The coronavirus is changing our holiday season, but you can still enjoy many Latino traditions online.
For many, this holiday season may not be as joyous as previous ones. As COVID-19 continues to ravage the Latino and Black communities, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that people continue to social distance, wear masks, and avoid large gatherings.
For Latinos looking forward to spending time with friends and family, and partaking in festive traditions, this holiday season will not only look different from years past, but may also be less spirited. Nonetheless, things are looking up. As medical officials continue to roll out the COVID-19 vaccine, the future is starting to look better.
There are, however, ways to still enjoy Latino holiday traditions while adhering to CDC restrictions.
Play Lotería Online
Latino families love playing Lotería during the holidays. This bingo-like tradition is something families and friends play during Christmastime and New Year’s Eve. So how can we play while being apart?
There are many Lotería games available online. You can play at laloteria.bingo or download the app “Lotería Online,” which is available for free at the Apple App Store.
And if you need instructions on how to play Lotería, click on this interactive Lotería game created by Google.
Enjoy Posadas Virtually
One of the most beloved Latino holiday traditions is posadas, in which people sing Christmas songs outside of people’s houses. Yes, just like Christmas caroling, but posadas differ because after people are done singing, they are invited into the home, where they can enjoy pan dulce, tamales, and champurrado (thick Mexican hot chocolate).
Instead of visiting family and friends in person this year, organize a Zoom posada yourself or join one online. Facebook features a slew of virtual posadas. Search “Posadas 2020 virtual” in Facebook events.
Create Your Special Piñata
Playing Lotería, attending posadas, and breaking piñatas go hand in hand. But just because the big celebrations are canceled, doesn’t mean you have to cancel everything. Making piñatas (and then breaking them) is a big part of the holidays. The clip above shows you exactly how to make a piñata, or you can click here and take a class online for $16.
Make Tamales Online
Making tamales around the kitchen table is a holiday tradition that dates back to the beginning of time. Since your tías, cousins and friends cannot come over to make tamales, that shouldn’t mean you can’t convene together in some way.
There are several online tamale classes. However, they can get a little pricey. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to make tamales with your loved ones, organize a Zoom gathering but make sure the family’s matriarch (or whoever makes the best tamales) is leading the session.
¡FELIZ NAVIDAD!
Politics
Teamsters and UPS Reach Tentative Deal to Avoid Strike, 340,000 Workers to Get Raises
The tentative deal represents a huge win for full- and part-time UPS Teamster workers, who would get significant pay raises and better working...
One Republican Senator Is Blocking 265 Military Promotions, Leaving the Marines Without a Confirmed Leader
Sen. Tommy Tuberville's decision means these military officers are not getting the pay raises they’re owed, cannot move their families to wherever...
Local News
Teamsters and UPS Reach Tentative Deal to Avoid Strike, 340,000 Workers to Get Raises
The tentative deal represents a huge win for full- and part-time UPS Teamster workers, who would get significant pay raises and better working...
One Republican Senator Is Blocking 265 Military Promotions, Leaving the Marines Without a Confirmed Leader
Sen. Tommy Tuberville's decision means these military officers are not getting the pay raises they’re owed, cannot move their families to wherever...