Birthday Traditions in Latin America
In Latin America, birthdays are a big deal. It is a time when families gather together to celebrate the life of their loved ones. The traditions of birthdays in this region are as diverse as the people themselves.
Mexico
In Mexico, birthdays are celebrated with a piñata. A piñata is a colorful, decorated container made of papier-mâché filled with candy, fruit, or small toys. The birthday boy or girl is blindfolded and spun around three times before trying to hit the piñata with a stick to break it open. Once the piñata is broken, the children scramble to collect the goodies inside.
Puerto Rico
In Puerto Rico, a child’s first birthday is special and is celebrated with a party called “el primer cumpleaños” or the first birthday. The child is dressed in a special outfit and the guests are served traditional foods such as arroz con habichuelas y pernil (rice with beans and pork) and pasteles (a type of tamale made with root vegetables and pork).
Peru
In Peru, the tradition is known as “Munayki Tarpuy,” which means “planting love.” The birthday boy or girl is given three small cakes. They blow out the candles on the first cake, make a wish and take a bite. They then do the same for the second cake and finally the third. The remaining cake is then shared with friends and family.
Brazil
In Brazil, the traditional birthday song is “Parabéns Pra Você” which means “congratulations to you”. Family and friends gather to celebrate and present the birthday person with presents. It is also common to have a big cake and many decorations.
Colombia
In Colombia, a birthday is not complete without the “Mordida de Torta,” which means “the cake bite.” The birthday boy or girl takes a bite of the cake while their friends push their head towards the cake. In Colombia, it is also popular to celebrate a “Quinceañera,” a girl’s fifteenth birthday, with a big party complete with a special dress, dance and rituals.
Conclusion
Birthdays in Latin America are unique and special, whether it is breaking a piñata in Mexico or celebrating a Quinceañera is Colombia. These traditions bring families and loved ones together to celebrate life and the joy it brings.