The chilly November air created the perfect atmosphere to enjoy Abuelita’s hot chocolate. This is a traditional drink that’s very similar to hot chocolate, but it has cinnamon and other spices added to it. The Ethnobot N’ Tea Club was happy to provide spices for the specialty drink.
“I’ve never tried Abuelita’s hot chocolate before, but I’m pleasantly surprised by how good it is,” said Sierra Ingram, a first-year student from Cape Coral, Florida. “I’m definitely going to have it more in the future!”
Food is an important part of Hispanic culture because it brings people together. Pan dulce, or sweet bread, is often baked in the days and weeks leading up to Day of the Dead. Members of Latinos Unidos found pan dulce at a local Mexican store in St. Petersburg and were excited to share it with their peers. Sofía even took some home to add to her ofrenda, or offering.
Imani got involved with Latinos Unidos after she changed her major. She came to Eckerd for marine science but quickly realized it would not be a fulfilling field for her. She settled on animal studies instead, but the change brought a sense of loneliness and confusion.
“Latinos Unidos brought me a community of amazing people who I love so dearly,” she says. “Planning events pushes me out of my comfort zone, but I’m honored to share my culture.”
The club isn’t exclusive to students of Latinx heritage. The officers want to create a safe space for representation and engagement with people of all different backgrounds. They are very focused and passionate about the legacy of the club, and Día de los Muertos is a meaningful way to emphasize remembrance and legacy.
