Carnival Around the Caribbean and South America

February, March and April embarks a period of where carnival emerges throughout countries in the Caribbean and South America. The origins of Carnival in the Caribbean and the South American are complicated as they are deeply tied to colonialism, religion, freedom and celebration. There are always three elements to Carnival celebrations including dressing in masquerade, music and dancing.

There are about 50 countries all over the world that celebrate carnival, some of the biggest carnivals in the world are Trinidad and Tobago, and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Some Latin American and Caribbean countries that have carnival include:

1. Oruro Carnival, Bolivia - Typically takes place in February

2. Crop Over, Barbados - Typically takes place in July and August

3. Barranquailla Carnival, Colombia - Typically takes place in February or March

4. Mazatlán Carnival, Mexico - Typically takes place in March

5. Salvador Carnival & Recife and Olinda, Brazil - Typically takes place in February and April

6. Junkanoo, Bahamas - Typically takes place in December and January

7. Carnival September, Belize - Typically takes place in September

8. Carnival of Santiago de Cuba, Cuba - Typically takes place in July

9. Dominican Carnival, Dominican Republic - Typically takes place in February

10. Bacchanal Jamaica Carnival, Jamaica - Typically takes place in August

11. La Ceiba Carnival, Honduras- Typically takes place in May

Have you ever celebrated Carnival in any of these places or anywhere else? We would love to feature your photos in a gallery and share your experience! Please submit photos or and/stories to info@afro-latinabeauty.com.

Bananas in Multiple Ways

Bananas play a huge role in Caribbean cuisine! They are used in different dishes that vary from breakfast to lunch to dinner. Do you have a favorite dish made with green or yellow bananas? If you, you must let us know.

Here are a few recipes to try out. If you do, let us know they work out for you!

[Tostones]

Twice Fried Plantains Commonly Found in Latin American and Caribbean Cuisines

Ingredients:

• 4 green plantains

• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil

• 1 tablespoon kosher salt

Instructions:

• Peel the plantain and cut it into 1.5 -inch pieces

• Heat the oil in a large skillet. Place the plantains in the oil and fry on both sides

• Remove the plantains from the pan and flatten the plantains by placing a plate over the fried plantains and pressing down.

• Dip the plantains in water, then return them to the hot oil and fry 1 minute on each side.

[Mofongo]

Traditional Caribbean dish with Fried Plantain

Ingredients:

• 4 green plantains

• 1 lb crunchy pork skin

• 3 garlic cloves, mashed

• 4 teaspoons of olive oil

• 2 cups canola

Instructions:

• Peel the plantains, soak them in salty water for 15 minutes and dry them before putting them on the hot skillet with oil.

• Fry them for about 12 minutes at medium-low heat or until they turn light brown.

• Remove them and mash them on a mortar. Add some garlic and pork.

• Using a container, mold the plantain into a half sphere shape, and serve with your favorite meat.

[Maduros]

Fried Sweet Plantain

Ingredients:

• 4 very ripe plantains

• 1 cup vegetable or canola oil

Instructions:

• Peel the plantain and cut it into 1.5 -inch pieces

• Heat the oil in a large skillet. Place the plantains in the oil and fry on both sides

• Remove the plantains from the pan and flatten the plantains by placing a plate over the fried plantains and pressing down.

Latinas Embrace the Natural Hair Movement

March also serves as Women’s History Month, a time where many celebrate the contributions of women to history, culture and society. For women of color, the month provides space to reflect upon moments of resilience, contributions we make to spaces we occupy, and learn about women-led initiatives that have cultivated positive changes within society.

The Natural Hair Movement has spread all throughout the globe and you can see this via social media platforms like YouTube and Instagram. Around the 2000s, women around the world embarked on this journey by eliminating their codependent relationship with relaxers and embracing their natural hair texture. In more recent years, social media has played a key role in keeping the natural hair movement growing and consistent. The movement has also allowed women to connect and find community with each other through their hair. This can be seen through various events, blogs, and social media platforms. One event is CURLFEST, an event curated for women with natural hair to celebrate themselves and learn more about initiatives being created for women within this community.

As March continues, we would love for you to reflect and share some ways the Natural Hair Movement has served you? Submit photos to info@afro-latinabeauty.com for a feature on our social media page where we highlight all things beauty, including our natural hair!