Our creations embody the stories and riches of an entire culture; they bring our lineage to life, transformed and imbued with ancestral wisdom.
India: The Taste of Belonging
Her cuisine stems precisely from that collective memory. From a childhood where blended chicken broth was served in a baby bottle, where weekends meant roast beef, indio viejo, or vigorón, and where cooking was a way for the family to find emotional support.
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Khori Rodríguez and the knots that hold stories
From Charlotte, Peruvian artist Khori Haylli Rodríguez revives this ancestral tradition and transforms it into a contemporary practice of memory, migration, and healing. She does so not only through technique, but from something deeper: the human need to communicate what sometimes cannot be put into words.
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Cristina Lozano and the Tradition of the Morning Cup of Coffee
The aroma of coffee can travel farther than a suitcase.
Sometimes it travels across entire countries before settling once again in a kitchen, a conversation, or a memory. For Cristina Lozano, that scent always brings her back to the Ecuadorian coast, to the humid heat of the beach, to family mornings, to the sound of the…
Roxana Marinoff and César Dávalos: Tango as Conversation
César describes traditional tango as an improvised conversation between two people. Unlike other, more structured dance styles, tango does not rely on a set sequence of steps, but rather on constant communication between the dancers.
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Afro-Venezuelan music takes New York by storm with Tambor y Caña
By Sorayda Díaz
When Willie Quintana left his hometown of Barinas, Venezuela, in 2015 to head to the United States, he carried more than just dreams in his luggage: he carried with him a deep connection to his cultural and musical roots. Coming from a family where traditional and folk music was always a part of life, Willie grew up surrounded by Venezuelan melodies and…
El Charro González: Ambassador of Mexican Culture to the World
Dressed in a charro suit that embodies the elegance and strength of Mexican charrería, and adorned with Day of the Dead motifs that honor ancestors, El Charro González has become an icon of Mexican culture abroad.
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Cherry Berry Pâtisserie: Winning Over Charlotte with Its Flavor
Monserrath Flores Ruiz arrived in Charlotte from Veracruz, Mexico, with a suitcase full of dreams and an undeniable passion for baking. Today, her brand, Cherry Berry Pâtisserie, is already making its mark on the city.
Reconstruction and Resilience: The Story Behind "Zoomies Piñatas"
At age 15, she arrived in Monroe, North Carolina, without fully understanding where her life was headed. Today, through the art of piñatas, she has found a way to reconnect with herself and share her cultural heritage with her community.
Sweet Mary: A taste of Venezuela in every bite
Located in the heart of the city, Sweet Mary has become, for many people, the go-to place for bringing the flavors of Venezuela to every corner. Mariana Ramos, the woman behind this business, tells us how her passion for sharing a little piece of her homeland through her delicious, traditional sweets came about…
Recalling her Colombian folklore: Viviana Ensuncho
From her initial decision to emigrate to her ongoing efforts to keep her culture alive in a foreign country, Viviana takes us on a journey marked by adaptation, nostalgia, and determination.
The Art of Tifo: An Expression of Passion and Unity in Charlotte
The visual artistry of the “tifos” during Charlotte FC matches isn’t just a colorful display—it’s a manifestation of the bond between the fans and the team.
Soccer: A Family Tradition for Brian Carmona Romero
By Sorayda Díaz Soccer, known as “soccer” in English, is more than just a sport for many Hispanics; it is a deep-rooted tradition that brings families and communities together. Brian Carmona Romero, a rising star in the world of soccer, shares his story and the profound cultural significance of this sport in an interview with VozEs…
“La Muerte: Keeping the Soccer Tradition Alive in Charlotte”
By VozEs: “La Muerte,” whose real name is Antonio Sánchez and who is also known as “Chico,” is a Mexican at heart who has forged a unique identity in the United States. He can be seen at every Charlotte FC soccer game and at most Latino events in Queen City, always cheering on…
Guachinangos: A Fusion of Latin American Sounds in New York
By VozEs In the vibrant city of New York, where cultures intermingle and stories are written at every turn, a musical project has emerged that stands as a living testament to diversity and a passion for traditional music—and to how the immigrant’s journey seeks out those safe and welcoming spaces…
A Feast of Tradition and Art: Michoacán Handicrafts Expo
And as if time were standing still, the ancient dances of Michoacán will come to life with every movement, reminding us of the cultural richness of this enchanted land. Get ready to immerse yourself in a feast for the senses and discover the art that pulses through every corner of this Michoacán Crafts Expo!
NC Brazilian Arts Project: Promoting Afro-Brazilian Culture in Charlotte
The NC Brazilian Arts Project is a company dedicated to promoting and teaching Afro-Brazilian arts in the city of Charlotte.
Arely Vázquez; a pioneer of Santa Muerte in New York
Twenty years ago, Arely welcomed “La Santa” into her home for the first time. She placed her on top of the refrigerator with a glass of water, a candle, and a shot of tequila, alongside other Catholic images—the religion she grew up with in her native Mexico.
Latin Jazz
When you walk into the Vapa Center on Tuesdays starting at 6 p.m., you’ll hear familiar Latin tunes coming from the second floor—songs like “La Pollera Colora,” “La Bamba,” and “El Cali Pachanguero” are just a few examples. There, Peruvian Julio Jeri leads the ensemble of…
Melody Shanahan: Blending ballet with Mexican folklore
Ever since she was a little girl, Melody Shanahan has had a natural talent for dancing. Her mother says that even as a toddler, she was already dancing cumbias, playing dance games, and listening to traditional Mexican music.
Liliana Molina: A Calling for Service and Folklore
By Andrea Bredar Once again, VozEs is dedicating a special section to share with its readers stories about immigrants who stand out for their artistic talents or their community service. In this holiday edition, we’d like to tell you a little about Liliana Molina, a woman who proudly represents her Colombian heritage and…
Born in the Carolinas: La Casa Argentina
There is a Casa Argentina in North Carolina, a state with a growing community. Its founder, Gabriela Ortiz, tells us that the organization is now legally incorporated, held its first event this year, and is preparing for an opening gala next year.
Keeping the Guadalupe tradition alive in Charlotte
By VozEs On Central Avenue in Charlotte, the wall next to Tacos El Nevado has been honoring the Virgin of Guadalupe for four years, ever since Rosalia Torres Weiner created a mural in honor of the immigrants sheltered under the mantle of the Virgin of Guadalupe, that mother who cares for us within and…
Zincable: musical versatility that gets everyone dancing
There’s a band in Charlotte that’s sure to get the crowd dancing whenever they take the stage. The group consists of Ángel, Jorge, Vidal, and Kelvin, each of whom brings a unique cultural flair to the band: Zincable.
Flip-flops from Morelos
The history of the Chinelos de Morelos dates back to 1807 in the state of Morelos, Mexico, in the municipality of Tlacayapan; it began with a protest by the indigenous people against the Spanish…
GALZAK A.C.; a little piece of Mexico in your suitcase
One of the goals of the Galzak Civil Association is to bring Mexican culture to Mexican immigrants living in the United States and to promote the traditional arts of Mexico’s communities. Based in Oaxaca, Mexico, this group seeks to showcase the true origins of Mexican crafts abroad, in order to prevent large…
A Jarana: The Key to the World for Jorge Mijangos
For Jorge Mijangos, a native of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Chiapas, Mexico, the jarana was his gateway to the world, his lucky charm; adorned with an image of Our Lady of Guadalupe, this instrument—which accompanies him on his tours—has helped him avoid feeling like a stranger in lands far from his homeland.
Mariachi Arcoiris: Breaking Stereotypes and Taboos
By VozEs From a young age, Carlos Samaniego was surrounded by music; his father taught him to sing, his grandfather was a mariachi musician in Sonora, Mexico, and one of his uncles was a member of the group Los Apson in the 1970s. He learned to read Spanish by flipping through cassette tapes so his mother could play the…
Elevating Traditional Mexican Cuisine
We met with Mexican chef Edwin Cruz to talk about food, to reminisce about grandmothers and the flavors, aromas, and love they put into their dishes; we also discussed the authenticity of Mexican food in the United States, the ingredients used in traditional cuisine, and how these, just like one…
Day of the Dead from "the other side"
By Vozes A halo of nostalgia, tinged with bright Mexican pinks, marigold oranges, and all the other hues with which Mexicans honor and remember the lives of their departed loved ones, enveloped the city of Charlotte and other locations in the Carolinas in recent days. At VozEs, we were there alongside other immigrants…
A gathering place for the Latino community: The Latin American Festival
By Sorayda Díaz The Latin American Festival in Charlotte celebrates 31 years of tradition as a gathering place for the Latinx community in its 2021 edition. It brings together art and the diversity of our cultures, highlighting the commonalities among them, which make this event truly one-of-a-kind in…
Ecuador: A Celebration of Independence
By Margarita Dager-Uscocovich The Charlotte National Holidays and Traditions Committee aims to preserve the traditions of Latin American countries in North Carolina. The director of this nonprofit community organization is Mr. Rafael, a journalist and columnist with a long and distinguished career…
“The Queen of Mariachi,” always with a song in her heart
By Sorayda Díaz On June 13, during the celebration of her father Don Antonio’s saint’s day, María Elena Valdez made her debut as a mariachi singer, one of the most popular regional music genres…
Tarasco-Style Churipo in Illinois
By VozEs Running and playing among the cornfields in the countryside, cutting the ears of corn to shell them and make “corundas,” playing with the husks of the ears of corn and pretending they’re blonde dolls, going to wash the corn at the mill, returning home to cut vegetables from the garden and peel them to make…
Preserving the tradition of the Baby Jesus
The tradition of displaying figurines of the Holy Child in Mexican homes dates back to the 16th century and is celebrated primarily on Christmas Eve and Candlemas.
Review of the Papatla Tamale (or Bocado)
Talking about one of the most iconic dishes of Mexican, Misantec, and Veracruz cuisine takes us back to pre-Hispanic times.
Paquiliztli, Joy in Crochet
By VozEs: “Paquiliztli” means “joy” in Nahuatl—the antonym of the sadness that artisan and crochet artist Diego Armando Juárez Viveros felt upon realizing that the intelligence, hard work, and dedication of indigenous peoples do not receive the recognition they deserve. A native of Zacapu, Michoacán, Diego moved to California with his family in 1990 when…
Made by Immigrants: the traditional ‘Pan Dulce’
By VozEs One of the things Manuel Betancourt cherishes most is the smell and taste in his bakery when the conchas, mantecadas, or pastries come out of the oven; however, the aroma and taste that these baked goods evoke in his customers would not be possible without the bakers’ hands…
Skirt, huanengo, and apron: symbols of identity for Purépecha women
By VozEs One of the most distinctive elements of a people’s cultural identity is their traditional clothing. Beyond the charro suit and the China Poblana dress—garments often used to stereotype Mexicans—the country is home to a wide variety of traditional garments that distinguish each of its ethnic groups…
Inherited identity
By VozEs When he finally gets to visit Michoacán, Mexico, what Iván González looks forward to most is simply walking around a town and taking it all in—absorbing the sounds of the landscapes he paints, the smells of the food; everything his…
"Between Tradition and the American Dream"
After his full-time workday, Chavo Torres spends his free time carving traditional wooden masks.
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