Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to recognize the contributions of Hispanic Americans to the nation’s achievements, culture and history. Running from September 15 through October 15, the dates span several Independence Days across Latin America. For Royal Caribbean Group, it’s the best way to celebrate the diverse group of Hispanic employees in the US offices. 

Traditional Hispanic gatherings are full of family, friends, good music and even better food! For Royal Caribbean Group employees, Hispanic Heritage Month is a great way to reflect on the cultures and customs that diversify employees and bring them closer together.

Music is an integral part of the Hispanic culture, and for Hispanic Americans whose families have immigrated to the states, music keeps the spirit alive. From listening to old cumbia or samba sounds with elder family members to introducing children to the music that raised them, Hispanics have a profound love for music that reminds them of home. Many Hispanics can recall family gatherings that were full of lively music or surprise appearances from Mariachi bands, or occasional performances from family members with instruments from their countries, like conga sets, maracas, guidos or castanets. 

Hispanic employees were asked which songs represent their home country and culture and the results were full of sabor (“flavor”)! Rounding up some of the top music hits for our Hispanic employees, check out the Hispanic Heritage Month Top Hits playlist! 

Thanks to all Hispanic employees at Royal Caribbean Group who bring a fun new flavor to this incredible organization. Let’s celebrate the integral part the Hispanic community has had in growing and strengthening the Company! 

Hispanic Heritage Month Flavors 

Nothing brings people together like sharing a rich, delicious, home-cooked meal, and as Hispanics, there is never a shortage of love and food to share! While each country has their own unique dishes, many Hispanic countries have their staple foods that are shared with other countries. Think arroz con frijoles (“rice and beans”), platanos (“plantains”), hearty sancocho (“soup”) – every culture enjoys these staples and makes them in their own way. 

Below are just a few of the favorite meals of the diverse Hispanic culture at Royal Caribbean Group. 

Cuba – Ropa Vieja: a dish of shredded beef stewed in a tomato-based sauce. 

Nicaragua – Gallo Pinto: a dish of rice and beans, diced vegetables ad seasonings. 

Puerto Rico – Mofongo: a dish of deep-fried green plantains mashed together with other ingredients.  

Dominican Republic – Chivo guisado: a spicy goat stew. 

Ecuador – Bolon de Verde: green plantain dumplings stuffed with cheese, chorizo or chicharrones. 

Chile – Humitas: savory steamed fresh corn cakes, wrapped in husks. 

Panama – Sancocho de Gallina: a hearty and filling chicken soup made with potatoes, plantain, corn, yuca, herbs and chicken or hen. 

Venezuela – Hallaca: corn dough stuffed with a stew or beef, pork or chicken with raisins, capers, olives and sometimes bacon. 

Paraguay – Sopa Paraguaya: similar to corn bread, a dish made with corn flour, cheese, onion and milk. 

Colombia – Bandeja Paisa: a hearty dish consisting of two types of Colombian sausage, ground beef, rice, red beans, fried pork rind, arepa, a plantain, a slice of avocado and a fried egg. 

Thanks to all Hispanic employees at Royal Caribbean Group who bring a fun new flavor to this incredible organization. Let’s celebrate the integral part the Hispanic community has had in growing and strengthening the Company!