Cultura
The Latino Center of the Midlands is a place where being Latino, Latina, or Latinx is celebrated. We’re a community center where culture thrives; a place where the door is open to everyone. Our community comes from many different countries and we created this page to celebrate that diversity.
Cultural Spotlight
My family and I are from Purísima del Rincón, Guanajuato, Mexico, and I take great pride in the traditions that have shaped our community. One of our most meaningful celebrations is La Judea, a theatrical Holy Week tradition that began in 1873. This colorful event brings the community together each year while preserving our history, faith, and cultural identity. I am proud of our rich culture, from our traditional foods and talented artisans to our vibrant celebrations, beautiful natural spaces, and nearby Pueblos Mágicos. One hidden culinary treasure from our region is Mole de Nuez (Walnut Mole) from Jalpa de Cánovas. This unique dish has earned national recognition in Mexico and has even been featured internationally, making it a delicious symbol of our region’s heritage.
Mayra Jacinto
Student Advocate at Bryan High School
Playlist Spotlight
Sayings and Slang
Me da hueso – I can’t be bothered (Cuba)
This phrase can be used when you are feeling unmotivated to complete a task.
Pato malo – Hoodlum (Chile)
This is another word for a person who is vulgar or does bad things.
A rey muerto rey puesto – Out with the old, in with the new (Puerto Rico)
This phrase means that no one is irreplaceable.
Leakiando – Leaking (Spanglish)
Most of our staff are bilingual, and at our office, you’ll hear a variety of Spanglish words. The correct word in Spanish is goteo/goteando.
- My mom had to take her car to the mechanic because the oil was leaking.
- Mi mamá tuvo que llevar su carro al mecánico porque el aceite estaba goteando.
Trailblazer
C. David Molina | Physician and Entrepreneur
C. David Molina, MD, MPH, was a Mexican-American physician and entrepreneur who transformed health care by expanding access to quality medical services for low-income families. After earning his medical degree, he helped establish Long Beach’s first intensive care unit and trained the city’s first firefighter paramedic teams. In 1985, he founded Molina Medical Centers, which grew into one of California’s largest managed care providers and became the foundation for Molina Healthcare, a Fortune 500 company serving millions across the United States. Through his groundbreaking work, Dr. Molina helped reshape health care and open doors to care for communities that had too often been overlooked. His legacy lives on through the organization he founded and the millions of people it continues to serve.
