In The Community
Taco Tuesdays (and Tacos in General!)
Photo by Tai's Captures on UnsplashLet’s start with everyone’s favorite—tacos! While Taco Tuesday has become a weekly ritual for many Americans, its roots are deeply Mexican. Thanks to the influence of Mexican cuisine, tacos have gone from street food in Mexico to a nationwide sensation in the U.S. and a go-to option around the world. Who doesn’t love a good taco, right? The next time you’re enjoying Taco Tuesday, thank Latino culture for the delicious tradition!
Reggaeton
Photo by Panagiotis Falcos on UnsplashIf you’ve ever heard a song by Daddy Yankee, Karol G, Bad Bunny, and more, you know that reggaeton is everywhere. With its roots in Puerto Rico, reggaeton’s infectious beats and bilingual lyrics have taken over the world. It’s not just a Latino thing anymore—reggaeton is a music staple that dominates playlists, clubs, and TikTok trends around the world.
The Cholo Fashion Trend
Photo by Wendel Natan
You’ve probably seen the Cholo aesthetic (think oversized flannels, Dickies, white tees, and bandanas) pop up in streetwear, music videos, and even runways. What started as a distinctive fashion statement within Mexican-American subcultures has become a symbol of cool, adopted by everyone from skateboarders to rappers. It’s a perfect example of how Latino street culture has influenced mainstream fashion.
The “Cha-Cha Slide” (Yep, We’re Claiming It!)
en.m.wikipedia.org
The “Cha-Cha Slide” is a party and wedding staple across America, but did you know it’s based on the cha-cha-cha, a Cuban dance style? This playful line dance, with its call-and-response directions, has roots in Latin dance traditions. It may have evolved into its own thing, but that rhythm and vibe definitely have Latino origins.
Flamin’ Hot Cheetos (You’re Very Welcome!)
Photo by Calgary Reviews on Flickr
Believe it or not, the legend behind Flamin’ Hot Cheetos has Latino roots. Richard Montañez, a former janitor at Frito-Lay and the son of Mexican immigrants, came up with the idea to spice up the regular Cheetos. His creation became a cultural phenomenon, especially within Latino communities, and has since become an American snack-time favorite. The Flamin’ Hot craze even inspired a movie!
Lowrider Culture
Photo by Yasamine June on UnsplashLowriders, the iconic cars that ride low and bounce with hydraulic lifts, are a staple of Chicano culture. What started in Mexican-American communities in the '40s and '50s evolved into a full-blown car culture that has had a major influence on hip hop, fashion, and even movies like “Fast & Furious.” Today, lowriders are symbols of craftsmanship, pride, and identity.
Zumba: The Workout Dance Party
Photo by Danielle Cerullo on UnsplashIf you’ve ever taken a Zumba class, you know how fun (and sweaty) it can be. This Latin-inspired fitness craze was created by Colombian dancer and choreographer Beto Pérez, and it’s become one of the most popular group workouts worldwide. Zumba combines Latin music and dance moves with an aerobic workout, making it a high-energy, cultural way to get in shape. It’s practically a cardio fiesta!
Hoop Earrings
Photo by Andrea Esme on UnsplashHoop earrings have a long and rich history in Latino culture, and they carry so much more meaning than just being a stylish accessory. Worn by women across generations, hoop earrings symbolize strength, resilience, and empowerment. In Indigenous and Afro-Latino cultures, hoops have been seen as a form of self-expression and cultural pride, representing the idea of coming full circle—where everything is connected.
Día de los Muertos in Mainstream Culture
Photo by Nick Fewings on UnsplashThe traditional Mexican holiday Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) has made its way into American pop culture, especially through movies like Coco and The Book of Life. Both films brought the holiday’s beautiful rituals of honoring deceased loved ones to the big screen, making it a celebration that many non-Latinos have embraced. It’s now common to see Día de los Muertos-inspired makeup, art, and décor during the Halloween season.
Salsa Dance and Music
Photo by Ardian Lumi on UnsplashSalsa music and dance have taken over dance floors across America, and you can thank Cuban and Puerto Rican communities for that spicy, rhythmic explosion. The fusion of Afro-Cuban beats and Latin jazz evolved into salsa, and now, it’s one of the most popular Latin dances worldwide. If you’ve ever busted a move at a salsa club or had the beats make you sway, you’re feeling the power of Latino influence.
Latinos have been shaping and redefining American pop culture for generations, whether through food, fashion, music, or even fitness. The beauty of it all is that these contributions continue to evolve, influencing new generations and spreading joy all over the place. So next time you’re busting a move to that reggaeton song, enjoying tasty food, or getting your cardio on in Zumba, you know who to thank!
Have you noticed a recurring pattern of popular internet trends being seemingly 'new,' yet strikingly familiar? More often than not, these 'trends' are deeply rooted in Latino and Black culture and subcultures. With social media, things can go viral at the speed of light, and everyone’s quick to jump on the bandwagon, often not bothering to dig into the origins of the trend. Sure, this can lead to people learning about new cultures and ideas, but it can also spread misinformation and foster ignorance about other cultures and their history.
So, let's take a moment to appreciate the origins of some viral trends and acknowledge the cultural influences that made them possible.
Slicked Back Hair (the “Clean Girl” look) and Baby Hairs
@melisekrem Sleek Bun Tutorial ✨ #sleekbun #cleangirlhair #cleangirlhairstyle #hairtutorial
Seeing women slick their hair back until not a single strand is out of place is like a throwback to our moms brushing our hair so tight it felt like it was glued to our skulls. Back in the day, being all "peinadas" wasn't a style choice; it was like mom's law.
Now, you've probably seen a multitude of influencers sporting slicked-back hair, dubbed the "clean girl look," or those meticulously styled baby hairs, courtesy of some gel and a toothbrush.
These hairstyles have been a staple in Black and Latino communities for decades. African American women have used this technique not only as a method of hair management but also as a significant expression of personal and cultural style. While Latinas, and particularly many Mexican-American Cholas, also notably sported slicked-back hair, usually nailed with hair gel or pomade, for that sleek and shiny vibe, a look that was all about showing you're tough as nails and exuding confidence.
Similarly, the increasingly popular “baby hair” styling had its boom in the '90s, when R&B and hip-hop were all the rage and Black and Latina women were coming up with some pretty detailed designs for their baby hairs. They'd use gel or whatever worked to shape their baby hairs into swoops, waves, or curls, framing their faces and really making their features pop. It was another way to flex their creativity and show off their sharp eye for detail.
Winged Eyeliner and Thin Brows
@spiciblondi me and my controversial brows 4 ever #thinbrows #y2k #mcbling
Winged eyeliner, or 'cat eye,' has become a must-have skill in the makeup world. However, its origins are not as contemporary as many might think. This look can be traced back to Ancient Egypt and was notably embraced by Mexican-American Chola culture in the 80s and 90s. Similarly, the thin eyebrow trend, often linked to the 90s supermodel era, was a distinctive Chola aesthetic long before it hit mainstream fashion.
Baggy Clothes, Flannel Shirts, and Bandanas
You know how fashion's like a merry-go-round? Old styles get a new lease on life; all spruced up and ready to be the next big thing. Enter oversized flannel shirts paired with bandanas. This trend might be the uniform of edgy influencers today, but its roots are firmly planted in Black hip-hop culture and the Cholo style of the Latino community, dating back to the 60s.
This combination was more than a fashion statement; it was a symbol of unity, identity, and resilience in the face of adversity. Black and Latine women would rock these, usually with high-waisted jeans and some blingy gold jewelry, adding a bit of swagger to the ensemble.
Brown Lips and Liner
Brown glazed lips and liner became a significant trend within Black and Latina communities during the 90s as a means of self-expression and cultural identity. The contrasting lip liner, often several shades darker than the lipstick or gloss, defined and accentuated the lips, a feature celebrated in these communities. This style was, and still is, a unique way to highlight the natural fullness and shape of the lips.
The choice of brown shades specifically was, in part, a rebellion against traditional beauty standards, which often favored lighter, more 'neutral' colors. Brown shades, on the other hand, better complemented the diverse range of skin tones found within Black and Latina communities, making this trend not only a fashion statement but also an assertion of cultural pride and self-love.
Today, as the brown glazed lips and liner trend is adopted by mainstream beauty culture, we're seeing beauty standards from these communities getting the limelight only when white or white-passing folks decide to jump on the bandwagon. The same styles that were once labeled as "ghetto" when worn by their originators are suddenly trendy, laying bare a beauty bias that puts whiteness on a pedestal.
It’s crucial to remember its origins and the empowering message it held for the women who pioneered it. The trend serves as a testament to the ability of these communities to redefine beauty standards and influence global aesthetics.
Hoop Earrings and Nameplate Necklaces
@girlsbeinggirly Wear mine literally everyday🫶🏼😍#thatgirl #aesthetic #fashion #inspo
We can't overlook the ubiquitous hoop earrings and nameplate necklaces. Hoop earrings date back to ancient cultures, but in modern times, they have become synonymous with the bold and beautiful aesthetic of Latinas. The nameplate necklaces, currently making rounds on social media, have long been a part of both Black and Latine culture as well, particularly in hip-hop fashion during the 80s and 90s. These pieces were more than accessories; they were declarations of individuality and self-pride. I mean, who doesn’t love their hoops and their cadenita?
So the next time you come across a viral trend, it might be worth digging a little deeper into its origins. These styles and aesthetics are not simply passing trends—they're enduring expressions of culture, identity, and history. By acknowledging the roots of these trends, we can appreciate them for what they are: celebrations of the rich diversity and creativity embedded in Black and Latino cultures.
A trend is only as influential as its reach, and it's clear these cultural styles have impacted us globally. So, here's a call to recognize, appreciate, and give credit to the vibrant Latino and Black communities whose stylistic innovations continue to shape global fashion and internet trends. As we appreciate and adopt these styles, let's ensure we're not just consumers but also respectful celebrators of the cultures that birthed them.
Shoutout to @veteranas_and_rucas for their inspiring collection of “herstoric homegirl imagery” showcasing the beautiful lives and incomparable style of SoCal women.
