Every Venezuelan has lived this moment. An American asks, “Where are you from?”You answer, “Venezuela.”They reply, confidently: “Minnesota?” I don’t know if it’s the rhythm of the word, the way we roll the Z, or just the fact that people hear what they’re already familiar with. But it happens every time. Venezuela becomes Minnesota. A […]
Every city has that one neighborhood spot that feels like a little oasis — the place you can wander into and instantly run into friends, grab an affordable drink, and feel like you’re part of something bigger than yourself. For me, and for many people in Providence, that place is Ogie’s. So imagine my surprise […]
As I write this, I’m listening to the Grateful Dead’s legendary 1977 Cornell concert — considered by many Deadheads to be the band’s finest live performance. I only started listening to the Dead last year, and truthfully, my first reference to them was Jerry Garcia’s quirky cameo in the stoner classic Half Baked. Not exactly […]
When I got my first tattoo in Caracas, at 18, it was the start of what would become a deeply personal and evolving relationship with body art. Today, at 45, I carry nine tattoos — each one representing a moment in time, an emotion, a transformation. One of those tattoos was created by Rhode Island […]
Providence, Rhode Island is about to welcome an exciting new culinary destination with the opening of Track 15 on March 18, 2025. This ambitious project, spearheaded by Chris Marsella, of Marsella Development Corporation and Marsella Properties LLC, aims to revitalize the downtown area with a vibrant food hall that celebrates the local community. With over […]
As an immigrant from Venezuela who has already lived through a Trump administration, I want to address the growing fear within our community about the potential for increased deportations and anti-immigrant policies under this new political climate. My message is simple: While the challenges are real, we must not let fear paralyze us. This is […]
Las celebraciones navideñas en América Latina son un vibrante mosaico de tradiciones que han evolucionado a lo largo de los siglos, fusionando las influencias de las culturas indígenas, las tradiciones europeas traídas por los conquistadores y las costumbres africanas introducidas por los esclavos. Estas festividades no solo celebran el nacimiento de Jesucristo, sino que también […]
For over six years, I have worked as an interpreter for asylum seekers, primarily assisting Venezuelans, but also individuals from a variety of nationalities. My role has given me a front-row seat to the harrowing experiences of those fleeing unimaginable horrors. Each story and each person I’ve encountered has profoundly impacted me, reinforcing a fundamental […]
My name is Irene Yibirin, and I am Venezuelan. I’m also Latina, Hispanic, and Ibero-American; but above all, I am Venezuelan. When you live in a country as big as the United States – a country that stretches across half a continent, it can be easy to forget how much smaller our countries are by […]
After the heartbreaking loss of their dear friend Mike Schiavone, friends Kimi Hallman, Rory Quinn, and Jess Salemi Sinclair embarked on a heartfelt mission to honor their friend by hosting an annual Schiavone Festival. This endeavor began in 2021, shortly after Mike’s passing, and has since evolved into a vibrant celebration of music, community, and […]