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Today on the podcast, Kate and Nevaeh discuss Mexican festivals, specifically Quinceañeras, Sweet Sixteen, Cinco de Mayo, and Dia de los Muertos. They talk about the significance of Quinceañeras as a coming-of-age celebration for young women, contrasting it with Sweet Sixteen parties, which are seen as more casual. They also discuss the misconceptions surrounding Quinceañeras and the challenges families face when planning them. Moving on to Cinco de Mayo, they mention that it is celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico, and discuss the traditional celebrations and foods associated with this holiday. Finally, they delve into the traditions of Dia de los Muertos, such as decorating graves and remembering loved ones who have passed away. They also touch on the influence of movies like Coco in raising awareness and respect for this celebration. Overall, they highlight the importance of these festivals in showcasing the richness of Mexican culture. Hello, everyone, and welcome back to Kate and Nevaeh's podcast. Today, we'll be talking about Mexican festivals. First, we're going to start off with the Quinceañeras. What do you think about when you think of Quinceañeras? I think about, like, a family gathering, like a big party and stuff, like with your family and some of your friends, and I think it's like a special moment that you have. With your parents and friends. So, can you tell us about the main parts of the celebration? I don't really know the main parts of the Quinceañera celebration, but I know that there's one, like a big significance is the father and daughter dance. Yes. It's very special and intimate for the daughter and her parents. So, can you tell us the importance of them? I think the importance is, like, becoming, like, a young woman, like transforming from, like, a little girl to, like, an adult. So, how can we contrast that with Sweet Sixteen, like we do? I think, I don't really know. I think more, it's like Sweet Sixteen. More structure, right? Yes. Yeah, there's way more structure to it. Quinceañera, then there's Sweet Sixteen. Sweet Sixteen's basically just a party. Everyone shows up and you just celebrate. It's not really, there's not really a meaning to it. It's just a party. Yeah. And for Quinceañeras, it's like, there's, like, a meaning, because you're turning into, like, a young woman, and that's what they believe they should do when you turn 15 as a woman. What are some wrong ideas about Quinceañeras and how can we correct them? I feel like there's some wrong ideas, like. I feel like people think that it's just, like, another birthday or something, but it's, like, for, like, some people it's, like, an actual big deal and stuff, and it's, like, what, like, some girls have been, like, waiting for. Yeah. I know. My friend, she waited, like, her whole life to have her Quinceañera, and then it was finally here, and she was so excited. So what problems do families face when planning them, and how can we handle them? I feel like a big problem would be, like, where to have it, because it's, like, a big party, like, and you can fit a bunch of people. And the cost. Yeah, it's probably, like, a lot of money. It's very expensive. Okay. Moving on to our next Hispanic festival, let's talk about Cinco de Mayo. So Cinco de Mayo is basically, like, an Independence Day for them. So why is Cinco de Mayo celebrated more in the United States than in Mexico? I don't know. I don't know. I feel like, like, the United States is. Okay. I don't know. We can skip that one. Okay. We're going to do a lot of editing. How do people in Mexico traditionally celebrate Cinco de Mayo, and how has it changed over time? I'd say it's become more of a party, but it's still, like, it's like a festival where everyone celebrates. It has changed to be more of a party and more, like, you know. Yeah. What foods and drinks are commonly enjoyed during Cinco de Mayo in celebration? I would say people, like, drink a lot, I think. Yeah, they do. And they probably eat, like, tacos and a lot of Mexican food. Yeah. How can people from outside Mexican cultures celebrate Cinco de Mayo respectfully without appropriating it? That's a good question. I feel like there's a difference between, like, mocking it and actually celebrating it. Yeah. You don't want to be. I feel like, I don't know, I wouldn't celebrate it because, I don't know. I mean, I love that they celebrate it, but that's not something that's important to me. But I feel like we can learn from it. Yeah. I feel like a bunch of, like, there's different cultural, like, celebrations. Yeah, like, they wouldn't celebrate, like, the Fourth of July. I know. Yeah. So, we're going to move on to Dia de los Muertos, which means the Day of the Dead. So, Nevaeh, can you tell us what are some typical traditions of Dia de los Muertos and how do they vary in different parts of the world? So, some typical traditions are, like, decorating, like, their, like, past, like, decorating their tombs and, like, dressing up as, like, dressing up and wearing skulls and stuff and, like, dancing and, like, celebrating. Yeah, because I feel like it's supposed to be, like, what's the word, like, somber. Yeah. But it's also supposed to be, like, a celebration that they're living their best life. So, how would you decorate my grave, I guess? Okay. I would decorate it, like, yellow because you remind me of, like, joy and, like, happy and bright. And then I would do, like, some, like, lavender candles or something. Lavender candles. And then I would put, like, flowers and stuff, like, I don't know. For you. And a bunch of pictures of me. Yes, obviously. And for you, I would do definitely Barbie-themed because you're literally Barbie. And I would put pictures of certain people. Oh, yeah, I would do that to you, too. You already know who. I would do pink flowers. I would decorate yours with hot Cheetos because you love hot Cheetos. Yes. And with a lot of energy drinks for you on those, too. So, besides all, like, the funny stuff, how do families remember their dead during Dia de los Muertos and why does it matter in Mexican culture? They, like, put, like, a bunch of pictures of them on there, like, to remember, like, the memories that they had. And then they, like, sit there and, like, soak it all in, in a way. Yeah. It's really special for them. How has the world become more connected, changed by Dia de los Muertos celebrations, especially outside of Mexico? I don't know. I would say, like, I think they've become more respected because there's been, like, movies like Coco. Yeah, yeah. And stuff that, like, teaches people more about it and it's, like, a special celebration. So, that's why people have grown to respect it more because of... Yeah. And, like, a lot of people now know it's not just, like, a sad thing. Yeah. Or, like, I don't know. For me, I used to think it was, like, kind of, like, weird because they would, like, dress up the skulls and, like, I don't know. But now I realize it's something that's really special to them. Yeah. I think it's cool. I think that's it. Okay. Thank you for joining us today as we explored the captivating world of Mexican festivals. From the vibrant colors of Dia de los Muertos to the joyous celebrations of Cinco de Mayo and Quinceañeras. These festivals showcase the richness of Mexican culture. Keep celebrating. Keep exploring. And until next time, adios, amigos.