Every Hispanic family has its own customs and traditions, including holidays, meals, dances and more. Growing up as a first-generation American, my family always did things a little differently than the mainstream. For example, as a kid, my Dominican mom would pack canned salchichas for my school lunch while other kids would have your typical lunchables. I compared my experiences with my Latino friends and noticed some things weren't all that different. But regardless of what Latin country you are from it's safe to say that coffee dominates the morning hour. Which is why I have teamed up with Café Bustelo® and Target to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month.
First and foremost, if you are meeting a Hispanic family for the first time don't be surprised to get a few hugs and kisses. There is always that awkward moment when meeting a Non-Hispanic that doesn't know the traditional greeting; they have no idea if you are going for the handshake or a hug. Nonetheless when it comes to waking up we all love the smell of fresh brewed coffee. The world’s favorite hot drink can be served as an espresso, a cappuccino, a frappe, or even a cafe con leche. Since I was never really able to figure out the perfect water to ground coffee ratio the way my mom did it, I was glad to find out Café Bustelo® came in the version of K-Cup® Pods for the Keurig coffee machine. Where you can easily pick how strong you want your coffee with a touch of a button.
Big families are the norm in the Hispanic culture. So whether it's a holiday party, birthday, baptism, or just a regular weekend, get ready to see all the cousins, aunts, and uncles present. There was a point we all lived one block distance from each other in Queens, NY. Meaning every Saturday everyone would come by the apartment to drink a cup of coffee with galletas (crackers) while watching Sábado Gigante, listening to merengue music, and chismeando or in other words chit-chatting about some juicy gossip. Side note: it will get loud, the amount of laughter and noise that comes from our gatherings definitely bothered the neighbors downstairs. They would bang the ceiling with a broom to let us know to quiet down.
Breakfast for Hispanics is kind of a big deal. My mom would cook a large, hot breakfast for the entire family every weekend. The Dominican Breakfast of Champions also known as Los Tres Golpes would consist of fried eggs, fried cheese, mangu and salami. Oh man just thinking about it is making my mouth watery. And while I have been Americanized and enjoy mimosas for brunch, traditionally breakfast is finished off with a cup of coffee. If you haven't noticed yet Café Bustelo is more than just a coffee. Generations have connected over a cup of bold energy and rich flavor coffee and now it's my turn to pass down this tradition to my future kids.
The funny thing is that in college I did an internship program to help Target launch their Hispanic campaign. I actually won the scholarship as we presented that the retail store can embrace the bicultural guests by catering to their every day shopping experience with familiar and traditional items. With Café Bustelo being a high-quality Hispanic coffee that connects you to the Latin culture this product can be found in the Hispanic aisle available in a variety of forms at Target – ground, whole bean, brick, K-Cup Pods, and Instant. Click here to find out how you can enjoy 10% off Café Bustelo K-Cup® Pods with the Target Cartwheel app.
How has coffee shaped your childhood memories? Let me know in the comments.
We drink LOTS of coffee in our house and as an Italian, our breakfasts are finished off with coffee, too!
ReplyDeleteI don't like coffee, but I do appreciate the smell, that's for sure! Mmm, and the breakfasts you mentioned sounds great. I don't always eat breakfast!
ReplyDeleteI love traditions honestly. As my husband and I grow together as husband and wife, I really want to chisel out traditions that we have every year. So far we have a few, but I want more!
ReplyDeleteI love Cafe Bustelo! and I agree, it makes wonderful espresso. Family traditions are so special. Loved your post!
ReplyDeleteThis sounds very much like my family, and we're from the other side of the world! Maybe Scandinavians and Hispanics are long lost cousins?
ReplyDeleteKatja xxx
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This post is really interesting. I didn't know about all of that. I have never tried Cafe Bustelo. I think mediterranean traditions as a whole are quite similar to hispanic ones. My family is a bit the same!
ReplyDeleteI used to not be a fan of coffee, but since having kids, I need it to make it through my day! I'm not familiar with Cafe Bustelo but should try it!
ReplyDeleteI am an avid coffee drinker, to the extent that I even have my own little single serve Keurig machine and a mini coffee bar in my bedroom! I will have to try this ��
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a kid, every Sunday after church, they would serve coffee on the patio, and my mom would always enjoy 'a cup' while chatting with the other members. Man, could she make that cup last a long time! 😁
ReplyDeleteAs Spanish I have to say Wendi the same, can't live without cofee but I have never tried this one I put in my list I am sure if you recommend it is fantastic. Beautiful post
ReplyDeleteI have to admit I don't drink coffee, but my other half does so we always look to have something nice in for him and visitors. I'll have to look into Cafe Bustelo.
ReplyDeleteAs a coffee drinker , no scratch that; Coffee LOVER, I dentify with this post.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in a mixed cultural home with half hispanic traditions. I have to agree, we love a good cup of coffee especially in the morning.
ReplyDeleteWe love coffee as well. I love to learn new traditions, so this article was interesting. I love your images as well, and those biscuits looks amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love how products like Cafe Bustelo really connect us, as Latinos, to our roots and heritage bringing back memories of time spent with family around con una tacita de café!
ReplyDeletethis is such perfect insight into the hispanic heritage! i grew up in a mixed race home and have huge appreciation for different cultures.
ReplyDeleteCoffee is a staple in my house. I have at least 2 mugs a day.
ReplyDeleteI'm italian, and can't live without coffee! Your traditions are similar to ours, loved to hear about this!
ReplyDeleteNothing is more enjoyable than sipping a local coffee that you love. Love local!
ReplyDeleteThough I am not big on coffee, I love the smell of it in the morning and enjoy it some evenings.
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