Latina Weekly

The history of slavery in Cuba is a complicated one. Dependent upon free slave labor to run its plantations, slavery in Cuba was part of the larger Atlantic slave trade until it was abolished in 1886. While it took a decree from Spain to officially end slavery, it was an American abolitionist named Henry Highland Garnet who called for the invasion of Cuba to free slaves in 1873. Reverend Garnet was born into slavery in Maryland but in 1815 but had escaped from enslavement by 1824 along with several family members. He and his family managed to reunite in New… Read more: Henry Highland Garnet : Cuba and A Narrow Escape from Slavery

As global political tensions rise, so does rising concerns over longstanding current wars and armed conflicts. While the mainstream media continues to focus on conflicts in Gaza and the Ukraine, other areas of the world are experiencing armed conflicts, some of which have been ongoing for decades. This raises the question: “exactly how many countries are currently at war?” The answer is 32, according to World Population Review’s article “Countries Currently at War / Countries at War 2024” The article contains a world map outlining war zones and casualties. Wikipedia also has a very detailed list on the subject under… Read more: Countries at War in 2024

One of those once in a lifetime experiences and the recipient of many five star reviews, Jose Cuervo’s Tequila Express Train offers travelers a scenic journey via train and a way to discover more about the story behind one of Mexico’s most traditional spirits. The journey begins in Jalisco’s state capital,Guadalajara, with a couple hour trip that ends with a visit to the town of Tequila and Latin America’s oldest distillery, Destilería La Rojeña. Traveling by train allows one to relax and enjoy the stunning terrain and agave lined fields. The travel website Tripadvisor.com contains some excellent content and insight… Read more: All Aboard ! The Jose Cuervo Express Tequila Train

As part of a series of speeches at the Democratic National Convention (DNC), U.S. House of Representatives member Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) was heavily criticized for adjusting her accent while addressing the audience and nation. The headlines were highly critical, blasting the performance with statements like “AOC mocked debuting bizarre new accent Democrat National-Convention” by the UK dailymail and others. AOC quickly responded by stating “‘Folks talking about my voice can step right off,’ she wrote on Twitter. “Any kid who grew up in a distinct linguistic culture & had to learn to navigate class enviros at school/work knows what’s up.… Read more: AOC DNC Speech Fake Accent Controversy : Code Switching

In a disturbing trend, the maternal mortality rate among black women in the United States is now three to four times higher compared to the general population and predominately white areas. The impact of racial disparities in health care, particularly those involving black women has reached a critical level, placing both women and their children at an alarmingly high risk for pregnancy-related complications, including death. The elevated risk is not limited to rural areas alone. New York City has one of the highest rates of maternal mortality where black women are four times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes… Read more: Elevated Maternal Mortality Rates Alarming News : Black Women Are Four Times More Likely to Die in NYC

The exact cause of a massive explosion at the La Rojeña Factory in Tequila, Jalisco that resulted in at least six deaths remains unknown. According to Civil Protection Jalisco, the explosion that occurred on Tuesday at 4:30 pm CST was likely due to a boiler but the exact cause is still being investigated. The La Rojeña Factory is one of the oldest tequila distilleries in Latin America and is where Jose Cuervo, one of the world’s best selling tequilas, is produced. The factory explosion resulted in the deaths of six workers; the company stated it occurred while maintenance was being… Read more: Cause of Jose Cuervo Factory Tank Explosion Remains Unknown

Apple keyboard shortcut : How to add tilda Spanish accents and other diacritical language marks

One of Mexico’s most popular drinks is tepache – a traditional mildly alcoholic beverage made out of fermented pineapple rinds and sugar. Notable for its low calorie characteristics as a beverage and cocktail mixer as well as potential health benefits, tepache can either be purchased ready to drink (RTD) or made at home using a home brewing kit. For those who prefer the ready to drink option, De La Calle offers tepache in multiple flavors, is certified organic and climate pledge friendly. Their products also appeal to the calorie conscious. According to De La Calle’s product website, the alcohol by… Read more: Tepache – A Low Alcohol Drink You Can Brew At Home

Immigrants represent an essential part of the US economy. To underscore this point, the Joint Economic Committee issued a report detailing the financial effects of recent increased immigration on the United States economy. The title of the report is aptly named “Immigrants Are Vital To The US Economy.” The report begins with a brief statement on how the effects of the Covid 19 pandemic influenced the way we view recent and new immigrants to the US. During the 2020 pandemic lockdowns, immigrant workers accounted for a greater proportion of “essential” jobs. Immigrants played a key role in maintaining the economy… Read more: Robust US Economy : Fed Chair Powell Acknowledges Positive Effect of Immigration

Mexican food is some of the best on earth. It’s also one of the most challenging when it comes to pairing with beverages. The complexity of spices, texture and sheer range of cuisine choices and combinations makes it difficult to rely on a simplistic approach. Just imagine – many traditional moles contain 30 different ingredients and some can have over 100 ! That’s a lot of food chemistry at work. Now try and decide what beverage would compliment it the best. No easy task. When it comes to pairing food with beverages, someone once told me it’s best to stay… Read more: Enchiladas Suizas – A Beverage Pairing Challenge

Here’s something many people don’t know. In the United States, non alcoholic beverages are not alcohol free. According to US standards, the term “non alcoholic” applies to any beverage with an ABV (alcohol by volume) below 0.5%. Alcohol free labels are reserved for malt beverages containing no alcohol. The distinction between non alcoholic and alcohol free beverages is a salient one. The non alcoholic (or NA) beverage market is developing rapidly and verging on becoming a mainstream industry. Consumer intelligence data has revealed an expanding NA market along with a steadily increasing demand for non alcoholic beverages; non alcoholic beverages… Read more: Emerging Markets and Trends – Non Alcoholic Beverages

Following a historic election held on June 2nd 2024, Mexico announced its first woman president. In a landslide victory, Claudia Sheinbaum (a member of Morena, Mexico’s current ruling political party) was elected president. The election outcome was expected, Sheinbaum has been the leading contender for the country’s top leadership position for some time. Known affectionately as “President Claudia” or “Es Claudia,” she has won over the minds and hearts of a Mexican populace demanding for a change in current policies. Specifically, Sheinbaum has proposed government plans to continue to support reforms initiated by her predecessor former President Andrés Manuel López… Read more: Mexico Elects First Woman President – Claudia Sheinbaum Wins Historic Landslide Election Victory

As the United States grapples with the Trump trial guilty verdict, its impact on the election and other ramifications, Mexico is on the verge of electing its first female president. The country’s historic election will be held this Sunday. Current consensus indicates a highly probability it will be a woman who is elected as Mexico’s next president; the two leading presidential candidates — Claudia Sheinbaum and Xóchitl Gálvez — are both women. Sheinbaum is the current favorite leading in the presidential polls. A scientist and former government leader, she has vowed to make crime and safety her top priority via… Read more: Mexico’s Election 2024 – First Woman Mexican President Prediction

Cuba’s sugar industry continues to struggle with historically low raw sugar production. As inflation continues to spread across multiple countries throughout the world, Cuba too has been affected by rising costs and supply chain challenges. Specifically, fuel and vehicle shortages have negatively impacted Cuba’s sugar industry as both are essential for sugar cane production. Once an exporter of sugar, Cuba is now required to import sugar to meet its own domestic demand. Azcuba, the state-owned sugar company, has continued production while others have stalled.1 Cuba relies on profits derived from rum exports; the dismal rum harvest results directly affect both… Read more: Cuba’s Legendary Rum Producers Grapple with Latest Sugar Shortage

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A Mexican medical resident is the subject of controversy and outright vitriol due to two items he purchased online from Cartier’s website. The savvy shopper was doing some intenet browsing when he spotted a pair of Cartier earrings for only 237 Pesos or about 14 USD. According to the article, Rogelio Villarreal “broke out in a cold sweat” after spotting the incredible bargain. Believing the deal couldn’t possibly be true, he went ahead an ordered two pairs of the luxury designer’s gold and diamond earrings. When Cartier realized the error – the earrings should have been priced at 14,000$ not… Read more: Honest Mistake ? Consumer Buys Cartier Earrings for $14

As the housing crisis continues in the United States and beyond, some potential home buyers are seeking alternatives abroad. Italy’s “1 Euro Houses” program offers homes for sale at a symbolic price of 1 Euro. While that may sound like a bargain, several of the homes on their site require a large amount of personal and financial investment for restoration and repair. Additionally, there are legal fees, taxes, specific town residency rules and requirements and more. Called a “restoration program” by some, Italy’s One Euro home program began back in 2010; it’s been covered by several media outlets over the… Read more: A House For A Dollar ? Italy’s One Euro Homes – but There’s a Catch

As the weather warms up, there’s no better time to enjoy the bright sunny days with your favorite drink and some good company. The nonalcoholic cocktail trend continues to thrive but recipes can always be supplemented with your favorite wine or spirit. One of the strengths of the nonalcoholic cocktail is its versatility – plus no concerns over becoming intoxicated. Another benefit is allowing all of your guests to enjoy their beverage as well as offering an alcoholic version if they prefer. Not only is it a considerate gesture, it also reflects a more elegant refined atmosphere overall. While there’s… Read more: Nonalcoholic Summer Cocktails and Drinks for 2024

Searching for opinions on inflation and the economy, I stumbled across this Yahoo Finance video from November 7th 2023 by NYU Stern School of Business Professor Emeritus Nouriel Roubini. Now, almost five months later, it has proved to be consistent with the Federal Reserve Board’s monetary policy on interest rates, at least so far. Unlike some financial experts who were predicting rate hikes as early as January 2024, Roubini diverged from this popular opinion, instead backing the “higher for longer” sentiment. With the presidential election rapidly approaching, the video also covers Roubini’s insight into both current and former US presidents.… Read more: Highly Insightful : Nouriel Roubini’s Fed Interest Rate Predictions Back In November 2023

The number of cases of Dengue continue to surge in multiple countries throughout Latin America. Most recently, the CDC has issued a Health Alert for the country of Brazil, citing rising cases of both Dengue and Oropouche fever. Cases of Dengue have also been rising in other parts of Latin America — including Argentina, Guatemala, Paraguay, Mexico, Colombia, Peru, Puerto Rico, Barbados, throughout the Caribbean, Central and South America and essentially wherever mosquito populations carry the disease. Rising temperatures and record rainfalls have contributed to the increasing mosquito population and spread of Dengue fever. Several countries, including Brazil, have taken… Read more: Dengue Outbreak 2024 : Cases Rise in South America and Caribbean

As if there isn’t enough to worry about. Washington Post correspondent Kevin Seiff recently traveled to Oaxaca Mexico to investigate the diminishing supply of wild agave plants. Popularity, increasing profitability, and high demand in the face of limited supply risks placing certain agave species in a potentially unsustainable crisis. Why is this so concerning? While most consumers are familiar with tequila (a type of mezcal made from Agave Tequilana or Blue Agave), many are less familiar with the intricacies of mezcal. Unlike tequila, mezcal is often sourced from a variety of wild agave plants with a range of taste profiles.… Read more: Margarita Madness ! Wild Agave Shortage. Will Mezcal Vanish ?

In a “what did I just read” moment, I did a quick internet search on the topic covered in this CNN article. Unexpectedly, the search revealed an obscure group of round earth deniers. In an effort to comprehend this fringe concept, I delved a little more into the subject matter. And yes, there are those who still believe the earth is flat. CNN’s coverage regarding a North Carolina nominee for superintendent overseeing the public schools included several highly disturbing statements. Politics aside, read for yourself. The views expressed by the candidate are extreme.

Dengue is a viral illness transmitted by mosquitos. Also known as “break-bone fever” it can be asymptomatic or lead to serious complications, including a host of symptoms such as fever, nausea, vomiting, headache, pain, lethargy etc. Dengue’s most feared complication (other than death) is bleeding and a series of hemorrhagic manifestations. Infected individuals may experience petechiae, bruising of the skin, as well as bleeding from the nose, mouth and gastrointestinal system. In extreme cases, hospitalization is required. Brazil’s cases of Dengue normally surge after March; this year’s early surging of cases marks a potentially ominous trend. Whether due to elevated… Read more: Brazil Struggles with Dengue Outbreak – Over 1 Million Cases Since Beginning of 2024

El Salvador made history when it first adopted Bitcoin as a legal tender back in 2021. At the time, the President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele revealed his dream to transform the country into a cryptocurrency friendly tax haven. When he announced plans for “Bitcoin City” it sparked a wave of Bitcoin enthusiasts tourism. According to reports, Bukele’s plans include a city powered by geothermal energy offering a cryptocurrency tax-free haven for Bitcoin investors. El Salvador launched its own app called “Chivo Wallet” designed to offer benefits akin to a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC). The development of this government… Read more: El Salvador Adopted Bitcoin in 2021 – Debt Soared to 25 Billion in 2022

Enchiladas Suizas is a dish shrouded in a mysterious past. Literally translated Enchiladas Suizas means “Swiss enchiladas,”  a name attributed by some to the large amount of cheese and cream resembling the Swiss alps and by others to culinary influences from Swiss immigrants on Mexican cuisine. Enchiladas are a a traditional staple deeply rooted in Mexico’s past. Derived from corn, enchiladas originated in Mexico and date back to Mayan times, perhaps even before then. Corn itself is one of the most ancient food staples, originally known as maize (Zea mays), many believe that maize originated in Mexico and was domesticated… Read more: The Mystery of Enchiladas Suizas : Controversies, Cuisine & History

The serrano pepper (Capsicum annuum) is frequently found in local supermarkets in its green unripened form. The serrano originates from the mountains in Mexico and resembles a miniature skinny jalepeno. With a Scoville rating of 10,000 to 25,000 serranos are hotter than the jalapeno and tend to have a fruitier more complex flavor with a bit of a zing. The heat level can be adjusted by removing the seeds and white membranes inside the chili. So what are serranos best used for? One of their classic uses is sauces and salsas. The serrano (paired with green tomatillos) is used to… Read more: Chile Peppers : The Serrano Ceviche ~ Family Recipe

The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) expects Argentina’s rate of inflation to skyrocket to 250% for 2024 as its economy and currency continues to struggle. Major reforms initiated by newly elected President Javier Milei have met with protests while the country’s economy attempts to restore stability. The resulting turmoil has created tremendous hardship for Argentinians — including (not surprisingly) effects on the mental health of its citizens. As the currency continues to rapidly lose its value and food and commodities costs rise, families are left unable to feed themselves. In fact, Argentina has the world’s second highest food… Read more: Argentina Inflation Projected at 250%