Protected: La Historia Auténtica de Jarritos

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Protected: The Authentic Story of Jarritos

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‘I Thought It Was Just a Headache. It Turned Out to Be a Ruptured Brain Aneurysm.

It was a typical Monday for Latina entrepreneur and mother of two, Angela Sustaita-Ruiz. She was wrapping up a Zoom meeting when she says she experienced the worst headache in he’ life. She didn’t know it at the time, but she was in a life-threatening situation. And what started as an ordinary weekday in 2022 would alter the course of her world forever.

“The pain was sudden and severe, moving from the back of my head to my forehead, followed by neck stiffness and nausea,” she recalls.

With her family’s help, she immediately went to the hospital. Within 20 minutes, she was receiving care. “It was the most terrifying moment of my life. I was overwhelmed by the uncertainty and the realization that my life was in danger,” Sustaita-Ruiz says, two years later. “I know I’m profoundly blessed to have survived without permanent neurological damage.”

Sustaita-Ruiz is right. The hospital MRI tests revealed that she had suffered a ruptured brain aneurysm, and time was of the essence. Had she ignored her symptoms, she would have died. In fact, about 50 percent of ruptured aneurysm cases like hers are fatal.

“I’m lucky to be alive,” Sustaita-Ruiz says. “Now I want to use what I’ve learned to help others.”

Many people, like Sustaita-Ruiz, are unaware of their condition until it’s almost too late. That’s why, in the effort to save lives through education and early detection, September was designated Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. It’s a time to spotlight the silent symptoms, share survivor stories, and push for better access to screenings and research.

What is a Brain Aneurysm?

What makes brain aneurysms particularly dangerous is that they often present no symptoms. Every September, Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month focuses on educating the public about these risks and the importance of early detection. With approximately 3.2 percent of the global population at risk, preventive measures and understanding the condition are critical, especially for higher-risk groups like Latinos.

But what exactly is a brain aneurysm? In simple terms, it is a weak spot on an artery in the brain that balloons out and fills with blood. This can put dangerous pressure on surrounding nerves or brain tissue. If it ruptures, it can cause life-threatening bleeding, leading to severe complications or death.

The Impact on Hispanic Men and Women

“Brain aneurysms are estimated to be 25 percent more common in the Latino community with approximately twice the risk of rupture,”  Dr. Robert Wicks, M.D., Co-Director of Cerebrovascular Surgery of the Baptist Health Miami Neuroscience Institute.

Several factors contribute to this heightened risk for Latinos, particularly Latinas over 55.

“One of the most common risk factors for aneurysm progression is uncontrolled hypertension. Studies have shown that Hispanic Americans may be more likely to have undiagnosed, untreated, or uncontrolled hypertension,” Dr. Wicks says. “Hypertension is high blood pressure. It’s defined as a condition where the pressure in your blood vessels is consistently too high.” 

Dr. Wicks also notes that genetics can play a role, especially in patients with conditions like polycystic kidney disease or connective tissue disorders, such as Ehlers Danlos syndrome.

“The majority of aneurysms occur spontaneously but are treatable,” Dr. Wicks adds.

With increased awareness, more Latinos can take proactive steps to monitor their health, manage hypertension, and reduce their risk before a brain aneurysm becomes life-threatening.

Raising Awareness

Today,Sustaita-Ruiz is a passionate advocate, raising awareness about brain aneurysms in the Latino community and beyond.

This past spring, she joined over 120 advocates from 25 states on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., for Brain Aneurysm Advocacy Day to fight for Ellie’s Law, a bipartisan bill that would increase federal funding for brain aneurysm research.

She also shares her experience through interviews and public speaking, leveraging her media platforms, like Nuestro Stories, to raise awareness. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing symptoms and seeking immediate medical attention. By discussing her journey and recovery, she says she aims to inspire others to take symptoms seriously, seek help, and increase awareness within the Hispanic community.

“I was incredibly fortunate to make a full recovery,” Sustaita-Ruiz says. “Sadly, that’s not the norm.”

Recognizing the Symptoms

Brain aneurysms often develop with little to no warning until they rupture. However, when symptoms do appear, they may include:

Sudden, severe headache (often described as “the worst headache of your life”)

Neck pain or stiffness

Nausea and vomiting

Sensitivity to light

Blurred or double vision

Loss of consciousness

Lowering the Risk

While some brain aneurysms cannot be prevented, certain lifestyle changes can help lower the risk of developing one or reduce the risk of rupture:

Monitor Your Blood Pressure: High blood pressure is a major risk factor for brain aneurysms. Regular check-ups and managing hypertension through lifestyle changes and/ or medication are essential.

Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle: Maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can all reduce your risk.

Manage Stress: Chronic stress contributes to high blood pressure and other health problems. Taking breaks from work, practicing relaxation techniques, and ensuring adequate sleep are crucial for overall well-being.

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Remember That Legendary Goal? Moisés Muñoz on Mexico’s Past, Present, and World Cup Future

For more than a decade, Moisés Muñoz was a familiar presence between the posts for some of Mexico’s most iconic teams. From his dramatic heroics with Club América to his steady presence on the national team, Muñoz carved out a career from moments of pure magic as goalkeeper. But long after his last save, and that legendary goal, his actual voice remains just as important in the world of fútbol.

Moisés Muñoz on Mexican Fans 

When Muñoz talks about the game in an interview with Nuestro Stories, it’s with the clarity of someone who’s lived and breathed it very personally. And as the 2026 FIFA World Cup inches closer, he’s thinking not only about the sport’s past, but where it’s headed.  One thing he insists hasn’t changed is the emotional core of the game, especially in Mexico. 

“Mexican fans don’t just watch the game, they feel it,” Muñoz says in his native Spanish. “We do something very similar to American culture, like the ‘tailgate,’ but essentially, everyone gets together and makes plenty of food and makes it a point to watch these games with loved ones.”

From the Goal Box to the Studio Lights

When chatting with us, his passion only intensifies when we ask about the upcoming World Cup. Though he’s played in his share of high-stakes matches, Muñoz still marvels at the ways Mexicans take the global tournament to heart. 

These days, Muñoz gets to witness those moments from a different vantage point. As a commentator for Fox Sports during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, he traded adrenaline-fueled saves for studio lights and earpieces. It wasn’t an easy shift at first, apart from having to learn some more English, but of course, Muñoz tells us, he missed the pulse of the crowd as a player. 

“I definitely had to read up on my English more and prepare, but in general, what an amazing experience to be able to commentate during the Copa Mundial,” he says. “It really is a different perspective, you learn how to analyze the game more when you’re not on the field. As of right now, I don’t have any plans to commentate again for the next World Cup, but I really loved doing it for the last.”

As for Mexico’s prospects in 2026, Muñoz is cautiously optimistic. He knows better than most that hope alone won’t carry a team past the group stage, but instead, he argues the country is doing much better tactically at this time than in years past. 

“I think Mexico’s chances of actually winning the whole thing are quite big. We’re doing better strategically, we’ve only gotten better with time,” he adds. “Even with Mexico getting to host some of the tournament, we’re going to have all eyes on us and it will be a very big stage.”

Pride, People, and a Little Tequila

Reflecting on his career, one that inspired young Latino fans across Mexico, the U.S., and the world, Muñoz doesn’t talk much about trophies or stats. Instead, what matters most to him is the connections he’s made with people who saw themselves in him. 

“I carry that responsibility of representing Mexico with a lot of pride,” Muñoz says. “To be able to be a small representation for Mexicans everywhere, I don’t take that for granted. I really have loved being a part of the national team. It’s everything to me. And the love I’ve received back from people, from fans, from everyone. It’s just such a big honor.”

It’s no wonder Gran Centenario named him a Leyenda, aka an ambassador of Mexican pride and ancestry. He’s one of the few legends the brand has chosen to represent their Mexican pride and ancestry. 

“I don’t even drink that much, but honestly, if you want to have a good time, tequila is a must for Mexicans watching a soccer game.”

For Moisés Muñoz, whether it’s defending the net, lifting spirits, or raising a glass, it all comes back to the same mission: honoring Mexico, on and off the field.

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The FBI Just Returned a 500-Year-Old Hernán Cortés Manuscript to Mexico

Somewhere between the late 1980s and early ’90s, 15 colonial-era documents quietly vanished from Mexico’s national archives. No one noticed it at the time, but a 16th-century manuscript, signed by the man who toppled the Aztec Empire, Hernán Cortés, went missing. Now, one of those pages (page 28, to be exact) is finally back where it belongs.

Earlier this week, the FBI officially returned the 498-year-old document to El Archivo General de la Nación in Mexico City. Dated February 20, 1527, the page includes a short, but revealing, note on the “payment of pesos of common gold for expenses,” signed by Cortés himself. In other words, it’s a receipt from the early days of the empire.

“This is an original handwritten page,” said FBI Special Agent Jessica Dittmer, who works with the agency’s Art Crime Team. “It really gives a lot of flavor as to the planning and preparation for territory back then.”

And it was never supposed to leave Mexico’s custody.

How It Was Stolen and Found

Archivists at Mexico’s national archives first noticed the missing pages in 1993, while microfilming a collection of Cortés documents. That’s when they realized 15 pages had been ripped from the bound manuscript. One clue stood out: a wax numbering system used briefly between 1985 and 1986 was still visible on the pages that remained. That narrowed the timeline. The documents had been taken sometime between 1985 and October 1993.

In 2023, Mexican officials asked the FBI for help locating page 28. According to Smithsonian, the archive’s detailed records, which included descriptions of the tears, gave investigators something rare: a trail.

The FBI used open-source research to track the missing page to the United States. Officials haven’t said who had it or how it resurfaced. But the document had passed through multiple hands since its theft, and no charges will be filed.

Still, its return is being hailed as a symbolic win.

“Pieces like this are considered protected cultural property and represent valuable moments in Mexico’s history,” said Dittmer. “This is something that the Mexicans have in their archives for the purpose of understanding history better.”

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FBI supervisory special agent, FBI-NYPD Major Theft Task Force, Veh Bezdikian, added, “We know how important it is for the United States to stay ahead of this, to support our foreign partners, and to try and make an impact as it relates to the trafficking of these artistic works and antiquities.” 

Who Was Hernán Cortés?

To understand why all of this matters, you have to know the story behind the signature. Hernán Cortés arrived on the shores of what’s now Mexico in 1519. Within two years, he and his army, along with European disease and military alliances with Indigenous rivals, brought down the Aztec capital of Tenochtitlán. He went from uninvited explorer to imperial governor in record time.

According to the Smithsonian, by 1527, when this document was signed, Cortés was running vast swaths of land for the Spanish crown. He wielded power through ink and iron: letters, decrees, receipts, and battles. This page is one of the few surviving records that links directly to those early years of colonization.

This Isn’t the First Hernan Cortés Page the FBI Recovered

Page 28 is the second missing Cortés document the FBI has helped return. As the Smithsonian explains, in 2022, another signed manuscript surfaced at RR Auction in Massachusetts. That one, dated April 27, 1527, was a payment order for 12 gold pesos’ worth of rose sugar.

“The document measures just 21.5 by 15 centimeters (8.4 by 6 inches),” El Pais explained. “It is a payment order given by Hernán Cortés to his steward, Nicolás de Palacios Rubios, to buy the equivalent of 12 gold pesos of ‘pink sugar,’ possibly during an expedition in the current territory of Honduras. On the front are the purchase instructions in old Spanish and on the back, the confirmation from the owner of an apothecary’s shop, Maestre Francisco, that he received payment.”

Mexican officials recognized this document just 10 days before bidding closed and alerted the feds.

“As soon as we got contacted, we put a stop to the sale,” attorney Mark S. Zaid, who represented the auction house, told the New York Times. “We notified the consignor, and there was no issue from them.”

The following year, the rose sugar letter was repatriated during a formal ceremony in Mexico.

“Usually, people are surprised when they find out that the items they have are stolen,” FBI Special Agent Kristin Koch told El País. “Many times, when they realize the cultural value they have for the countries of origin or the original owners, they are willing to part with the object.”

Why It Matters Now

Since launching in 2004, the FBI’s Art Crime Team has recovered more than 20,000 stolen items, worth over $1 billion. It’s cultural justice built piece by piece.

Page 28 is just one of 15 stolen Cortés manuscripts. Only two have been found so far. The others? They’re still missing, possibly tucked in a private collection or passed down unknowingly.

But thanks to meticulous archivists, dogged international cooperation, and a few decades’ worth of good old-fashioned detective work, Mexico is reclaiming its past, one page, one signature, and one story at a time.

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The Addams Family Latino Roots: From Gomez’s Name to the Netflix Cast

What if the Addams Family, the creepiest, kookiest family on television, has been Latino all along?

It is a question that feels especially timely as the Addamses step back into the spotlight.

After a three-year wait, Tim Burton’s hit goth series Wednesday returns to Netflix, and fans were ready. Season two arrived in two parts, with the first dropping on August 6 and the second coming in September.

In the lead-up to the much-anticipated series debut, IMDB sat down with the cast for an afternoon in Hollywood. Jenna Ortega, in her Wednesday Addams uniform of all black, sat poised and intent. Luis Guzmán, full Latino dad mode in a guayabera-style shirt, spoke with the warmth and authority of Gomez Addams. Fred Armisen, ever the wildcard, slipped into Spanish mid-interview as Uncle Fester. Together, they made clear the Addams family is Latino, by design. And, according to Ortega, that choice matters.

The Addams Family Latino Roots

When Wednesday first premiered in November 2022, it opened at number one in 83 countries and collected more than 341 million viewing hours in its first week. It blended macabre teen mystery with sharp, knowing comedy, reimagining Charles Addams’ characters for a streaming-era audience.

In this telling, the family’s Latinidad is woven into the world. Guzmán’s Gomez moves with the quiet authority of a Boricua father. Catherine Zeta-Jones’ Morticia is a telenovela matriarch (even if the actress is not Latina herself). And Ortega’s Wednesday explains the family’s complex Latino roots with her special powers.

“For many years The Addams Family has Hispanic and Latin roots, but hasn’t fully embraced them until Wednesday,” Cinema Blend writes.

When Monse, IMDB’s bilingual Latina interviewer, asked about Latinos’ long connection to horror and how that lens shapes the series, Ortega leans in. “I think it helps make it a bit more tangible and real,” she says. “It is very easy to make them sort of this mythical, ethereal family… but it is nice to be able to make it a bit more personal and a bit more real world.”

For Guzmán, the connection is rooted in memory. “Everybody does not really see us as a Latino family… but we gravitate to that,” he says, recalling nights when his mother tuned in to Chiller Theater and he sat nearby, half watching, half hiding. “It is like this comedic, generational type of show that is inspired by some of that old horror stuff.”

Armisen adds, “The goth community in the Latin community is gigantic … going way back. Even in the ’80s, it was crystal clear.”

Were the Originals Latino?

The Addams Family began as single-panel cartoons by Charles Addams in The New Yorker during the late 1930s and 1940s.

“This original iteration of the Addams family did not have any Latino or Hispanic origins attached to it, just a family of ghoulish characters with one off gags for readers to laugh at between reading news articles and such in the magazine,” Cinema Blend explains.

The shift came in the 1960s, when NBC adapted the characters for television. Gomez was given a name, and actor John Astin chose “Gomez” instead of the cartoonist’s idea, “Repelli.” The name carried a Latin flair that gave Gomez a distinct persona.

Around this time, his Castilian Spanish ancestry was written into the dialogue. Morticia calls him a “mad Castilian” in one episode, and Gomez references ancestral land in Spain. These were small flourishes, not an overarching statement about the family’s identity.

The real turn toward Latino representation came in the 1990s, when Puerto Rican actor Raúl Juliá played Gomez in two feature films. His performance infused the role with a warmth and charisma that resonated deeply, marking the first time many audiences saw Gomez as fully Latino.

Who Made the Addams Family Latino and Why It Matters Now

In Wednesday, the creative team embraced the idea that had been quietly building for decades. Ortega, who is of Mexican and Puerto Rican descent, has says, “Wednesday is technically a Latina character and that’s never been represented. So for me, any time that I have an opportunity to represent my community, I want that to be seen.”

The show even nods to Gomez’s Mexican background.

“… Wednesday’s newfound psychic visions introduce us to one of Gomez’s ancestors from Mexico, Goody Addams, who started a secret society to “protect outcasts from harm and bigotry,” Time magazine writes.

Through ancestors like Goody Addams, a character rooted in 1600s Mexico, and through subtle cultural details in food, music, and design.

When the first finger snaps hit, the Addams Family signals a theme song that carries a lineage. And this time, it is proudly, unmistakably, nuestro.

Featured image provided by Deposit Photos.

The post The Addams Family Latino Roots: From Gomez’s Name to the Netflix Cast appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

Why Are There So Many Chinese Mexicans? The Forgotten History Beneath Mexicali’s Streets and Mexico’s Identity

If you’ve ever driven through Mexicali, you might’ve noticed something surprising: Chinese restaurants outnumber taco stands. The smell of soy sauce wafts through neighborhoods and people speak both Mandarin and Spanish. Fusion dishes like arroz frito norteño (fried rice with chile verde) have been a local staple for generations.

So here’s the real question: why does Mexico, especially in border towns like Mexicali, have such a large Chinese population? And why are Chinese Mexicans still excluded from the national identity banner of mestizaje?

The Chinese Were Welcomed … Until They Weren’t

Long before fusion food hit the streets, the Chinese came to Mexico looking for land and livelihood. Their numbers swelled after 1882, when the United States passed the Chinese Exclusion Act and shut its doors. Mexico, with its warmer welcome and treaty with the Qing Empire, became the next best option.

As historian Rocio Gomez notes in “Chinese Mexicans: Mexico’s Forgotten and Overlooked Mestizos,” Chinese laborers were prized for their work ethic and resilience. Mexico’s finance minister at the time, Matías Romero, even argued that Chinese workers were ideally suited for farming in Mexico’s tropical south. By 1899, a formal treaty between Mexico and China allowed immigration under official protection.

But the welcome didn’t last.

They Built Businesses and Faced Backlash

Chinese immigrants work the land and bought it up. They opened shops, ran laundries, built railroads, and turned sweltering towns like Sonora and Mexicali into economic hubs.

“They came poor, got the worst land, got massacred—and still, they gave us food, culture, babies, and a work ethic that makes your cousin look lazy,” says the Instagram mini-doc from Brief Histeria, which went viral earlier this year.

But their economic success brought resentment. Gomez explains that, as Chinese men married Mexican women and raised children, Chinese Mexicans, they upended the rigid racial order. Mexicans viewed them as outsiders, even subhuman, and the government began a targeted anti-Chinese campaign.

That tension erupted violently in 1911, when over 300 Chinese were massacred in Torreón. Homes were burned. Entire families were erased.

In the decades that followed, Chinese immigrants were expelled from towns across Mexico. In response, many literally went underground. “In Mexicali, they built entire cities underground,” Brief Histeria narrates. “Homes, restaurants, even casinos with mahjong and dumplings.”

Love, Babies, and the Lost Claim to Mestizaje

Despite facing brutality and erasure, many Chinese men remained. And many Mexican women saw something others didn’t: great husbands and fathers. The children of these unions – stars like Ana Gabriel and Dámay Quintanar – became cultural icons. Names like José Wang and Maria Guadalupe Shu began to show up on honor rolls and in music credits.

One Instagram commenter wrote: “My great-grandfather came from Canton and opened Café México Moderno in Piedras Negras. My grandmother’s name is Maria Guadalupe Shu.”

Another added: “I’m half Chinese, half Mexican, born in Mexicali. I still have relatives in Mexicali, Calexico, and El Centro that speak Chinese and Spanish.”

Yet, as Gomez points out, these families were never widely accepted as mestizos, a term that today is worn with pride to describe Mexico’s ethnic fusion of Indigenous, Spanish, and African heritage. Chinese Mexicans? Still seen as outsiders.

A Long Overdue Apology—And a Rising Legacy

This exclusion isn’t just about labels—it’s about loss. According to Gomez, many Chinese Mexicans have felt pressure to hide or erase one half of their identity to fit in. Mexico celebrates mestizaje as a unifying narrative, but its Chinese descendants were systematically left out.

“Chinese influence in Mexico is significant,” Gomez writes, “but a severe lack of awareness … diminishes both their claim as mestizos and a merited role in Mexico’s proud notion of mestizaje.”

But that story is finally shifting.

On May 17, 2021, the Mexican federal government formally apologized to the Chinese Mexican community for the massacre in Torreón. The Mexican Cultural Institute in Washington, D.C., joined the effort with a public commemoration hosted by Dr. Evelyn Hu-DeHart, a historian at Brown University and international member of Mexico’s Academy of History. The apology was timed to coincide with AAPI Heritage Month in the U.S., a nod to the shared struggles of Asian communities across North America.

As Hu-DeHart noted, both Mexico and the United States must reckon with their histories of racism and violence: “Together we believe… it is our shared responsibility to condemn racism and hatred, past and present.”

So maybe it’s time to rewrite the story of mestizaje—to acknowledge that the underground cities, the spicy fried rice, the mariachi Mandarin, and the kids named José Wang all belong in the heart of Mexico’s identity.

They always did.

The post Why Are There So Many Chinese Mexicans? The Forgotten History Beneath Mexicali’s Streets and Mexico’s Identity appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

Chelsea Who? J Balvin & the Latino Fans Owned the FIFA Club World Cup Final

If you only saw the final score of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup this year – Chelsea 3, Paris Saint-Germain 0 – you’d think the tournament ended like most European football matchups. But if you were actually there, standing outside the MetLife Stadium in the 104 degree heat, weaving through taqueros or even sitting through the phenomenal halftime show, then you would know the real stars weren’t just on the field. The real stars were actually the fans. The Latino fans.

Latino Fans Owned the FIFA Club World Cup Final

Look, there’s no doubt this year’s FIFA Club World Cup marked a seismic shift in the global world of futbol. This tournament was the first of its kind, held across the U.S. in a 32-team spectacle that tested the waters ahead of next year’s highly anticipated World Cup. On paper, the final was a classic Euro-elite showdown, with England’s Chelsea club teaming up against Paris Saint-Germain, who recently came off of their massive UEFA Champions League win in Europe (the first in the French club team’s history). But looking a little deeper, it was easy to see the heart of Latin America beating in the bleachers.

Perhaps the biggest personification of this was during halftime – which, who was expecting a halftime show for this? Not me, but I’m certainly not complaining. The Colombian king himself J Balvin eventually sauntered out to break up the event, bringing the house down with a short set that included some of his mega hits like “Mi Gente” and “Ay Vamos.” Balvin was quickly supplemented by rapper Doja Cat, and later Coldplay, who made a surprise appearance with their 2010s hit “A Sky Full of Stars.”

But we’re biased, so we’re going to say it was definitely Balvin who stole that halftime show, because nothing beats a good perreo – especially when you’re just watching a majority of white guys run back and forth kicking a ball for 90 minutes.

But in terms of the actual match, Chelsea took care of business early. Palmer’s goals came quick and sharp, while João Pedro added one more goal just before halftime, really blowing PSG’s chances out of the water. The French squad never recovered.

In the second half, frustration bubbled over. PSG midfielder João Neves yanked Chelsea defender Marc Cucurella by the hair and got himself sent off (yikes). Then, at the final whistle, cameras caught PSG coach Luis Enrique shoving João Pedro. It was messy. It was tense. You could even say it was a little bit telenovela…just how we Latinos like our futbol matches. Then of course, who could forget when President Donald Trump found his way into the mix of a celebratory Chelsea team … but we won’t get into that.

A Successful Test Run?

So inquiring minds want to know: all in all, was this a successful test run ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup? Maybe so. As a Miami native, I can say it certainly looked a lot better than the chaos that ensued at the Hard Rock Stadium for last year’s Copa America finale, where everyone and their mother tried to sneak in (yes, even through the vents) to get a shot at seeing Colombia and Argentina go head-to-head. But also, I get it – Shakira was headlining the halftime show that night.

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And let’s be real, with the state of this country’s immigration crackdown, a lot of Latinos had anxiety about what security would look like heading to stadiums across the nation for this year’s tournament. But thankfully, no major reports reveal any of that took place, meaning it looks like FIFA leaned into their word to protect their fans.

So if FIFA wanted a trial run for 2026, they got their answer: it is possible to host the World Cup in the U.S. next year with virtually no major issues. But a lot can happen in a year.

What’s for certain is that for a lot of Latino families, especially in the U.S., futbol isn’t a trend or a TikTok moment, but a cultural connection. It’s shouting at a Telemundo commentator on Sunday mornings. It’s the joy (and anxiety) of a last-minute goal and the heartbreak of penalty kicks. It’s your tio talking about Messi like he raised him personally (and we should mention that Messi did in fact lead Inter Miami very far this tournament). 

So when FIFA decided to turn this tournament into a dry run for the World Cup, we didn’t need an invite. We were already right at home.

This was a final where fútbol met familia, and global sport finally admitted whose energy makes it spin.  The sport may come from Europe, but the heart? The soul? The ratings?

That’s all Latino.

The post Chelsea Who? J Balvin & the Latino Fans Owned the FIFA Club World Cup Final appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

5 Deep-Fried Facts About Churros (That Will Make You Question All Other Dough)

Let’s get one thing straight: churros are not food. They are deep-fried pieces of heaven, amirite? If you don’t believe me, just ask anyone anywhere. You see, according to the BBC, during the COVID-19 lockdown, churros were the most Googled recipe in the world. 

Yes. In the midst of a global crisis, we all looked inward and asked: What do I need most right now? Hand sanitizer? Inner peace? Good health? No. I need churros.

So in honor of this humble strip of crunchy-fried bliss, here are 5 random, yet fun, facts about churros.

1. Disney Has Churros, Thanks to One Guy

Disneyland, in Los Angeles, and Disney World, in Orlando, having been serving churros for decades thanks to Disneyland Manager Jim Lowman, who spotted a churro stand at the Long Beach Grand Prix. They say he was looking for a snack teens would like to eat while visiting the amusement park.

“As the story goes, Lowman happened to spot a churro stand while at the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1985, eventually tracking down the company behind the street snack (one J&J Snack Foods, in this case) to see about bringing them on as Disneyland vendors,” Eater writes. “They agreed, and essentially the rest is history. “

2. They’re Fried with Science

Churros are made with the two most boring ingredients in the pantry: flour and water. Combine them and what you have is a beige, gluey mess. But drop that mess into hot oil?  Boom. Crunchy, chewy, golden perfection. It’s the culinary version of a makeover movie. One minute: hopeless blob. The next: Cinderella at the ball, but coated in sugar and possibly dipped in chocolate.

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3. The Spanish Say They Invented Churros. So Do the Chinese.

The churro’s origin is murky. Was it invented by Spanish shepherds who didn’t have ovens in the mountains? Maybe. Did Portuguese sailors bring back a version of Chinese youtiao, a very similar fried doughstick? Possibly. Did it descend directly from Ancient Greek fritters? Who’s to say? What we do know: churros are old. Very old. “While churros have been eaten in Spain for centuries,” the BBC writes.

4. Madrid Has a Churro Shop That Cranks Out 90,000 a Day

According to the BBC, Madrid’s Chocolatería San Ginés, a magical place open 24 hours a day (because some emergencies are churro-related), serves up to 90,000 churros. In. One. Day. That’s almost one churro for every person in Madrid. Also, two million people visit the shop, founded in the 1800s, every year.

5. The Word “Churro” Might Come from a Sheep

Yes. A sheep. The Churra sheep, to be exact. Known for its curly horns, which apparently resemble the original shape of churros. “ … the word itself (churro), (is) most likely a reference to the curly horns of the Churra sheep, doesn’t appear in written sources until the late 19th Century,” the BBC explains.

BONUS FACT: Some People Think Churros Don’t Need Chocolate

These people are called “wrong.”

The post 5 Deep-Fried Facts About Churros (That Will Make You Question All Other Dough) appeared first on Nuestro Stories.

Peru’s Secret Qorilazos are Gaining Attention and It’s About Time

In the highlands of Chumbivilcas, Cusco, Peru, 12,000 feet above sea level, you’ll find Qorilazos, the little-known horsemen and women of the Andes. Unlike Hollywood cowboys, these riders are the real deal and have stayed away from the spotlight, until now.

A recent social media post about the Qoritlazos by the Peruvian outlet Somos El Comercio, and its sister publication, El Comercio, which has over 3 million online followers, has begun to quietly circulate. And it’s stirring up curiosity For those who have never heard of Qorilazos, it’s a first glimpse into a centuries-old equestrian tradition. For others, it’s nostalgia.

“In the heart of Chumbivilcas, Cusco,” El Comercio explains, “the horse is a means of transport, a companion of work, and an emblem of a cattle culture comparable to that of the North American cowboy. Passed down from generation to generation, this tradition lives on in races, rodeos, and the proud figure of the Qorilazo.”

So why has one of the oldest and proudest riding traditions in the Americas gone overlooked for so long? And what does it mean now that people are finally paying attention?

Peru’s Secret Qorilazos are Gaining Attention

One woman shared a longing that echoes across generations: “My grandfather, may he rest in peace, was one of them, born in Chumbivilcas. I’d love to know more about him … I don’t know where to start!”

Others proudly honored their lineage: “Beautiful land of my parents. I honor my ancestors and their customs.”

One commenter recalled tales passed down from an elder: “My grandfather used to tell me about the people of Chumbivilcas—independent, proud, untamable.”

Cowboys Came Later

While the post compares Qorilazos to North American cowboys, some commenters pushed back against the framing. Their point? Qorilazos aren’t Peru’s version of the American cowboy—they came long before.

“There’s no need to compare ourselves to cowboys. They came centuries after the Qorilazos. In fact, cowboys were modeled after Spanish riders like the ‘Dragones de Cuera.’ Say it with pride: we came first. They are like us—not the other way around.”

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The name Qorilazo comes from the Quechua words qori (gold) and lazo (lasso), forming a symbol of honor and skill. These highland herders rely on their horses for transportation, managing livestock, traveling long distances, and settling community matters. And they’re living history in motion.

Long-buried Pride

The Qorilazo tradition isn’t isolated. In the comments, people pointed out similar cultures elsewhere in the Andes. According to a local, “In Cangallo, Ayacucho, there are the Morochucos, the riders of the Andes. Their history is intertwined with Peru’s, including the fight for independence.”

“There have been horse breeding competitions every year for more than two centuries,” another added.

These regional variations highlight a truth often overlooked: the Andes have long been home to skilled horsemen with rich and complex traditions. And many are older than what’s now considered the cowboy mythos. And now, thanks to social media, the world is learning more about it all.

What began as a quiet post on Instagram has turned into something else entirely: a digital thread connecting people to forgotten stories, family histories, and long-buried pride.

“I wish I could be one of them,” someone wrote. “More stories like this, please!”

Featured image details: A Peruvian Morochuco peruano, from the Peruvian Andes, courtesy of WikiCommons.

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