The University News » Entries tagged with "Mexico"
Why celebrate Cinco de Mayo?
Ever since I moved to this beautiful country almost two years ago, I have noticed how big this day, Cinco de Mayo, is, at least for Americans. But do you even know what you are celebrating? In Mexico, where I am from, May the 5th is not even a holiday. In fact, lots of people don’t even know there was a miniature war back in 1862. So yes, you are celebrating a battle that took place 151 years ago in a little town called Puebla, two hours east of Mexico City between the French and the Mexicans. The Mexicans defeated Charles de Lorencez and his 6,500 soldiers. Just to make sure you all know, Mexico’s independence from the Spaniards took place on September 15-16, 1810, and it is celebrated all around the country … Read entire article »
Filed under: Opinion
Chicana author shares her memoir
Chicana postmodernist writer and UMKC professor, Dr. Norma Cantú of the English and Latina and Latino Studies Programs, read selections from her fictionalized memoir “Canícula: Imágenes de una niñez fronteriza” last Tuesday. The book won the 1995 Premio Aztlán, a national award for emerging Chicano and Chicana writers. She moved to Kansas City in January after teaching at the University of Texas at San Antonio for 12 years. Cantú read selections such as “A Border Story” and “Making Do.” “A Border Story” is about her childhood in Laredo, TX during the 1940s and 50s. It tells of the hottest days in summer when cotton is harvested. “Making Do” is about a beauty shop in Laredo where women tell their stories to the hairdresser named Diamond. “It is about a culture, a culture that clashes … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Halloween or Dia de los Muertos?
Mexico is blessed with a rich history and a wealth of traditions, which I’ve always been proud and happy to celebrate. I remember how fun it was to wear a creepy costume every Halloween in Mexico and go trick-or-treating with my neighborhood friends, just like the holiday’s custom in the U.S. Celebrated by Mexicans on Nov. 1- 2, Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) is a tradition that dates back to pre-Hispanic times. It is important to note that Día de los Muertos is not Mexican Halloween. Even though the dates are close and the themes are similar, they are two different holidays. I, like many others, celebrate both. Día de los Muertos is a solemn time to commemorate and lovingly remember relatives and friends who have passed away. Although it … Read entire article »
Filed under: Opinion
Player Profile: Gaby Pintos
Tennis player brings enthusiasm to the team Eight strong, vibrant young women from five different countries make up the UMKC women’s tennis team. Gaby Pintos from Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico has been on the team for two and a half years. Pintos started her tennis career at age 12 and swiftly moved up the ranks until she played in national matches. “I played in the College Prospects Tournament where [the head UMKC] coach saw me,” she said. After her success in … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
Two different worlds: Why being bilingual is great
I was lucky enough to be born in a bicultural family, with a 100 percent Mexican father and American mother. I was born and raised in Mexico City, which now includes 20 million people. When I decided to explore life and broaden my thoughts at age 19, I moved to Kansas City and discovered the American lifestyle and culture is simply another planet. Fortunately, thanks to my mother, I grew up with the American traditions like Thanksgiving dinner, the 4th of July and Christmas. This made the big change of moving easier on me. I’m very proud of my Mexican heritage, including the recently celebrated Mexican Independence, which is Sept. 15-16, not on “Cinco de Mayo,” which is not even a holiday in Mexico. When you go to Mexico, you find very good … Read entire article »
Hispanic Heritage Month: UMKC students reflect diversity of growing U.S. Latino population
The increase in Hispanic enrollment at UMKC in recent years reflects the growing Hispanic population of the U.S. One in six Americans is of Hispanic descent, and that proportion is on track to double by 2050. National Hispanic Heritage Month, held annually from Sept. 15 to Oct. 15, is a growing phenomenon. Like other groups that have come together to form a unique identity, Latinos in the U.S. often celebrate aspects of both Latin American and U.S. culture. Even … Read entire article »
Filed under: Feature
Tattoo of the week: Tattoos represent religion, family and love
Luis Ruiz is an international student whose tattoos are inspired by family, religion and love. Ruiz currently has five tattoos: a sparrow on his left wrist, an anchor on his right ankle, the word “Abud,” which means “son of God” in Arabic on his waist, the quote “The kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:21) and a deer on his right shoulder. Ruiz got his first tattoo at age 14 on a trip to Lebanon, and several of his tattoos have religious connotations. “The way I see Luke 17:21 is telling us that there is no heaven or hell,” Ruiz said. “It´s just this life, it’s the only one, and it´s the only chance we have to build the kingdom of God within us.” Ruiz’ most significant tattoo revolves around respect. The … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
Soccer: For Jordan Rideout and Guerrero Pino, soccer means passion
Sophomore forward Jordan Rideout was born in England, but at age 10, his family moved to America. Since he was young, Rideout said he knew he would play soccer for the rest of his life. Last year during spring break, he traveled back to England to practice for a week with the professional soccer team Southampton. “I love it,” Rideout said. “Soccer is so massive there. Even the smallest town has a team.” Rideout’s life pursuits are based around soccer. Proof of this are his plans for after graduation. “I plan to hopefully go back to England and play for a team just like my dad,” he said. Rideout’s father, Paul Rideout,, is a retired soccer player who is well-known in England. He played for teams such as Aston Villa, Southampton, Rangers, Bari and even … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
Travel Corner: Mexico City
The bustling city of more than 20 million people, catchy Mexican tunes and city life made Mexico City my dream come true for 13 days this summer. Although I have taken several years of Spanish, when it came down to conversing with native speakers, I knew not a lick of Spanish. It’s impossible to see everything in Mexico City in 13 days, but if you’re going to try, the best way is to go with somebody who knows and lives in the area. I had two people more than willing to show me around. The first, I met at UMKC my very first semester. Dan Moreno and I were fast friends, and a trip to his home country was inevitable. I’m a traveler by heart; he’s a native by birth. How could an opportunity … Read entire article »
Filed under: Arts & Entertainment
It’s not wrestling, it’s Lucha Libre
In the U.S., professional wrestling is classified as entertainment. Lucha Libre in Mexico is more than just that. It is tradition, part of the culture. This isn’t wrestling … it’s Lucha Libre. Lucha Libre has been popular in Mexico for almost 80 years. Salvador Lutteroth, the 17-year-old son of high society immigrants from the U.S., attended a wrestling match in Texas and subsequently decided to take the sport back to Mexico. He is known as the father of Lucha Libre in Mexico. Wrestlers are called “Luchadores” and are considered superheroes. Every Luchador assumes a persona; this persona is sometimes based on his past, his beliefs or his personality. The Luchador, or the company he is part of, designs a mask that will represent him in the ring. Once a Luchador puts on … Read entire article »
Filed under: Sports
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