1898 was the year the Spanish Empire died. Spain lost the Spanish-American war and handed over its colonies to the United States, including the Philippines. In June 1898, the Filipino rebels declared independence from Spain after 300 years of Spanish rule. Nevertheless, in July of

Catalina de Erauso was a nun in seventeenth-century Spain who escaped her convent and practically lived the rest of her life as a man. Under a male identity, Catalina served in the King's army and rose to the rank of ensign (alférez) thanks to her

The mal de ojo (evil eye) is a popular belief all across the world and Latin America is no exception. According to this superstition, people can cause harm to others -animals and plants included- just by looking at them. Common symptoms of mal de ojo are: lack

The fiesta de la Candelaria (Candlemass) takes place every February 2, exactly 40 days after Christmas, and it marks the end of the holiday season. In Mexico, this holiday is another perfect example of the country's syncretism, this time between prehispanic, Catholic and Jewish cultures.

On New Year's Eve, people all across Spain and Latin America carry out curious traditions to welcome in the New Year. Burning paper dolls, eating grapes, wearing specific-color clothing or throwing water onto the street are some of the many rituals meant to rid yourself

José Feliciano is an internationally acclaimed musician, singer and composer from Puerto Rico. Although he's had numerous hits throughout his prosperous career, perhaps he's best known for his uber-popular holiday song "Feliz Navidad". This simple, but catchy tune combines English and Spanish to prove that the holiday spirit doesn't

Las posadas mexicanas take place during the nine days leading to December 25th. Like other Mexican traditions, the roots of this popular festivity date back to pre-Hispanic times when the Aztecs celebrated the god Huitzilopochtili during December. Adapted and merged with Catholic traditions, nowadays Las

The bright red flower known as Poinsettia is a common sight during the Christmas holidays. However, not many people know that this flower comes from Mexico and that it held an important place in Aztec society. With the arrival of the Spanish missioners and the

In September 1565, Spanish colonizers led by admiral Pedro Menéndez de Avilés arrived in northeastern Florida where they founded the city of San Agustín. To celebrate, they held a thanksgiving mass followed by a large dinner shared with the natives of the region, 56 years

Every November in the Estado Zulia, Venezuela, people celebrate la Feria de la Chinita. This popular religious celebration dates back to 1709 when an old lady witnessed a miracle involving la Virgen de Chiquinquirá. This festivity lasts several weeks during which people attend mass and