Shared Traditions

Disipline: Spanish traditions celebrated globally

Exploring Culture: Participating and adopting new lifestyle

Project: Las celebraciones en el mundo

Día de los Muertos celebrations: November 1, 2024 at the Museum of Contemporary Art (Arlington, Va.

Attendance by the local community and distance travelers was impressive. I traveled 4 hours to participate in the festivities. The ofrenda was created by the artist David Amoroso (pictured on left kneeling next to the art work). I placed a photo of those who have passed on the ofrenda. Candles were lit, and there was food and drinks. The experience was deeply moving. Hundreds of visitors passed by the ofrenda in silence. There were Mexican dancers and musicians performing on the steps of the musuem. Food vendors and arts and craft tables were selling

Latin American items.

The picture below is an ofrenda I created in my home. I now understand the whimsical decorations on the skulls, they are a reminder of the cyclicality of life.

Museum pf Contemporaty Art Arlington, Va. "Dia de los Muertos Nov. 1, 2024

This is a Mate presentation among family. It covers the history and traditions of Yerba Mate, As I prepare the Mate, the participants will read about the history and impact that Yerba Mate has had on society in the regions of the Cono Sur and other countries around the world.

Yerba Mate Steps:

Gather the materials - You'll need a gourd (mate), a bombilla (metal straw with a filter), yerba mate leaves, and a thermos filled with hot water. Fill the gourd: The cebador (the person prepariong the mate) fills the gourd about three-quarters full of yerba mate leaves.
Heating: (This step can be substitued with purchased yerba leaves) Warm the leaves: The cebador heats the leaves by placing the gourd over hot coals or a flame for a few seconds. This step releases the aroma and flavors of the leaves. Add hot water: Pour hot water (not boiling) into the gourd to moisten the leaves. Let it sit for a few seconds, then drain the water to remove any impurities.
Assembling: Insert the bombilla: Place the bombilla into the gourd at an angle to ensure it doesn't get stuck. Add more hot water: Fill the gourd with hot water again, marking sure it's not hot to avoid scorching the leaves.
Serving: First sip: The cebador takes the first sip to check the temperature and taste. This is also a way to ensure the mate is well-prepared. Pass around: The mate is passed around the circle, and each person takes a sip through the bombilla. The cebador refills the gourd with hot water as needed.
Etiquette: No thank you, in some regions, it's custmary not to say "thank you" when offered the mate, as it implies you're done. Share and enjoy. The ceremony is about community and sharing, so enjoy the time with friends and family.
The first set of yerba mate leaves typically serves about 10 to 15 cups, depending on the strength of the leaves and how many water is added each time. As you keep filling with hot water, the flavor gradually diminishes. Once the taste becomes too mild, it's time to refresh the mate with new leaves. Extra - Credit Project