold more than three million copies and received multiple awards. The guide is available in all supermarkets in the region, and you can buy it on mardigrasguide.com.

Hardy, who has participated in parades, shares one last thought about what Mardi Gras means to us in our city. “Mardi Gras is a warm and wonderful thing. I’ve never tired of it. If you can’t have a good time during Mardi Gras, check your pulse.”

By Cody Downey

With 2021 at a close, it is time to look at how Latinos progressed in representation this year. Though it can always be better, the presence of our culture and community on film and television has increased.

Below are some of the best Latino representations portrayed this year.

*Note: These films and shows are what I picked based on what I saw this year. If you believe we missed out on something, make sure to leave a comment and let us know.)

Best Actor: Anthony Ramos as Usnavi de la Vega in “In the Heights”

Returning to the role he last played on stage in 2018, Puerto Rican actor Anthony Ramos shines as Usnavi de la Vega in the “In the Heights” film adaptation.

The son of Dominican immigrants, Usnavi runs a bodega in Washington Heights with his cousin Sonny and hopes to return to his parents’ home country to revive his father’s business. Throughout the movie, he must deal with the changing demographic of his neighborhood, the discovery of a winning lottery ticket bought from his store, and the potential relationship blossoming between him and his crush Vanessa.

Ramos does excellent in this role, bringing his amazing vocals and acting talent to the film. He brings a charming and relatable vibe to the character of Usnavi, making the viewer want to see him succeed. Though he may not have been the originator of the role, Anthony Ramos makes sure to provide an unforgettable performance, nonetheless.

Best Actress: Lorenza Izzo as Celina Guerrera in “Women is Losers”

Telling an inspiring story of a woman’s fight to rise above her circumstances, Chilean actress Lorenza Izzo breaks through as Celina Guerrera in “Women is Losers.”

Growing up in 1960s San Francisco, Celina Guerrera is a young math prodigy who faces a series of setbacks after becoming pregnant by her Vietnam veteran boyfriend. Meeting all the hardships of a young mother in this era, Celina takes it head-on, managing to find her way in a world that isn’t always looking out for her.

Izzo is an absolute standout in this film, carrying it and creating a character that is easy to root for and want to follow. Choosing the lead actor is essential in a movie like this, and Izzo effortlessly takes control of the screen.

Best Actor in a Series: Jaden Michael as Colin Kaepernick in “Colin in Black and White”

Traveling from the world of vampires in Vampires vs. the Bronx to the world of youth sports, Dominican-American actor Jaden Michael plays the role of the former football player and activist Colin Kaepernick in “Colin in Black and White.”

The series follows Colin through his football career as he develops into an athlete and a teenager. His unique experience shapes Colin’s world. He discovers himself through different encounters in life and with the help of his close friends and his adoptive parents.

Michael shines in the role of a young Colin Kaepernick, showing all the nuances of a young man who must go through a lot before he truly understands who he is in the world. Taking on the many twists and turns the character faces, Jaden Michael masterfully shows a bright future ahead of him in acting.

Best Actress in a Series: Selena Gomez as Mabel Mora in “Only Murders in this Building”

Moving past her days of being a Disney Channel star, Mexican-American actress and singer Selena Gomez shows her growth with her performance as Mabel Mora in “Only Murders in this Building.”

Drawn together by a shared love of true crime podcasts, Mabel Mora befriends former television actor Charles-Haden Savage and Broadway director Oliver Putnam. They all live in the same apartment building. When a fellow resident is murdered, the trio decides to make a podcast to investigate, quickly realizing that there is more to the murder than they initially thought.

Despite acting for years now, Gomez does a fantastic job holding up comedically against comedy legends like Steve Martin and Martin Short. She shows her versatility in this role, proving that she is more than just a former child star.

Best Animated Film: “Encanto”

Presenting a beautiful depiction of Colombia with an almost entirely Colombian and Colombian-American cast, Encanto is another Disney film that speaks to people of all ages.

Following the Madrigal family of Colombia, Mirabel Madrigal is the only member of her family who doesn’t have a special power like super strength or shapeshifting. However, when her family’s magical powers start to fade, it is up to Mirabel to discover what’s happening and how to stop it.

Showcasing a powerful and vibrant Latino family on-screen, Encanto helps send a message of the importance of family and how everyone is unique.

Best Animated Series: “Maya and the Three”

Inspired by the mythology of early Mesoamerica, Maya, and the Three is another beautifully animated tale from Jorge Gutierrez, creator of “The Book of Life and El Tigre: The Many Adventures of Manny Rivera.”

Following the warrior princess of Maya on her fifteenth birthday, the young woman discovers the world she was raised in is not what it seemed. This realization comes as the gods of the Underworld threaten her family for committing a series of misdeeds. It will be up to Maya and her three new friends to fight to save their family and fulfill an ancient prophecy.

With excellent voice acting and excellent visuals, this miniseries presents a new female hero to enter leagues with other great women icons and be a role model to young girls.

Best Series: “Gentefied”

Bringing the very different Morales cousins back again to protect their family, Gentefied manages to balance varying storylines to offer a tale of community and solidarity.

After their grandfather Casimiro “Pop” Morales is released from jail, cousins Erik, Ana, and Chris Morales work together to keep Pop from leaving for Mexico and keep the family restaurant alive. All the while, the cousins have their problems from new opportunities, changes of scenery, and new relationships.

Able to mix comedy and drama perfectly, this series allows each character the focus to do something new and experience it in a familiar space.

Best Documentary: “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It”

Telling the life of the iconic actress, activist, and EGOT winner, Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It takes a look at the actress and how she paved the way for Latino actors and actresses in the entertainment industry.

The documentary follows Rita Moreno throughout her life, from coming to the United States from Puerto Rico to landing the role in West Side Story and the aftermath of that role. It also talks about other aspects of Moreno’s life from her relationships, activism, and fight for non-stereotypical roles in Hollywood.

Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It is a very human documentary getting to the complete essence of who Rita Moreno is without pulling any punches and being completely honest about her experiences

Best Film: “In the Heights”

Taking the popular musical and putting it onto the big screen, In the Heights tells a story of fighting for your dreams against all odds and finding your place in the world even when it feels like there isn’t a place for you.

Washington Heights is the film set. The plot is about a wide variety of characters striving to achieve their dreams. The story develops around a bodega owner who tries to revive his father’s business, a young woman dealing with the pressure of being one of the few in her community to go to college, and a stylist who wishes to leave her home. These characters interact with one another and face a series of challenges that include gentrification, losing loved ones, and navigating changing relationships.

“In the Heights” is undoubtedly the biggest Latino film of the year, with an almost entirely Latino cast in a story that doesn’t fall into any stereotypes. With beautiful choreography and fantastic songs, this film is an instant classic proving how Hollywood can show Latinos on the big screen.

Latino Creative of the Year: Lin-Manuel Miranda

From his humble beginnings to his meteoric rise of fame, Puerto Rican actor, composer, director, producer, and singer Lin-Manuel has managed to dominate, representing Latinos in 2021.

As an actor, Miranda played the bit role of Piragüero in the adaptation of his first Broadway musical, “In the Heights.” He was the voice for the titular kinkajou in the animated Netflix film “Vivo.” He composed the music and contributed to the writing of “Encanto” and directed and produced “Tick, Tick… Boom!” about Rent’s playwright Jonathan Larson. He was also the producer of the documentary “Rita Moreno: Just a Girl Who Decided to Go for It.”

Miranda has shown that no matter how he is working in the entertainment industry, he will find a way to put Latinos on the big screen!

Por Ana García

Para entender el mundo mágico de Disney, solo basta con explorar la visión y sueños de un genio que, con su creatividad, curiosidad, talento, perseverancia y con una imaginación sin límites, cambió el mundo del entretenimiento para siempre.

Walt Elías Disney nació en Chicago el 5 de diciembre de 1901.  Desde muy pequeño demostró su talento haciendo caricaturas, las cuales comenzó a VENDER para ganar un poco de dinero. En su adolescencia, descubrió su pasión por el cine.

En 1923, junto a su hermano Roy O. Disney, comenzaron a producir dibujos animados para luego crear uno de los personajes animados más famosos de la historia, Mickey Mouse. Fue durante una visita a Sudamérica, donde a este pionero de películas animadas le nació su amor por nuestra cultura latinoamericana y donde su creatividad creció aún más.

En 1941, en vísperas de la entrada de Estados Unidos a la segunda guerra mundial, el presidente Franklin Roosevelt envió a Disney con 16 de sus artistas a Latino América con el fin de frenar la influencia de los Nazis y fascistas en este continente. Para Roosevelt, Disney encarnaba el espíritu capitalista americano. Esto llevó a Walt y su grupo de artistas a conocer Brasil, Argentina y Chile. Durante su aventura por todos estos países latinoamericanos, conocieron muchos artistas y aprendieron mucho sobre el folklore de las regiones que visitaban. Exploraron y buscaron canciones, lugares, bailes y personalidades para sus animaciones. Así nació la inspiración de crear el personaje de José Carioca, un loro brasilero. Toda esta aventura llevó a la creación de un sin número de animaciones de películas y cortos con personajes basados en culturas hispanas como, “Saludos Amigos”, “Los Tres Caballeros”, y muchas más.

La compañía de estudios Disney cuenta hoy con un sinfín de películas. Como latinos, para nosotros es muy especial saber que películas producidas por esta compañía están inspiradas en nuestros países latinoamericanos. Las películas como: “Coco” (México), “Up” (Venezuela), “Las Locuras del Emperador” (Perú), y, la más reciente, “Encanto” (Colombia) estrenada en noviembre 2021, representan mágicamente culturas que hacen que familias se transporten a estos lugares sin tener que salir de casa.

 La visión de este soñador iba más allá de sus películas animadas. Por eso creó los parques temáticos de Disney en California para que gente de todas las edades “entren a un mundo del ayer, del mañana y de fantasía”. Años más tarde y después de su muerte, nace Walt Disney World con la misma visión de entretener y de hacer los sueños realidad a todos quienes visiten el parque.

 Walt Disney World está de fiesta por su 50 aniversario, y aunque este empresario admirado por muchos alrededor del mundo no esté con nosotros, su visión sigue gracias a un sin número de “Imagineers” que con su talento continúan haciendo llegar el legado de Walt Disney a todos los hogares, sin importar el idioma. Hoy, todo lo que Walt Disney representa se ve reflejado no solo en estos parques sino también en sus películas que nos hacen soñar, reír y llorar con sus mensajes inspiradores.

VIVA LATIN AMERICA

By Ana García

Click aqui para español- >VIVA LATINO AMERICA

Hispanic Heritage Month is observed in the U.S. from September 15 through

October 15. How much do you know about Latin American / Hispanic countries?

Here are some cool facts about these beautiful nations.

Costa Rica

Capital: San José.

What country is “Pura Vida”, and its typical breakfast is “Gallo Pinto”? Costa

Rica, located in Central America, is one of the most biodiverse countries in

the world and is one of the few countries in the world with no army.

Mexico

Capital: Mexico City

Mexico has the largest square plaza in the world and the second most

visited Catholic sanctuary in the world.

Its capital city has over 170 museums, which makes it the second city in

the world with the largest number of museums.

The meteorite that wiped out dinosaurs millions of years ago hit the

Mexican Yucatan Peninsula.

El Salvador

Capital: San Salvador

The delicious “pupusas” are known throughout Central America

but are originally from El Salvador.

It is the smallest country in Central America and is home to the

largest soccer stadium in Central America, the Estadio Cuscatlán.

Guatemala

Capital: Guatemala City

The Mayan ruins of Tikal are today for this country, what the great pyramids

they are for Egypt, a national symbol. The national bird is the quetzal. The coin is named after the bird. Lake Atitlán is the deepest lake in Central America.

Belize

Capital: Belmopan

The song “La Isla Bonita” was written as a lament for the people of Belize and was later reworked by Madonna for her album in 1986. It has the most recently established capital city in in Central America, founded in 1970.

Queen Elizabeth II is the head of state, represented by a Governor General.

Nicaragua

Capital: Managua

Félix Rubén García Sarmiento, better known as Rubén Darío, is one of the most recognized poets in the Spanish language.

Lake Nicaragua is Central America’s largest lake.

Granada is the oldest city in Latin America. It was founded in 1524.

Honduras

Capital: Tegucigalpa

Honduras’ native dance, Punta, was declared by UNESCO as “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.”

Honduras is home to the second largest coral reef in the world after the Great Barrier Reef.

The Archaeological Park of Copán houses a Hieroglyphic Staircase that contains the largest written text in the world. Built in 755 AD.

Panamá

Capital: Panamá City / Ciudad de Panamá

Besides having one of the 7 wonders of the world, The Panama Canal, this country has spectacular flora and fauna.

The territory was controlled by the United States between 1903 and 1977.

It is the only country in the world where you can see the sunrise in the Atlantic Ocean and the sunset in the Pacific from the top of its highest point, the Barú volcano.

Dominican Republic

Capital: Santo Domingo

Merengue and bachata are unique Caribbean musical genres heard around the planet and deemed world heritage.

The Dominican Republic is the site of the oldest colonial settlement in the Americas and home to Christopher Columbus’s first New World landing point in 1492.It is the largest economy in the Caribbean and Central American region.

Cuba

Capital: La Habana / Havana

This country is known all over the world for its famous cigars and for having one of the most popular Latin singers of the 20th century, Celia Cruz ... “¡Azúcar!”

Cuba is home to the bee hummingbird, the smallest bird in the world.

Its main music genre is son Cubano, which is a unique mix of instruments like bongos, trumpets, keys and the tres guitar.

Puerto Rico

Capital: San Juan

Casa Bacardi is the largest rum distillery in the world. It is so large that more than 70% of the rum sold in the United States comes from this country.

Puerto Rico has the largest shopping center in the Caribbean, Plaza las Americas.

The remains of the Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León are found in a tomb inside the Cathedral of San Juan.

Colombia

Capital: Bogotá

Colombia is recognized worldwide for its delicious coffee, and for its music such as cumbia, vallenato, and salsa. Traditional meals include the Bandeja Paisa, Sancocho, and Pandebono.

It has a naturally occurring Rainbow River, the Caño Cristales. The river’s vibrant water and unique colors are found in no other streams on Earth.

90% of the world’s emeralds come from this Colombia.

Venezuela

Capital: Caracas

This country is known for having the highest waterfall in the world, Angel Falls, which was Disney’s inspiration for the creation of one of his films “UP.”

NASA declared Lake Maracaibo the thunderstorm capital of the world.

Canaima National Park is a jewel of natural splendor comprised of some of the oldest landforms on earth. It is one of the largest national parks in the world.

Perú

Capital: Lima

In this country you can find 12 examples of UNESCO world heritage sites and more than 100,000 archaeological sites: being Machu Picchu, one of them.

It has the highest sand dune in the world: Cerro Blanco in the Sechura Desert.

It has the tallest flower in the world, the Puya Raimondi plant that is only found in the high peaks of the Andes.

Ecuador

Capital: Quito

Ecuador is known for its enchanted islands, The Galapagos, its location in the middle of the planet, its famous pasillo music, and its delicious fried food.

Ecuador is home to the closest point to outer space on Earth: the Chimborazo volcano.

The Panama hat comes from artisans who reside in the cities of Cuenca and Montecristi.

Chile
Capital: Santiago
Chile is recognized for its wines and for being the host of one of the greatest cultural events such as the Viña del Mar Festival. Chile is alsoknown for the great poets Gabriela Mistral and Pablo Neruda.
It is home to the Atacama Desert, one of the driest places on the planet.Its national liquor, Pisco, is a type of Brandy produced in the Chileanregions of Atacama and Coquimbo.

Paraguay
Capital: Asunción
Paraguay is a country where 90% of its population is bilingual. Its official languages are Spanish and Guaraní. It has one of the most important and extensive ecosystems in the world, the banana plantation, which is shared
with Brazil and Bolivia.The ”Tereré” is the national drink, named a cultural heritage. The Paraná River, which runs through Paraguay, Brazil and Argentina, is the second longest in South America after the Amazon.

Bolivia
Capital: La Paz
This country has the largest salt flat in the world: The Salar de Uyuni is so big that it can be seen from space. Beneath the salt flat is the world’s largest lithium deposit. La Paz is unofficially the highest capital city in the world. The official capital is Sucre but the working capital (the seat of government) is in La Paz. Lake Titicaca which straddles the border between Peru and Bolivia is the world’s highest navegable lake.

Uruguay
Capital: Montevideo
Known for its delicious dishes such as chivito and asado and also for hosting the first soccer World Cup in 1930. Uruguay’s national anthem is the longest in the world with more than 102 music bars and a duration of 6 minutes. The capital city, Montevideo, is located on the Río de la Plata that separates Uruguay from Argentina.

Argentina

Capital: Buenos Aires

Tango, the most sensual dance, was born in Argentina.

The famous Río de la Plata is of great economic and social importance.

Argentina is home to the highest and lowest points in the southern hemisphere.

The first animated film was created in Argentina in 1917 by Quirino Cristiani, who inspired Walt Disney during his tour in Latin America.

Brazil

Capital: Brasilia

Samba music is recognized as the national cultural heritage of Brazil. The national soccer team has been the only one to attend all the World Cups.

60% of the Amazon rainforest belongs to Brazil. There are more than 400 airports in this nation.

Rio de Janeiro was once the capital of Portugal, which means that it was the only European capital city located outside of Europe.

Spain

Capital: Madrid

Flamenco is one of the symbols of the Iberian country. The famous Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was the author of the first modern novel in history, Don Quixote de la Mancha.

Tapas are a national gastronomic pride. Madrid has the oldest restaurant in the world, Botín restaurant, recognized in Guinness Records. Spain is the only European country that has a border with an African country.