Learn about some of the contributions and facets of Hispanic culture.
For more information about the various tribes, visit the Hispanic Heritage collection.
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Campana: A cowbell used in Cuban music. It is sometimes attached to another instrument called the "timbales."
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Claves: Two sticks used to make a simple rhythm in Cuban music such as rumba. It is used in many other forms of Latin American music as well.
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Timbales: A set of tuneable metal drums invented in Cuba. They are often accompanied by campana.
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Guiro: A scraper sometimes used in Latin jazz. The Cuban and Puerto Rican form is made from a notched gourd and played with a stick.
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Congas: Drums played with the hands and often used in salsa and rumba music. Congas play a major role in Latin jazz bands.
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Bongos: Two small drums played between the knees, often used in Afro-Cuban music. The "Bongocero" is the name for a bongo player. Cencerro: A cowbell played by the "Bongocero," or bongo player. It can...
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What would you make with all of these foods? Try having a Hispanic feast at your school that uses a few, or all, of these Latin American foods.
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There are over 60 types of chili pepper. Some are really, really hot, so watch out when you handle them! If you want the pepper taste without the fire alarms going off, try the bell pepper.
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The chili pepper is used to flavor many Hispanic dishes. It was originally grown in South America, and it too was brought to Europe by Spanish explorers. From Europe, the chili found its way into...
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In Spain, the recipe for chocolate changed a bit. The Spanish sweetened the chocolate drink with sugar and drank it hot. By the 1700s, chocolate was a prized sweet all over Europe. Today, churros with...