Apalapa (a Spanish word ofTagalog origin, originally meaning "petiole of the palm leaf") is an open-sided dwelling with athatched roof made of driedpalm leaves.[1] It is very useful in hot weather and, therefore, very common on Mexican beaches and deserts.
According to Rubén Carrillo, palapa is derived from the traditional construction methods of thebahay kubo ("nipa hut") architectural style of thePhilippines, carried toNueva España (along withcoconuts, which are not native to the Americas) via theManila galleons during theSpanish colonial period.[2]
Palapas are also common inHonduras and otherCentral American countries.
palapa is listed in the American Heritage Dictionary which considers the word to be of American-Spanish origin. However, we could ultimately trace the roots of the word to the Philippines. Palapa (Tagalog) refers to an opensided structure with thatched roof made of dried palm fronds, usually found on beaches and used as shade.
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