18th Jan 2010

By Editor

So, finally we arrive...Candela is Britain’s first online Latin American and Spanish lifestyle magazine, serving the UK’s growing Latin American and Spanish community and the swell of Brits interested in Hispanic culture.

Who are we? You ask. I, Amaranta, was born in Argentina, brought up in London and have been covering Latin America as a journalist and author ever since I went back there in my early twenties. I've team up with Venezuelan born Jose Luis, the UK's biggest Urban Latin DJ, promoter and music connoiseur, to bring you a great combination: a comprehensive guide to what’s on in the UK – from the best Latin and Spanish clubnights, restaurants and concerts to arts, exhibitions, dance shows - and a quality magazine packed with interesting articles about Latin America, Spain, Portugal and their diasporas in the UK and all over the world. Whether its language or dance classes you want, the latest music, film and book releases, injecting your social life with some Latin flava or tips for travelling, this is the place to come.

Why did we decide to do this? We felt it was time that a quality multi-media platform reflected the whole world of Latino and Spanish culture that is being sought after and celebrated daily by people in Britain. We wanted to give people easier and broader access to information and events and also feed it by being a platform for Latin American/Spanish creativity at a grassroots level.
 
Latin America is the only continent in the world that shares just two national languages. Yet until recently, Latinos showed less mutual appreciation and connection than Europeans, who have always criss-crossed each others' borders for new cultural infusions. Those Latin Americans who traditionally could travel, did so more to the US or Europe, than to each other. Things are changing fast, though, with a new appreciation for each others' culture, and a new desire for solidarity and unity between cultures. Likewise, there is a new equality in the way Latinos and their ex-colonisers view each other and enjoy each other's culture. Promoting each other takes nothing away from our own identities and only makes us stronger. Its no wonder that there is a swell of appreciation worldwide for things Latin American and Spanish, in all their commonality and diversity.

So this magazine is about bringing together Latin Americans, Spaniards and culture lovers in general by celebrating what we love and discussing what we don’t. So, if you have anything to shout about and share, join us on our journey. This is just the beginning and there'll be many teething problems in the next for months, but  we'd really appreciate your feedback, questions and comments. As you'll see our theme for this issue is Venezuela Rising, with articles revealing all the talent and heritage now bubbling through the surface of global culture, after lying underexposed for too long. Check out our piece on the incredible Quinteros family of percussionists and a fascinating interview on Venezuelan music. But there are lots more exciting articles, videos and features on different countries and subjects. I particularly like our bloggers; try Ginger Flame's Salsa Experience, DJ Jose Luis's and our Single White Female in Buenos Aires. And I can't resist the very personal tribute to Sandro. You'll be hearing from me again in the run up to our next issue - The Latin Music Issue - soon. In the meantime please let me know what aspects of this you'd like to hear about or, even better, if you want to contribute. Everyone's welcome at the Candela party!