MesoMag Volume 2
Volume 2 | July 16, 2024
Welcome to our monthly digest, straight from the heart of the Mesosphere, where we explore the hidden world of Latin culture to help us elevate our minds, find ourselves as humans, or just have some fun while we’re high.
Each month, we curate a selection of captivating content, stories, and culture that we believe captures the spirit of Latin culture.
This month's featured content focuses on sports, food, and music from Colombia.
Colombia's Winning Streak Comes to an End
Argentina Wins Copa America
Colombia and Argentina faced off in the Copa America finals at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami on Sunday night. Both teams played hard in an incredible match, but Colombia’s 28-game winning streak ended in overtime.
Copa America Finals Recap:
- The game was delayed 75 minutes as thousands of unticketed fans broke through the main gates in a massive security breach.
- Argentina’s captain, Leo Messi, injured his foot in the first half of the game, sitting out the entire second half.
- Lautaro Martinez scored the game's only goal in the 112th minute, marking his fifth goal of the tournament.
- The win makes Argentina the first-ever nation to win two consecutive Copa Americas and the World Cup in between them.
This victory marked Argentina's 16th Copa America win, a new record in the tournament’s history. The last time the Colombian national team lost was to Argentina in the World Cup qualifiers in 2022, with a score of 1-0. You can bet there will be more heart-pounding games for this South American rivalry.
Colombian Comfort Food
Sancocho — A Taste of Tradition
Sancocho is a traditional Colombian soup with deep cultural roots. Originating from Spanish colonial times and influenced by African, Indigenous, and Latin American cuisines, this hearty stew includes meats like chicken, beef, pork, or fish, mixed with yuca, potatoes, corn, and plantains.
Each Colombian region adds its unique twist, using local ingredients and different meats. Seasoned with cilantro and typically served with white rice, avocado, and lime, Sancocho is a symbol of Colombian heritage.
It is often prepared for family gatherings and special occasions, reflecting the importance of community.
The Heartbeat of Colombian Music
Rhythm Meets Storytelling
Vallenato is a vibrant music genre from Colombia's Caribbean region, blending African, European, and Indigenous influences. Originating in Valledupar, it features the accordion, caja drum, and guacharaca. Known for storytelling lyrics about love and daily life, Vallenato has four main rhythms: paseo, merengue, son, and puya.
This genre, a key part of Colombian identity, has evolved with modern elements and gained global popularity. The annual Vallenato Festival in Valledupar celebrates this tradition, and in 2015, UNESCO recognized Vallenato as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, highlighting its cultural importance.
MesoBites
🎉 On July 20, 1810, Colombia declared its independence from Spanish rule, igniting a courageous struggle for freedom that culminated in the decisive victory at the Battle of Boyacá in 1819 and the establishment of the Republic of Gran Colombia.
🌼 Held every August, Feria De Las Flores is a ten-day festival in Medellin packed with activities, concerts, flower exhibitions, and the famous "silleteros" parade.
😨 La Luz Mala, or "bad light," is an Argentine folklore myth described as a bright, floating light in rural areas believed to be a lost soul or devil's lamp. While some locals claim it signals hidden treasures, others view it as a harbinger of danger, with skeptics attributing it to natural phosphorescence.
🍃 Four decades of data reveal that cannabis is now more widely consumed than alcohol. Our latest journal looks at the research and explores why it’s okay to be high.
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