Latin America is a region that attracts tourists with its ancient history, culture, and, of course, unique atmosphere. The colorful holidays celebrated by Latin Americans deserve special attention.
Brazilian Carnival – a holiday of millions
On the opening day, thousands of its participants dress up in nun costumes and take to the streets of the city. This custom has a completely logical explanation. According to legend, once upon a time nuns ran away from the monastery for the sake of a colorful show and returned to their monasteries only on the last day of the carnival.
The Brazilian carnival is considered one of the largest and most spectacular shows in the world, with about two million people participating. The city is decorated with beautiful decorations and illuminations. Water battles, dances of all nations of the world, bright costumes – immersion in this atmosphere will be remembered for a long time and will give a lot of positive impressions.
Tickets should be purchased in advance; prices start at $500. You can also purchase costumes and take part in this grand show.
Date: depends on the Catholic calendar. The end of the festival also marks the beginning of Lent. In 2018, the celebration will be from February 9 to 14.
Pisco sur cocktail day in Peru
Every year on the first Saturday of February, a holiday begins in the country, including competitions, fairs, and concerts. The main attribute is “the most elegant cocktail in Latin America”, prepared with pisco grape vodka.
On the day of the holiday, cocktails are distributed free of charge on the streets. A great way for tourists to get acquainted with the taste of this drink. After the tasting, a large-scale celebration begins. People are genuinely having fun, dancing, singing. If you want to be part of this celebration, go to the south of the country, where the most grandiose spectacle awaits you.
Date: annually on the fourth Sunday of July.
Tinku – celebration of “fight”
The residents of Bolivia did not stand aside either. The holiday, which will be discussed below, is one of the most exotic. The name itself tells us that it is not dancing and fun that captivates people on this day, and not even alcoholic drinks, but a fight.
This holiday has its own traditions. Before the main action begins, the priest reads a long mass. Only after the padre says “Amen” does the battle begin, in which men and women of all ages take part.
The blood that pours from the wounds is absorbed into the ground. It is believed that this gift will increase productivity. Tinka is held twice a year, during sowing and harvest. This tradition has come from ancient times, and the residents of the village of Acacio monitor its observance. She is quite cruel, there are no rules in battle.
Dates: in May and September.
Day of the Dead
It is celebrated annually on November 2. On this day people remember the dead.
Each country has its own celebrations. Mexicans decorate the graves of their dead with orange flowers. In their homes, an altar is built in their honor, on which photographs and the deceased’s favorite food are placed. Mexicans give each other sugar skulls. In Nicaragua, people spend the night in a cemetery to pay their respects. Residents of Ecuador are having a real feast in the cemetery. On this day, some families use bones to tell fortunes; there is a belief that the deceased will help them resolve problems and answer difficult questions. Latin Americans consider death a natural event, so no one is sad on this day.
Dates: November 1, 2.
Fiesta del Fuego, festival of lights
The “hottest” holiday on our list is the fire festival in Cuba. It lasts from the third to the ninth of July. Local vocal and instrumental ensembles perform on the streets of the city, adding an extraordinary mood to the holiday with their music. At every step there are trays with food and the traditional Cuban drink – rum.
As night falls, the city is illuminated by many burning torches. The most interesting part of the event begins: the fire show and performances of fakirs. The holiday ends with a magnificent fireworks display.
This holiday is a great opportunity to get acquainted with the unusual flavor of Cuba, see the Fire Parade and take part in the ritual burning of the symbolic figure of the devil.
Admission to the festival is free, which makes it especially attractive for tourists.
Dates: July 3 – 9.
