56 °f
Detroit
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
  • Home
  • About
    • Introducing the partnership with the Race and Justice reporting Initiative
    • Resources
  • Español
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Detroit Election Videos Bridge Gap Between Candidates and Voters

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Dominican Republic

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

    Senate Dems: Don’t cave! And explain the big picture!

  • Community
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Kirk Gibson Center for Parkinson’s Wellness Opens

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Detroit Officials Implement New Truck Traffic Restrictions in Southwest Detroit

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Supreme Court clears way for racial profiling in immigration raids

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    Details for the Grand Opening of Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Centennial Park

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

    Michigan Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Named 2025 Chamber of the Year by USHCC

  • Featured
    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Hispanic Heritage Month Shifts into High Gear with Local Events

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Mexican Consulate Sponsors El Grito Event in Southwest Detroit

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    Family Ties Build Foundation for Detroit Cristo Rey Boys Soccer

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    City Council Historic Designation Advisory Board to nominate Bagley-West Vernor Historic District

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    DCFC Community Benefits Process Kicks Off in Mexicantown

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    “SWFest” to Showcase Local Sound for Fifth Year at Senate Theater

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

    Senator Slotkin Delivers Federal Honor to CHASS as Funding Fights Loom

  • Opinion
  • Culture & Arts
    • All
    • World Cultures
    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

    Huicholes

    Huicholes

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    Detroit Symphony Orchestra Presents The Three Mexican Tenors

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Kintsugi Village Opens Its Doors in Corktown

    Cultura y Comunidad – October

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    TechTown Invites Latin Innovators to ‘Latin-X-Tech’ 

    Dominican Republic

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    DIA Announces Artists Participating in 13th Annual Ofrendas

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    Introducing Season Fair, Detroit’s First Contemporary Art Fair

    • World Cultures
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
    • Throwbacks
  • Events
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • en English
    • en English
    • es Spanish
No Result
View All Result
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News
No Result
View All Result

Latinos are Adding our Own Flavor to an American Tradition

EL CENTRAL by EL CENTRAL
November 22, 2023
in Community, Español, Featured
Reading Time: 8 mins read
Home Community
ShareShareTweetEmail to a friend
  • Estefania Arellano-Bermudez
  • November 22, 2023
Español Abajo

Eighty years after Norman Rockwell painted Freedom from Want, a painting of a family gathered around a dinner table for a holiday meal, Latinos from Southwest Detroit are serving a different kind of dinner, one where Mexicans serve atole instead of eggnog, where Puerto Ricans serve mashed plantains (mofongo) instead of mashed potatoes, and Salvadorians serve pupusas instead of cornbread. For immigrants, these savory dishes herald feelings of longing for their homeland and what it’s like to adopt a new country. 

Today, when Latino immigrants gather for Thanksgiving, they set a table diverse with food from their ancestral lands just south of the border and feed their families with bounties rich in history. Venezuelans serve arepas, Guatemalans prepare tamales made with banana leaves, and Mexicans can’t have a holiday without pozole, an Aztec dish with a thousand years of history. 

One of the reasons to serve such traditional foods is that “most newer generations don’t go back [to theircountry of origin], so food is a way to connect them to their roots,” said Maria Tolentino, from the Dominican Republic, who has been in the U.S. for 37 years.

Thanksgiving is a holiday where the gift you give is that of gratitude. Latinos often profess to be grateful for a roof over their heads, health, and food on the table, such as corn, chocolate, and chiles—staples that are the currency of indigenous Latino cuisine.

Most immigrants come to the United States out of necessity, fleeing violence or poverty and looking for opportunity and education.

Being an immigrant during the holiday can often feel like you are a child of divorced parents, where you have two different homes, two different experiences, and longing for a time when your family was all together. It’s a hopeful way of saying I can be an American and retain my culture and traditions, as well as togetherness in a time when such things are a precious commodity.

“Thanksgiving brings people together—an invitation of all people, races, and cultures. So we bring the dishes closest to our hearts to share in that melting pot,” said Sonja Olmeda, whose family is from Puerto Rico.

During this year’s festivities, remember that regardless of how far you’ve come or where you’d like to be next year, don’t forget to enjoy a tooth-breakingchocolate de abuelitabest steeped in hot milk.For a taste of Central American holiday cuisine, Southwest Detroit has many foods to satisfy your Thanksgiving cravings. 

For a twist on a classic, visit a Hispanic-owned business with menus consisting of authentic holiday recipes. El Rey De las Arepas on McGraw has savory arepas, and Pupuseria Y RestauranteSalvadoreño on Livernois has fresh pupusas and traditional Salvadorean food. La Fiesta on Vernor has sugar cane and all of your baking needs – whether you whip up a tres leches cake, flan, or a pumpkin pie. 

If you hope to have authentic Mexican or Central American food without the hassle of cooking, a simple social media search will point you to pop-up shops and delivery services, from sweet treats to delicious eats. Ari’s Eats N Treats on Facebook, run by Ariana Rendon, is one such business that will have you ready for the holidays and further proves that a bit of foodie magic can go a long way.

When Latinos gather, the table brims with food from our ancestral grounds. Tradition can be remixed. Old favorites can become new again. After all, when life hands you a turkey, you make turkey tamales. 

Estefania Arellano-Bermudez is a lifelong Detroiter. She has published in the Telegram News and believes words evoke magic.

This story was made possible by the Race and Justice Reporting Initiative. The goal of the initiative is to build trust between the news media and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities and strengthen representative democracy.
 

Los latinos le estamos poniendo nuestro sabor a una tradición estadounidense

Han pasado ochenta años desde que Norman Rockwell pintó Freedom from Want, el cuadro de una familia reunida alrededor de una mesa en un día festivo, pero los latinos del suroeste de Detroit están sirviendo una cena diferente, una en la que los mexicanos toman atole en lugar de ponche de huevo, mientras que los puertorriqueños sirven puré de plátanos (mofongo) en lugar de puré de papas, y los salvadoreños sirven pupusas en lugar de pan de maíz. Para los inmigrantes, estos sabrosos platos presagian sentimientos de añoranza por su patria y lo que es adoptar un nuevo país.

Cuando los inmigrantes latinos se reúnen el Día de Acción de Gracias, preparan una mesa variada con comida de sus tierras ancestrales del sur de la frontera y alimentan a sus familias con productos ricos en historia. Los venezolanos sirven arepas, los guatemaltecos preparan tamales con hojas de plátano y los mexicanos no pueden pasar una festividad sin pozole, un plato azteca con mil años de historia.

Una de las razones para servir alimentos tan tradicionales es que “la mayoría de las nuevas generacionesno regresan a su país de origen, por lo que la comida es una forma de conectarse con sus raíces”, dijo María Tolentino, de República Dominicana, quien ha estado en los EE. UU. durante 37 años.

El Día de Acción de Gracias es una festividad en la que el regalo que se da es el de gratitud. Los latinos a menudo profesan estar agradecidos por tener un techo sobre sus cabezas, salud y comida en la mesa, como maíz, chocolate y chiles, alimentos básicos que son la moneda de cambio de la cocina indígena latina.

La mayoría de los inmigrantes vienen a Estados Unidos por necesidad, huyendo de la violencia o la pobreza y buscando oportunidades y educación.

Ser inmigrante durante las festividades a menudo puede sentirse como ser hijo de padres divorciados, donde hay dos hogares diferentes, dos experiencias diferentes y se anhela un momento en el que la familia esté junta. Es una forma esperanzadora de decir que se puede ser estadounidense y conservar la cultura y tradiciones, así como la unión en una época en la que esas cosas son un bien preciado.

“El Día de Acción de Gracias une a las personas: es una invitación a todas las personas, razas y culturas. Así que se traen los platillos más cercanos a nuestro corazón para poder compartirlos”, dijo Sonja Olmeda, cuya familia es de Puerto Rico.

Durante las festividades de este año, sin importar lo lejos que haya llegado o dónde le gustaría estar el próximo año, no olvide disfrutar de un delicioso Chocolate Abuelita.

Para probar la cocina centroamericana, el suroeste de Detroit tiene mucha comida para satisfacer sus antojos de Acción de Gracias. Para darle un giro a un clásico, visite un negocio de propiedad hispana con menús que consisten en auténticas recetas festivas. El Rey De las Arepas en McGraw tiene arepas sabrosas, y Pupuseria Y Restaurante Salvadoreño en Livernois tiene pupusas frescas y comida tradicional salvadoreña. La Fiesta en Vernor tiene caña de azúcar y todo lo que necesita para hornear, ya sea que prepare un pastel de tres leches, un flan o un pastel de calabaza.

Si desea disfrutar de auténtica comida mexicana o centroamericana sin la molestia de cocinar, una simple búsqueda en las redes sociales le indicará tiendas temporales y servicios de entrega, desde dulces hasta comidas deliciosas. Ari’s Eats N Treats en Facebook, dirigido por Ariana Rendon, es uno de esosnegocios que lo mantendrá listo para las fiestas y demuestra además que un poco de magia gastronómica puede ser de gran ayuda.

Cuando los latinos se reúnen, la mesa rebosa de comida de nuestra tierra. La tradición se puede remezclar. Los viejos favoritos pueden volver a ser nuevos. Después de todo, cuando la vida te entrega un pavo, haces tamales de pavo.

Estefania Arellano-Bermúdez Detroitina de toda la vida. Ha publicado en Telegram News y está segura que las palabras evocan magia.

Este articulo fue posible gracias a Race and Justice Reporting Initiative. El objetivo de la iniciativa es generar confianza entre los medios de comunicación y las comunidades negras, indígenas y de color y fortalecer la democracia representativa.

Traducción Carmen Elena Luna

Tags: latinosThanksgiving
Previous Post

Mexican Patriotic Committee Presents Gala Pageant to Crown Miss Mexico

Next Post

SER Metro-Detroit Opens New Youth Center with Official Ribbon-Cutting

EL CENTRAL

EL CENTRAL

Related Posts

Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit
Community

Large New Retail Development Planned for Southwest Detroit

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

Nuevo desarrollo comercial de 3,770 m² en Southwest Detroit impulsará empleos, negocios locales y cultura con apoyo de Queen Lillian,...

Read moreDetails
SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary
Community

SER Metro-Detroit Celebrates its 54th Anniversary

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

SER Metro-Detroit celebrated 53 years of empowering communities at its Amigos de SER Luncheon, honoring partners, graduates, and 50 years...

Read moreDetails
“We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting
Community

“We Matter.” Southwest Detroit Residents Pack DCFC Stadium Meeting

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

Southwest Detroit residents rally for a $1 ticket surcharge and real community benefits from DCFC’s proposed $198M stadium project. Will...

Read moreDetails
They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally
Community

They’re calling it a “Hate America” Rally

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

The No Kings rally aims to defend democracy and stand against Trump’s authoritarianism. Learn why this nationwide movement is gaining...

Read moreDetails
State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan
Community

State Senator Mary Cavanagh Moves to Protect Immigrants in Michigan

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

Michigan Senator Mary Cavanagh discusses new bills to protect immigrants from ICE raids, build public trust, and strengthen community safety...

Read moreDetails
City Unveils Statue of Joe Louis Honoring his Barrier-breaking Work in Golf
Community

City Unveils Statue of Joe Louis Honoring his Barrier-breaking Work in Golf

by EL CENTRAL
October 16, 2025
0

Detroit unveils new Joe Louis statue and two miles of the Joe Louis Greenway, celebrating community connection, art, and the...

Read moreDetails
Next Post
SER Metro-Detroit Opens New Youth Center with Official Ribbon-Cutting

SER Metro-Detroit Opens New Youth Center with Official Ribbon-Cutting

Leave Comment
ADVERTISEMENT
  • Trending
  • Comments
  • Latest
Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

Volunteers Needed for Refugee Resettlement in Michigan

February 14, 2024
Southwest Celebrates Cinco de Mayo

Why We Celebrate “CINCO DE MAYO, THE 5TH OF MAY”

May 2, 2024
MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

MSHDA Opens $60 Million MI Neighborhood Applications

April 4, 2024
Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

Infamous Highwaymen Motorcycle Club Leader Pursues a Second Chance at Life

February 1, 2024
Community and RuboFest 2022 

Community and RuboFest 2022 

0
“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

“Vemos a México como un socio igualitario”

0
Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

Ford Hispanic and Latino Network Beautifies Clark Park

0
Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

Editorial Opinion “The Fifth, I take the Fifth”

0
Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 2025

Recent News

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

Seguimo’ Aqui: From Detroit to Puerto Rico for El Conejo Malo

October 9, 2025
DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

DHDC Celebrates Founder Angie Reyes’ Retirement

October 9, 2025
EL CENTRAL Hispanic News

Michigans #1. Oldest. Largest & Only
Bilingual Hispanic News for 33 Years.

Follow Us

Browse by Category

  • Business
  • Classifieds
  • Community
  • Culture & Arts
  • Education
  • Entrepreneurs
  • Español
  • Events
  • Featured
  • Finance
  • Food
  • Latest News
  • Local News
  • Local Small Business
  • Music
  • National News
  • Opinion
  • Others
  • People
  • Politics
  • Resources
  • Restaurants
  • Sports
  • Throwbacks
  • World
  • World Cultures

Recent News

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

Archbishop Weisenburger calls Catholics to be witnesses of hope for immigrants

October 9, 2025
The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

The 7th Annual Talentos Latinos Awards Honor Latino Community Leaders Across Michigan

October 9, 2025
  • Latest Issue
  • About
  • Newsletter
  • Advertise
  • Contact
  • Menu Item
  • Created with EyeBreatheDesign

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS

No Result
View All Result
  • Home
  • Sections
    • Featured
    • Local News
    • Community
    • Culture & Arts
    • Español
    • Music
    • Sports
  • Events
  • Latest Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Contact
  • Advertise

© 2022 EL CENTRAL HISPANIC NEWS