Carnival is celebrated throughout the Catholic world approximately five weeks before Easter every year. It is a time of celebration.
Read more 04 Feb 2018
Cultural Corner: Carnival
16 Dec 2016
Weihnachten ~ German Christmas
21 Sep 2015
Spanish Culture: Traditional Clothing
The traditional clothing of the Hispanic world varies a lot by country. Some items go back to the pre-conquest indigenous traditions while others are more recent. In this blog, I will discuss two common articles of clothing: the sombrero and poncho as well as one lesser-known item, the huipil a traditional blouse of Central America.
Read more 12 Aug 2015
Cultural Corner: Traditional Latin Music
This blog focuses on three types of traditional Latin American music and dancing: mariachi from Mexico, salsa from the Caribbean and cueca from South America.
Read more 11 May 2015
Cultural Corner: Traditional Mexican Dishes
People across North America love Mexican food. The quality and authenticity of the food varies a lot by the region and the restaurant in which it is served. A lot of food that North Americans consider to be Mexican food is actually Tex-Mex a type of Americanized Mexican food. An example of this type of food is nachos, a meal in which corn tortillas are covered with cheese, olives, green onions and various types of spiced meat. While delicious, this is not authentic Mexican food!
Read more 24 Jul 2014
Cultural Corner: German Beer Basics
Navigating beer in Germany as a foreigner can be daunting. There are over four dozen official varieties, each stemming from the various regions of Germany and owing to specialized brewing techniques. Here we will look at the basics as well as some cultural tips surrounding pure consumption.
Read more 19 Aug 2013
Cultural Corner: Latin Society
When studying a new language it is important to understand the culture that envelops and supports that language to truly understand it. North American society and Latin society have many similarities but also some differences. Below I will discuss two fundamental institutions in Latin society; family and church.
Read more 12 Jun 2013
Cultural Corner: Tapas and Sangria
Tapas are a type of food popular in Spain. People in Spain eat differently and at different hours than those in North America. Generally breakfast is very light consisting of only a coffee with milk and perhaps a churro, a cylindrical deep-fried pastry similar to a doughnut. Lunch is served around midday and is often followed by a siesta, a midday nap.
Read more 24 Oct 2012
Cultural Corner: Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead or El día de los muertos is a Mexican national holiday celebrated every year on the first two days of November. On these dates Mexicans remember family members and friends who have passed away. Modern practices are a blend of pre-Columbian beliefs and the Catholic observance of All Souls’ Day. While the Day of the Dead is also observed in other Hispanic countries, here we will focus on Mexican traditions.
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