THIS WEEK ON LATINOPIA: AMALIA MEZA BAINS ON DAY OF THE DEAD, RICARDO ROMO ON “LATINOS AWAIT DAY OF THE DEAD,” EL ZOCOTROCO ON THE DESTRUCTION OF PUERTO RICO’S FORESTS, ROSE PORTILLO ON DAY OF THE DEAD AND ALFREDO SANTOS MIS PENSAMIENTOS “ARE HISPANICS BETTER OFF WITH HISPANIC LEADERS?”
Well here it is again…Halloween and Día de los Muertos. This year, of course it is radically different because of the coronavirus pandemic. No trick or treating this year and even our Day of the Dead ceremonies are being modified with safety in mind. But we underscore just how important the Day of the Dead traidiotn is for us with a repost video of installation artist Amalia Mesa Bains giving us the background on Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). San Antonio blogger Ricardo Romo shares his memories of visiting a Day of the Dead celebration in Oaxaca. Also, we repost an essay by multi-talented actress, producer, director artist and yes, builder of altars, Rose Portillo as she reflects on the meaning of Day of the Dead. Good viewing and good reading, check it all out!
This week’s Burundanga Boricua del Zocotroco brings us another thoughtful Spanish language essay by our San Juan, Puerto Rico-based blogger, José M. Umpierre. “La madera que estamos hechos” looks at officials who are hurrying through the wanton destruction of Puerto Rico’s native trees under the guise of rubbish removal due to the recent hurricanes. Umpierre points not just to the colossal loss of the trees themselves but also the loss of what they symbolize. As always, Umpierre is pesao!
And from our Texas blogger, Alfredo Santos, we take a look at the upcoming election and he asks the important question, “Are Hispanics better off with Hispanic Leaders?” You may find his answer surprising but more importantly his view of what we should be paying attention to is worth the reading.
Wear your mask, keep distancing and DON’T FORGET TO VOTE!
Tia Tenopia