Culture

Latin America covers a vast territory that stretches from the northern border of Mexico to the southern tip of South America, including the Caribbean. It is an enormous region with a wide diversity of cultures where you would be able to stay dancing until the end of the days, as it has sprouted several music styles that are nowadays hitting hard in discos all around the world. Samba and Bossa Nova are the most typical genres of Brazil; Salsa, Merengue and Reggaeton were created throughout the Caribbean; Cumbia comes from Colombia, and Tango was born in Argentina… Such a rich diversity of genres, but still we can find common roots amongst these styles if we take a view at their history. First, we have to point out that many of the Pre-Columbine cultures (like the Mayas) reached a high development of music by producing all kind of wind and percussion instruments. And despite the ages passed, its influence can still be noticed in some of the more traditional Latin music genres such as the Andean Music, commonly known by its flute sounds. It was at the end of the 15th century, when Columbus and the Europeans arrived to Latin America introducing new instruments like the “güiro” (used in the rhythm section of Cumbia and Salsa) and the “Spanish guitar” (which is actually Moorish). But perhaps, their most important contribution to Latin music may be the Spanish and Portuguese languages, which define most of the Latin music today, giving a connection to the mosaic of music styles in the region. On the other hand, if Europeans provided Latin music with language, the African contribution was definitely more important in terms of rhythms (actually, it is said that the African influence could be the single most important element in Latin music history). Despite being a sad and reprehensible practice, slavery trade was a real fact by the time, and around 12 million Africans were forced to move to Latin America between 16th and 19th centuries. Music and drumming have always been essential components in African culture, both related to religious and social ceremonies, as well as

If you have a taste for corn flour, beans and guacamole, your appetite for Mexican food won’t be disappointed in London. Despite British food’s bad reputation (unfounded, we may add, if you know where to look…), London is a veritable culinary destination. Thanks to its international vibe, you will find real, authentic food from all over the world in London. And in the last few years, the options for both traditional and more modern Mexican fare have multiplied. There are choices for all pockets, too. From street food-inspired joints, to more elegant restaurant settings, here are our best 5 recommendations: Taqueria Taqueria’s atmosphere is relaxed and informal, just as it should be when sharing Mexican food. Their authentic menu includes ceviche and a habanero hot sauce so good they now also sell it. But, as the name suggests, it’s the fluffy tacos that made this place famous – prepared fresh every day. Start with margaritas, and finish your meal with churros, tequila, and mezcal – for the complete Mexican experience. Taqueria, 141-145 Westbourne Grove, W11 2RS – taqueria.co.uk Lupita The original Lupita opened its doors in the 1960s in Mexico City, where it became established thanks to their special charcoal-grilled tacos. The concept was brought to London in 2010 – and it still doesn’t get more authentic than this. The flavours are the same you’d find in the Mexican capital and the menu covers all staples: tacos to burritos, tostadas, enchiladas and quesadillas. Now in three locations: Charing Cross, Kensington High Street and Spitalfields. Lupita, various locations – lupita.co.uk Mestizo This restaurant is simple and fuss-free, and in a quieter part of Central London. But it’s where Mexicans eat, so you can’t go wrong. The name suggests a fusion of cultures, reflected in a menu with influences from both Mexico and Spain, and regional

Dia das Criancas or Children’s Day will be celebrated on 12th October this year in Brazil. It coincides with Brazils’ holiday for its Patron Saint. It is also referred to as ‘Our Lady of Aparecida’ Day. Brazil is one of those countries in this world that have very deep roots in Catholicism. On this day, besides celebrating the importance of children, people also venerate Virgin Mary as Our Lady of Aparecida. This day also marks the finding of the clay statue of Virgin Mary by three fishermen when they were trying to spread their nets. After failing to have any catch, they invoked Our Lady of Aparecida. Their prayers were answered and they came across a clay statue of hers followed by a big catch. They honoured the Governor of Sao Paulo by holding a banquet for him. The Significance of Children’s Day in Brazil This day is celebrated by all families in Brazil. The children receive gifts from their respective parents. This day is marked as a holiday and has been the tradition since 12th October, 1923. This was the occasion when the capital of Brazil at that time, Rio de Janeiro, hosted South American Congress for Children. One year after that special event, the city established a holiday in remembrance of Children’s Day. In various other countries around the world, Children’s Day is celebrated in some countries on 14th November while in others, it is celebrated on 20th November and this is the date which has been set by the United Nations’ Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF). How is Children’s Day celebrated in Brazil? Children’s Day is considered by all businessmen and retailers in Brazil as one of the most important day for business and sales. Since the nineteen fifties, this particular day has generated lot of interest as a toy manufacturer generated a marketing scheme

The Day of the Little Candles or Little Candles’ Night is celebrated each year on 7th December. This is observed as a traditional holiday in Colombia. The festival begins at sunset on 7th December and ends at sunrise on 8th December. The celebration is all about the eve of Immaculate Conception and 8th December marks unofficially as the start of the Christmas Season in Colombia. People place paper lanterns and candles on their windowsills on this particular night. The candles and lanterns are also placed on porches, balconies, streets, sidewalks, squares and parks. Everywhere you turn, you will be able to see these candles and lanterns. They are placed to honour Virgin Mary and the Immaculate Conception. It is a traditional ritual on 8th December for all houses in Colombia to hoist white flags with the Virgin’s image and this flag is made to fly all day long. Numerous events are held on this day, ranging from competitions to firework displays. Homes, landmarks and tombs in cemeteries are illuminated on the eve of 8th December to celebrate the Feast of the Immaculate Conception as a mark of respect to honour the maternity of Virgin Mary and also to bring in the holiday season as a grand welcome. This festival is given high importance in Colombia. A little history of this festival Celebration of the Little Candles’ Night in Colombia dates back to 7th December one hundred and sixty three years ago. On this date, Pope Pius IX made distinct as dogma Virgin Mary’s Immaculate Conception and published it as `Ineffabilis Deus’ as an Apostolic constitution. People were excited in anticipation of this big decision and lit paper lanterns and candles as a sign of support of this spiritual idea. Colombia’s Catholic Church kept this celebration alive since 1854 and has made it an

The University of Cambridge is one of the most prestigious and oldest universities the in the world. It was founded in the year 1209 and is considered the fourth oldest university. The other being the University of Oxford in the English speaking world, both these institutions have a lot in common. It is the history of these two universities that have made them so famous and respected the world over. University of Cambridge came into existence primarily because of an incident that took place at Oxford. The scholars of that time did not have very good terms with the king. Because of this reason, when a woman was found dead in the city, two of the scholars of Oxford University were suspected and given a death penalty. This event created a great uproar in the city and the university started a protest to support those scholars. As a result, it got into suspension and the scholars were left with no choice but to leave the city and settle somewhere else. The surrounding cities included Cambridge and some of the scholars that moved there founded a new institution to practice their knowledge. This institution later on received the title of a university and was given all the rights to discipline its own members. This happened in the year 1231 by King Henry III. Today Cambridge University consists of about 31 colleges and more than 100 academic departments that have been categorized into six schools. In the beginning, only male students were enrolled into the university. But later on, colleges for women were also founded that were included in the University of Cambridge. Some of the early colleges for women were Girton College and Newnham College. These were founded in the late 1800s. Women only became full members of the university in the year 1948. When the

The Spanish, Mexican and Cuban immigrants in the United Kingdom would know the value of a Salsa dance in London – the passion, the fire and the technique involved with it. It is not only the Latinos but the whole world that has fallen in love with Salsa. The dance movements of Salsa have originated from the nineteen thirties style of Cuban Son dancing. People searching for places in London to dance Salsa can now try their hand at various locations. When they have learned Salsa movements but do not know where to go, this article will tell them about where it will all go down for a good night out with some exciting Salsa boogie. Check out our recommendations and try out these Salsa bars located in London: Casa Cuba – This is a lovely place to spend your weekends as the entire atmosphere and a fun setting makes you feel that you are on a holiday somewhere. There is live music performed here throughout the week. Casa Cuba is a well kept secret in South London. It is an authentic fine dining Cuban restaurant and bar which turns into a part venue, every weekend. Music is hosted by the famous DJ Flecha, accompanied by a variety of guest bands. Many people say that when they visit Casa Cuba, they feel that it is the closest they are going to get to Habana, without the need for leaving London. Scala – This is an ideal place, located at King’s Cross as a multi-purpose venue on the northern side of Central London. Scala is made up of four floors and it hosts events for over a thousand visitors. It offers two dance floors, three bars and a big stage for holding live performances. Limited seating is available on each floor. This is