In The Community
On April 14, gardeners and lucky people with green thumbs celebrated National Gardening Day. While it doesn’t usually garner a lot of attention, National Gardening Day is focused on encouraging others to get into some plants or into a garden to start their journey. We propose it should also be a time to honor the special skill and knowledge gardeners have, especially in the Latino community, where our connection to the earth is such a big part of the culture.
For far too long, gardening in the United States has been associated with Latinos, mostly Mexicans, in a very stereotypical way. While their work may be appreciated at a base level, there’s little to no recognition of the profound skill and dedication Latino gardeners bring to their craft.
After all, gardening isn’t just about trimming hedges or mowing lawns; it’s more complex than that, requiring a deep understanding of horticulture. Anyone who has done it will tell you that growing the kind of stunning garden that makes your neighbors jealous is hard work. It requires a certain kind of intelligence, known as naturalistic intelligence, which is the ability to understand and work with natural elements.
People with naturalistic intelligence are very sharp about identifying patterns and understanding what nature needs. This is why people who have this kind of intelligence are so good at not just gardening, but also farming, conservation, and more. Granted, gardening may not always be a calling for Latinos living in the U.S. Sometimes, it’s a means to an end, but there’s no denying that Latino gardeners have a connection to nature and know what they’re doing.
Latino gardeners, while often overlooked or underestimated, are responsible for making communities brighter and more beautiful by transforming ordinary spaces into thriving ones. Many of them have sharpened their skills through generations of family tradition, which makes their work even more special, having the skills passed down from their parents, grandparents, and even great-grandparents and beyond.
Behind every meticulously manicured lawn or flourishing garden bed there are hours of hard work and passion for nurturing the earth. Latino gardeners often start their days before dawn, familiarizing themselves with every area they work with. Why? Because beautiful gardens are achieved by making the right choices not just for the land, but also for the owner.
Gardening is all about creating harmony and linking people to nature. If you really think about it, gardening is extremely focused on connection. The land is connected to the soil, the soil is connected to the plant, and the plant is connected to carers who help it thrive—not just the gardener but also the homeowners who continue the gardener’s work.
As we reflect on National Gardening Day, let’s take the opportunity to honor the invaluable contributions of Latino gardeners. Let’s recognize their expertise, their dedication, and their role in shaping our communities. In doing so, let’s also challenge the stereotypes that have marginalized them for far too long and celebrate the rich knowledge and culture they bring to the table.
Not to mention the love that many of them pour into the land; a land that isn’t their own, making that love even more worthy of appreciation.
So, here's to Latino gardeners blessed with green thumbs; the unsung heroes of many a garden across the United States!
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With Latinos being the largest ethnic group in the country, it’s not surprising that the community in the United States is loudly alive, despite the growing hostility incited by extremist politicians and white supremacist groups. But not even that can put a damper on Latino spirits. If there’s one thing Latinos love is any reason to celebrate life, which means, lucky for everyone, there are plenty of festivals and cultural events to choose from. We’ve compiled a diverse list of Latine festivals and cultural events in the U.S. that showcase the array of cultures that exists within the Latino community.
Carnaval Miami
Photo by Kwan Wallace on Flickr
Taking place in Miami, Florida, Carnaval Miami is one of the largest Latino festivals celebrating Caribbean culture in the U.S.. It celebrates everything that’s great about the city and its community. This event exposes people to the best Caribbean Latino food, fashion, art, music, and sports, so there’s something for everyone. It’s no wonder people from all over the world go to Miami to attend the many different events. Every year, you’ll be able to enjoy a colorful parade, dance performances, live music, authentic Latino food, domino tournaments, and more.
Fiesta San Antonio
Photo by Tim Wilson on Flickr
Fiesta San Antonio takes San Antonio, Texas, by storm every year for 10 days. It always takes place towards the end of March or beginning to mid-April. The dates change every year, so you’ll have to keep an eye out for that. Fiesta San Antonio is an unforgettable experience because it’s a citywide celebration that honors not only Mexican Latino heritage but many of the other diverse cultures in the city. This festival has a bit of everything, including parades, concerts, and cultural exhibitions. Overall, Fiesta San Antonio is a beautiful moment of togetherness and community, and it’s a lot of fun to see what each day brings.
Calle Ocho Festival
Photo by photo-gator on Flickr
While Calle Ocho Festival is part of Carnaval Miami, it’s its own event and it’s one of the best parts of the carnival. Calle Ocho Festival is the largest Latin music festival in the U.S. and one of the largest in the world, so you know you’re in for an amazing time. The festival takes up 15 street blocks, which you can explore at your leisure, finding not only food, but also live performances, folkloric dances, and more. It’s quite a celebration of Cuban, Puerto Rican, Colombian, and other Latino cultures in the area!
Fiesta Broadway
Moving on to Los Angeles, California, we have the Fiesta Broadway event, which is one of the largest Cinco de Mayo celebrations in the U.S. Over half a million people flock to downtown L.A. to enjoy live entertainment, carnival rides, delicious Mexican food, and traditional music and dance performances. This event not only showcases Latino talent, it also allows local vendors to shine. It’s a great time, it’s family-friendly, and it provides a variety of experiences to connect with Latino culture and the community.
National Puerto Rican Day Parade
Photo by Boss Tweed on Flickr
New York is no stranger to events of all kinds, and the National Puerto Rican Day Parade is one of the most iconic cultural experiences the city has to offer. This event celebrates Puerto Rican heritage and culture in New York City through colorful floats, traditional costumes, marching bands, and performances by Puerto Rican artists. This parade takes place on Fifth Avenue, and it attracts people from all over the country and the world. It happens on June 9, so it’s one of the most interesting events of the summer!
Latinafest
Photo by LATINAFest on Facebook
Back to Los Angeles, California! Latinafest is the ultimate celebration of all things Latina, and it highlights the achievements, talents, and contributions of Latina women. It’s a powerful event because it fosters unity, making attendees feel empowered and inspired by one another. Latinafest usually takes place in March, and it lasts a couple of days, so there are plenty of things to do. The schedule usually features panels with talented Latinas, a fashion show, salsa dancing, and more.
Cesar Chavez Day
Cesar Chavez Day is a commemorative holiday that celebrates the life and achievements of civil rights activist and labor leader Cesar Chavez. It happens on March 31 every year, and cities across the United States celebrate the holiday with events, marches, and even festivals to commemorate Chavez’s legacy. Cesar Chavez is an important civil rights Latino figure, especially for farmworkers and immigrant communities. Celebrating this day by joining local events is a great way to connect with the local Latino community!
National Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month, which is observed from September 15 to October 15 every year, is a time of celebration across the country. It highlights the contributions of Latin Americans in the United States, so Latino communities across the country organize events such as festivals, concerts, educational programs, and much more. Keep an eye out for local events during National Hispanic Heritage Month and join in to celebrate Latino heritage and appreciate Latino identity and a wide variety of culture.
Dia de los Muertos
Photo by Fili Santillán on UnsplashDia de los Muertos, also known as Day of the Dead, is a traditional Mexican holiday and one of the most popular in the United States. Mexicans all over the country get together to honor deceased loved ones with altars, parades, and a great variety of performances. Cities like Los Angeles, San Antonio, Chicago, and San Francisco have some of the best events during Dia de los Muertos, but you’ll likely find something fun to do with the Latino community wherever you are in the U.S.
Sueños Music Festival
Photo by suenosfestival on Instagram
Last but not least, Chicago’s Sueños Music Festival is the go-to event for lovers of Latino urban talent. It takes place in May every year, but the dates vary, so you have to check and add it to your calendar. Sueños Music Festival offers one of the best Latino urban music experiences and top-notch opportunities for perreo. Over 25 reggaeton and Latin artists make up the lineup every year, so you’ll get to see some of your favorites live.
These 10 Latino festivals and cultural events in the U.S. offer authentic and fun immersive experiences. From exciting street festivals and parades to empowering events, they offer opportunities for people of all backgrounds to come together, celebrate, and embrace the richness of Latino heritage in America.
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Living in the United States as a Latina woman comes with its own set of experiences, challenges, and joys. From navigating cultural differences to embracing our heritage, Latina women living in the U.S. share a unique perspective. Here are 10 things that unite us:
The struggle with our dual identity
Photo by Matthew Moloney on UnsplashBalancing between two cultures can sometimes feel like walking a tightrope. Dual identity feels like straddling our heritage and American upbringing, trying to honor both without losing our authentic selves. Connecting with other Latinos having the same experience can be very grounding!
The art of code-switching
Photo by Bewakoof.com Official on UnsplashSwitching between languages and cultural norms depending on the situation is second nature for many Latina women in the U.S. Whether it's speaking Spanish at home and English at work or adjusting behavior to fit different social contexts, code-switching is a skill we have mastered out of necessity.
The certainty that family is everything
Photo by Rajiv Perera on UnsplashFamily comes first, always. Latina women foster strong family ties and prioritize spending time with loved ones, even if they don’t always get along. From large gatherings filled with laughter and food to relying on family for support during tough times, family is the cornerstone of Latinos’ lives.
Never skip celebrating traditions
Whether it's observing cultural holidays like Día de los Muertos or embracing traditions passed down through generations, Latina women take pride in their heritage and celebrate it without reservation. From music and dance to food and customs, traditions keep them connected to their roots and it’s a great way to find community in a foreign land.
The weight of doing well
Photo by Jennifer Marquez on UnsplashLatina women often feel the weight of expectations placed on them by their families and communities. Not to mention society! The pressure of proving ourselves in a place that may underestimate us is something that has become part of our reality. That said, it’s okay to just be. You don’t have to prove anything to anyone but yourself.
The struggle with beauty standards
Dealing with societal standards of beauty can be particularly challenging for Latina women, as we often face unrealistic expectations regarding body shape and size. That said, celebrating diverse beauty standards is more prominent than ever and it becomes very empowering in a culture that promotes such narrow ideals.
Navigating machismo in everyday life
Photo by Paul Lowry on Wikimedia Commons
Latina women frequently encounter machismo, that nasty cultural attitude that upholds traditional gender roles and emphasizes male dominance. From subtle sexism to overt discrimination, Latinas have become experts in navigating these dynamics, which adds to our self-assurance and empowerment.
Understanding the importance of faith
Photo by Frantisek Duris on UnsplashWhile not all Latinas are religious, we all have some spirituality within us. For some, religion plays a major role in providing strength, guidance, and a sense of belonging. For others, practicing spirituality in the form of meditation or any other practice is a great way to stay grounded and be more aligned in our daily lives.
Juggling bicultural cuisine
Photo by Edgar Castrejon on UnsplashThe kitchen is where cultural fusion truly shines for Latina women in the U.S. From abuela's recipes passed down through generations to adding a spicy twist to classic American dishes, our bicultural takes on dishes make life quite fun. Especially for our gringo friends, who often enjoy our vibrant and flavorful interpretations.
The beauty of embracing diversity
Photo by Tim Mossholder on UnsplashLatina women in the U.S. come from diverse backgrounds, representing a variety of countries, ethnicities, and experiences. Despite these differences, there's a sense of solidarity and sisterhood that transcends borders and unites us in this journey.
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