Stories about Latin America from January, 2016
Once a Prisoner in Cuba, a Transgender Cuban Woman Vows to Never Return
These days, it’s a lot easier to travel between the US and Cuba, but some Cubans have no interest in going back to their homeland.
Laf Productions, the Chilean Team Behind Several Hilarious Viral Videos in Latin America
The Laf team give a humorous twist to everyday themes, and perhaps that's one of the reasons behind their success.
Young Actors Bring Greek Mythology and Psychology to the Stages of Venezuela
In this Venezuelan youth theatre group's idiosyncratic adaptations of Greek classics, the roles shape the actors as much as the actors shape the roles.
Rising Voices Welcomes Five New Indigenous Language Digital Activism Grantees
Rising Voices congratulates the five winners from Argentina, El Salvador, Mexico, Nicaragua that will receive microgrants and mentoring for their indigenous language digital activism projects.
Think Twice Before You Insult Peruvian Food
Peruvians can be protective of their national cuisine. Radio Ambulante's Daniel Alarcón spoke with two people who dared to speak their mind about the food, with very different results.
Don't Be Confused. The Panama Hat Is an Old Ecuadorian Tradition
Don't let name confuse you: the Panama hat comes from Ecuador and its manual crafting is a tradition and source of pride among its rural manufacturers.
Mexico’s Supreme Court Hands Indigenous Peoples Landmark Victory in Media Representation
The highest court in Mexico declares Article 230 of the Federal Telecommunications and Broadcasting Law to be unconstitutional for discriminating against indigenous languages.
Meet Luisa Revilla, the First Transgender Woman to Make It Into Peruvian Politics
Luisa has made history. She is unwittingly part of a group of transgender women who are taking on roles in a media cabinet and occupying political offices in Latin America.
Climate Change Continued to Rear Its Ugly Head in 2015
People around the world were affected by extreme weather events in 2015, the hottest year on record ever.
Two Separate Acts of Kindness Demonstrate the Best of Humanity in Peru
"Thanks, Brando, because without knowing you weren't just returning a wallet... you were returning hope to the country!!"
Venezuela's Indigenous Pemón Community Waits for the Day Germany Returns Their Grandmother Kueka
Grandmother Kueka is the genesis, the first mother in the Pemon culture, but the huge jasper stone was never returned after it was taken for an art exhibit.
A New Wave of Protests Sweeps São Paulo Against Public Transportation Fare Hikes
One study found that public transport in 21 Brazilian cities are among the most costly in the world in relation to average salary, outranking London, Tokyo and New York.
An AIDS Epidemic is Decimating the Indigenous Warao Community in Venezuela
The figures are clear evidence that what is happening in Venezuela’s Orinoco Delta is an epidemic—an epidemic that is threatening the survival of an entire indigenous people.
A Venezuelan Digital Artist Defends LGBT Rights Despite Social and Political Censorship
Who's behind censorship and why? What happens when old social norms around gender are questioned? Danial Arzola, creator of the campaign 'I'm not a joke', answers these and other questions.
Expand Your Movie-Watching Horizons With These 16 Films From Around the World
Follow the exploits of a transgender dad, a rotten tomato, Iranian rockers, a janitor-turned-mayor and others in this list of films that take you to the world beyond Hollywood.
The Three Kings Is One of Puerto Rico's Most Loved Traditions
One of the main traditions associated with the Three King's Day are the 'Promesas', or the tradition of asking the Kings to intervene in a moment of need
How a Weapons Trafficking Case Brought Puerto Rico's Political Status Before the US Supreme Court
The US attorney general's position on Puerto Rico's status has probably turned the issue into fodder for the upcoming election season.
The Internet Helps an Unknown Brazilian Footballer Beat Messi to Win a FIFA Award
Wendell Lira didn’t have a club to play for when he was nominated for the most beautiful goal of 2015. But thanks to the Internet, he turned things around.
The Victims of Mexico's Drug War Deserve to Be in the Spotlight, Not El Chapo and Sean Penn
"Only when the names of those who were killed are known, when the stories of their suffering are heard...people everywhere will call out to end the war."
Matt Damon Was Right. NASA Is Studying Peruvian Potatoes for Possible Farming on Mars
There are 4,500 varieties of potato in Peru, whose International Potato Center has been tasked with helping NASA find the best one for potential farming on Mars.
Mexico Recaptures El Chapo Guzmán. But Is it Mission Accomplished?
"President Enrique Pena Nieto saying "missing accomplished" is about as credible as when George Bush said it about Iraq. Same silly line."