Cultures Traveled

How to Make a Day of the Dead Altar (with Meaning)

Xochitl — Sun, 01 Mar 2026 00:12:18 +0000

Creating a Day of the Dead altar is one of the most heartfelt ways to honor your loved ones. But if you’re unfamiliar with the tradition, you might not know which elements belong or why they’re used. Understanding the meaning behind each offering can turn the process of making an altar into a conversation with...

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Who is La Catrina? History, Meaning, and Day of the Dead

Xochitl — Sat, 28 Feb 2026 19:08:24 +0000

La Catrina is one of the most recognizable figures associated with Day of the Dead, yet her origins are often misunderstood. What emerged as a sharp social satire in early 20th-century Mexico later evolved into a powerful cultural symbol. Today, La Catrina represents themes of mortality, class, identity, and remembrance within Día de los Muertos....

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Street Food in Mexico City: What and Where to Eat

Julien Casanova — Sat, 21 Feb 2026 05:58:21 +0000

Every time I visit Mexico City, street food is one of the things I look forward to most. As a melting pot, the city’s Mexican antojitos (little cravings) scene is unrivaled. But devouring the best street food in Mexico City isn’t just a way to eat on the go. It’s how the city feeds itself,...

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Where I Ate the Best Chilaquiles in Mexico City

Julien Casanova — Mon, 16 Feb 2026 21:36:38 +0000

Ohhhhh chilaquiles. Proof that the simplest dishes are often the most obsessed over. At their core, chilaquiles are simply chips and salsa. Humble ingredients, zero pretension, incredibly flavorful. And yet finding the best chilaquiles in Mexico City has become an unofficial breakfast quest. The salsa matters. The ratios matter. Whether those chips still have a...

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Mexico Day of the Dead Traditions, Symbols and Meanings

Xochitl — Sun, 15 Feb 2026 05:23:07 +0000

Día de Muertos, or Day of the Dead, is one of Mexico’s most vibrant and meaningful celebrations. It’s a time when families honor and welcome back the souls of departed loved ones. Rooted in pre-Hispanic beliefs and blended with Catholic traditions, it’s a unique expression of love, remembrance, and continuity between life and death. Across...

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15 Traditional Day of the Dead Food and Drinks

Xochitl — Fri, 13 Feb 2026 23:46:49 +0000

Day of the Dead food traditions are a bridge between the living and the dead. In Mexico, we believe that when the spirits return they consume the essence of the foods placed on the altar. Whether you’re baking pan de muerto, crafting a complex mole, or frothing a cup of hot chocolate, each Día de...

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10 Traditional Day of the Dead Flowers + Significance

Xochitl — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 22:18:17 +0000

Day of the Dead flowers are more than decorations, they are symbolic guides meant to help loved ones return home to visit during Día de Muertos. Each bloom has its own meaning, traditional use, and cultural significance, especially in regions like Oaxaca and Michoacán, where flower cultivation plays a major role in the celebration. In...

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15 Traditional Drinks in Ecuador to Try: Alcoholic and Non

Julien Casanova — Sat, 17 Jan 2026 23:07:31 +0000

Traditional Ecuadorian drinks might not be as well known as the country’s landscapes or cuisine, but they’re just as worthy of exploring. From herbal teas made with mountain flowers to strong local liquors, I’ll walk you through the most popular drinks in Ecuador, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. Some, such as chicha, have deep cultural roots....

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19 Ecuadorian Street Foods You Should Try

Julien Casanova — Wed, 14 Jan 2026 02:16:56 +0000

Street food in Ecuador is an essential part of the travel experience. But if you’re not sure what’s what, it’s easy to pass by the best local snacks without even realizing it. This guide breaks down the most common Ecuadorian street foods so you can try them with confidence, whether you’re wandering a market in...

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Ecuadorian Food: 25 Traditional Dishes to Try

Julien Casanova — Mon, 12 Jan 2026 21:19:15 +0000

When it comes to traditional Ecuadorian food, I didn’t know what to expect before I arrived. It has a reputation for being bland, similar to what I’d tasted in Colombia. But I have a friend from Ecuador who’s fiercely proud of his country’s food, especially its use of green plantains. After six weeks traveling around...

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