Michelle González
Michelle González is a writer with over 7 years of experience working on topics such as lifestyle, culture, digital, and more - just a Latina who loves cats, good books, and contributing to important conversations about her community.
In The Community
Cheers, friends! It’s National Beer Day, so what better excuse to explore the exciting world of Latin American beer? From the beaches of Brazil to the Andes mountains, Latin America’s diversity of culture and tradition is reflected by the diverse range of beer available, each with a unique flavor and fizz. Every bottle of Latin American beer is its own experience, so don’t hesitate to try as many as you can. Drink responsibly, though, and don’t drunk text your ex!
Here are the 10 most popular Latino beers:
Modelo Especial from Mexico
Photo by Stock Catalog on Flickr
Modelo Especial is quite a cultural phenomenon in Mexico. It will transport you to a bustling cantina in the heart of Mexico City, surrounded by lively conversations and the smells of street food. Having a cold Modelo Especial is an easy way to give your mood a boost. It will refresh you from head to toe with its smooth, balanced taste, and hit the spot with its crispness. It’s a light beer, so whether you’re unwinding from a long day at home or just want a taste of Mexico, Modelo Especial is the signature go-to.
Polar from Venezuela
Photo by Ignacio Sanz on Flickr
In Venezuela, Polar is the beer brand that rules above all others; synonymous with good times. Polar has earned its reputation as the ultimate thirst-quencher that also has a few options you can explore. Polar Light is the light beer version, so it’s the most refreshing. However, if you want to feel a little buzz and enjoy more flavor, the regular Polar, known as “Negra” due to its dark bottle, is a nice Pilsner beer anyone can get behind.
Quilmes from Argentina
Argentina is known for many things - tango, steak, and of course, Quilmes beer. Quilmes is brewed with pure spring water and locally sourced ingredients, so it has a clean, crisp flavor. It’s as refreshing as swimming in the Atlantic Ocean and it will go perfectly with barbecue or traditional asado. Whether you’re enjoying it at home alone or sharing it with friends, Quilmes offers a nice drinking experience.
Cordillera from Bolivia
Bolivia is a land of contrasts and the Cordillera beer is one of the best examples of the country’s rich brewing tradition. The taste of Cordillera beer is not like anything you’ve ever tried, so you just have to see for yourself. It’s known for its complex flavor and richness because it’s made with the best barley and contains no chemical additives. It’s very pure and it provides a glimpse into the vibrant culture of Bolivia.
Brahma from Brazil
Brahma beer is iconic in Brazil, so it doesn’t get more authentic than this. Brewed since 1888, this Latino beer has a long, rich history, and you can almost taste its long tradition. It has a smooth flavor with a crisp finish, so it’s the perfect beer to take to the beach as a refreshment. It’s also great for a night out because it will keep you fresh and give you a nice buzz. Oh, and if you’re curious about other Brazilian drinks, the Caipirinha is a good cocktail to explore.
Kross 5 from Chile
The Kross 5 beer is one of the most popular brands in Chile and it’s all due to its bold flavor. If you like your beer to have some complexity to it, you’ll enjoy this American Strong Ale type of beer. It has hints of oak and spice because it’s matured with roasted American oak, so it’s a vibrant, aromatic drink. It’s one of the most interesting beers in Latin America, down to the design of the bottle.
Chapinero Porter from Colombia
Colombia is known for its coffee, beautiful beaches and landscapes, and delicious food. It’s also known for the classic Chapinero Porter, which is the go-to beer option for Colombians. It has a bold and robust taste with notes of coffee and chocolate that linger on your tongue. Doesn’t that sound delicious? It offers a true taste of Colombia and you’ll enjoy every sip!
Imperial from Costa Rica
Costa Rica offers more than just natural beauty! It also offers good booze and the Imperial beer is a great example of that. The taste is crisp and refreshing, with hints of citrus and tropical fruit, so it’s another interesting option. This beer is brewed with spring water and local ingredients, which means you’ll be getting an authentic taste of Costa Rica.
Presidente from the Dominican Republic
Presidente beer is one of the favorites in the Dominican Republic and for good reason. It has a crisp, fruity, subtly sweet flavor, making it perfect for people who don’t enjoy the usual bitterness of beer. This is a Pilsner type of beer and it’s made with high-quality raw materials, so the taste is as delicious as it gets. It’s also a light option and it’s usually not expensive.
Gallo from Guatemala
Last but not least, we have Guatemala’s Gallo beer, which can become a quick obsession. This beer is subtly bitter with hints of citrus flavors. However, don’t expect this one to pack a punch. It’s nice and light, so it doesn’t offer much complexity, but it will refresh you on a hot summer day. Gallo beer is a great way to get a taste of Guatemala, so share it with friends and make a night out of it.
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We all battle with negative thoughts from time to time, if not every day, and it’s important to avoid losing those battles. We won’t win them all, but we can win most of them if we have the right tools. One of those tools is affirmations, which are short yet powerful statements that can challenge negative thoughts and cultivate a more positive mindset. Here are 10 affirmations to tap into your divine energy and spirituality when you’re feeling defeated:
"I’m a vessel of divine light, radiating positivity and love into the world."
Photo by William Farlow on UnsplashThis affirmation can be a nice reminder of your inherent connection to the universe and your ability to receive and spread positive energy wherever you go. When you’re feeling negative, you can use this affirmation as part of a meditation session to release the negative energy and embrace your divine light instead.
"I trust in the wisdom of the universe to guide me on my path."
Photo by Levi Bare on UnsplashIf you embrace the belief that the universe has a plan for you and trust its guidance, you will be able to view your challenges and struggles from a different perspective. When you feel like your faith in the universe is being tested, repeat this affirmation and be reminded that it’s always leading you toward fulfillment and purpose.
"I’m worthy of all the blessings that come my way."
Photo by James Coleman on UnsplashSometimes, things feel a little too good to be true. That’s our inner saboteur or imposter talking, so you can squash it with this affirmation. Because, yes, you’re indeed worthy of the blessings that come your way. The more certain you are of that, the more you open yourself up to receive the abundance and blessings that the universe has in store for you.
"I release all fears and doubts, allowing my true essence to shine through."
Photo by Phạm Chung 🇻🇳 on UnsplashFear and doubt are a part of the human experience, but they can hold us back if we let them. If you’re feeling any fear or doubt and it’s making you anxious to the point where you’re frozen, speak this affirmation to yourself. Acknowledging and releasing the fear or doubt will allow you to embrace your divine energy with confidence and courage.
"I’m surrounded by love and support, both seen and unseen."
Photo by Vonecia Carswell on UnsplashIt’s not uncommon to sometimes feel like we’re alone, but we’re not. This affirmation will allow you to acknowledge the presence of love and support from both the physical world and the spiritual realm. This provides a strong reminder that you’re never alone in your journey.
"I’m the creator of my reality, manifesting my desires with ease and grace."
Photo by Maja Il on UnsplashManifestation is quite a powerful tool and this affirmation can help you feel more confident of your power as a co-creator of your reality, knowing that your thoughts and intentions can shape your experiences.
"I’m grateful for the abundance that flows into my life effortlessly."
Photo by Gabrielle Henderson on UnsplashCultivating an attitude of gratitude is key not only to recognizing and appreciating the abundance that surrounds you in all its forms but also to attracting even more of that abundance into your life.
"I’m aligned with my higher self, living in harmony with my purpose."
Photo by Casey Horner on UnsplashThis affirmation is a great way to connect with your higher self and remember that you’re aligned with your true purpose, living a life that’s authentic and fulfilling. It will be particularly useful when you’re facing challenges that make you doubt whether you’re on the right path.
"I’m resilient and capable of overcoming any challenges that come my way."
Photo by Jimmy Conover on UnsplashSpeaking of challenges, this affirmation will help you strengthen your belief in your own resilience and ability to navigate through them with grace and perseverance. You’ve survived other challenges before and you will continue to do so. Even if it doesn’t feel that way at the moment, you have the capacity.
"I’m a divine being, worthy of love, joy, and peace in every moment."
Photo by Yoann Boyer on UnsplashLast but not least, this is a simple affirmation that will help you embrace your divine nature fully, confirming your right to experience love, joy, and peace as your birthright in every moment of your life. This affirmation is not just a reminder, it’s an essential truth. The next time you feel like you’re not doing your best, use any of these affirmations to hold space for yourself, manifest, and boost yourself up.
Latinas have been influential across many different fields, from politics and activism to entertainment and business. However, some remarkable Latina women haven’t been given their rightful place in history and in U.S. culture, despite being amazing examples of strength and empowerment. It’s time to correct that, so here are 10 Latina role models you may not know about:
Sylvia Mendez
Photo by Los Angeles District USACE on Flickr
Sylvia Mendez, of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, is often overshadowed by other civil rights icons, but she played an important role in the fight for school desegregation. Her family's lawsuit against a California school district paved the way for the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case, leading to the desegregation of schools across the U.S. To this day, Mendez is an advocate for educational equality and social justice, so her work continues to bring positive change to the world.
Dolores Huerta
Photo by Tom Hilton on Wikimedia Commons
While Cesar Chávez is widely recognized for his work in the labor movement, Dolores Huerta's contributions are often overlooked. As a co-founder of the United Farm Workers Union, now the United Farm Workers, Huerta fought tirelessly for the rights of farmworkers. She advocated for fair wages and better working conditions by organizing collective actions like boycotts, banding the community together, and creating social justice initiatives. She’s also a champion of women’s rights and immigrants’ rights, so Huerta is the ultimate fighter for underrepresented groups.
Carmen Yulín Cruz
Carmen Yulín Cruz is a Puerto Rican politician who served as the mayor of San Juan, the capital, from 2013 to 2020. During the devastating Hurricane Maria, she gained international attention due to her fierce advocacy on behalf of her people and her vocal criticism of the Puerto Rican government’s response. Cruz is known for her fierce leadership and has inspired many with her boldness.
Julissa Reynoso
Julissa Reynoso is a Dominican-American with a thriving diplomatic career that has taken her from the United Nations to her current role as the U.S. Ambassador to Spain and Andorra. She’s been a tireless advocate for human rights, women's empowerment, diversity, and economic development. Reynoso is known for exemplifying the importance of diplomacy in response to global issues and challenges.
Sandra Cisneros
Photo by Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Sandra Cisneros, of Mexican descent, is a renowned writer who has made important contributions to literature with her portrayals of the Latina experience. Her most well-known novel “The House on Mango Street,” was groundbreaking, and it’s become a classic in contemporary American literature. The book was also subsequently added to banned book lists throughout the country as right-wing extremists continued on their quest to make diverse perspectives and history illegal. Cisneros has a bold voice and presents a unique perspective, which resonates not only with readers of all backgrounds but also with aspiring writers who are heavily inspired by her.
Isabel Allende
Photo by Jroses on Wikimedia Commons
Isabel Allende is a Chilean-American author known for her work in magical realism. Her novels are often based on her own experiences, mixed with historical events and elements like myth and realism. Allende is a world-renowned author known for overcoming challenges and breaking barriers in the industry. Moreover, her work champions strong female characters and often explores themes like social justice and political oppression, inspiring millions of people to speak up for what they believe in.
Zoe Saldaña
Photo by Gage Skidmore on Wikimedia Commons
Zoe Saldaña is an Afro-Latino actress of Dominican and Puerto Rican descent. She’s become a role model for Latina women due to her successful career in Hollywood and how proudly vocal she is about her Latinidad. Saldana is mostly known for her role as Gamora in the “Marvel Cinematic Universe” and Neytiri Sully in the “Avatar” movies, though she has been acting since 1999. She has starred in 4 of the highest-grossing films of all time, which is an impressive feat, especially for an Afro-Latina because Afro-Latinos are notoriously pushed aside in Hollywood.
Rita Moreno
Photo by John Mathew Smith on Wikimedia Commons
Rita Moreno is a well-known Puerto Rican actress, singer, and dancer. She’s the only Latina who has obtained EGOT status, which consists of winning the 4 major entertainment awards in the U.S.; the Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony. Despite facing racism in her Hollywood career and being held back by it, Moreno has found great success and continues to work to this day, proving that one’s passion and perseverance can defy the odds.
Sylvia Acevedo
Photo by Avery Jensen on Wikimedia Commons
Mexican-American Sylvia Acevedo was one of the first Latinas to earn a master’s degree in engineering from Stanford University and one of the few female astronautical engineers at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory. She’s an entrepreneur, businesswoman, investor, and rocket scientist known for championing STEM education for girls, and encouraging them to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her efforts have inspired countless young women, especially Latinas, to dream beyond the stereotypes and limited cultural expectations and pursue their passions.
Ana Maria Archila
Ana Maria Archila is a Colombian advocate for women’s rights, worker justice, immigrant rights, and LGBTQ+ rights. She gained a lot of attention for confronting Senator Jeff Flake during the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh after being accused of sexual assault by several women. Archila is the co-executive director of the Center for Popular Democracy and a passionate advocate for immigrant rights, economic justice, and political reform. Her courage and activism have inspired civic engagement as a way to shape society.
These 10 Latinas represent just a fraction of the countless women making a difference in their communities and beyond. Latinas deserve to see role models who look like them and understand their culture, and these role models deserve public recognition just as much as their white colleagues and counterparts.
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