Major Holidays Celebrated in South America
South America is a continent rich in culture and traditions. Each of the countries that conform it has its own set of unique holidays, but there are some that are celebrated throughout the continent with similar customs and rituals. In this post, we will explore some of the major holidays celebrated in South America.
Carnival
Carnival is undoubtedly one of the most widespread and popular celebrations in South America. It is a four-day event that takes place before Lent, and it is celebrated in different ways in each country. In Brazil, it is known for its vibrant costumes, parades, and samba music. In Bolivia, it is celebrated with traditional dances, such as the Diablada, a dance that represents the fight between good and evil. In Uruguay, it is more similar to Halloween, where people dress up in costumes and roam the streets.
Independence Day
Independence Day is celebrated in most countries in South America, as it commemorates the liberation of the continent from Spanish or Portuguese colonial rule. The exact date of each country’s Independence Day varies, but it is usually celebrated with military parades, concerts, and fireworks. Argentina celebrates its Independence Day on July 9th, Chile on September 18th, and Colombia on July 20th.
Day of the Dead
The Day of the Dead is a traditional holiday celebrated in Mexico, but it has also spread to other parts of South America. The holiday is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd, and it is a time to remember and honor deceased loved ones. People build altars with offerings, such as food and flowers, and they also paint their faces in elaborate skull designs. In Bolivia, the holiday is called Todos Santos, and it is celebrated with a combination of indigenous Andean and Catholic beliefs.
Inti Raymi
Inti Raymi is a traditional Inca festival that takes place on June 24th, the winter solstice in the Southern Hemisphere. The festival celebrates the return of the sun and the beginning of a new agricultural cycle. The festival starts at the Qoricancha temple in Cusco and then moves to the nearby fortress of Sacsayhuaman. At the fortress, actors dressed in traditional Inca costumes perform ancient rituals and dances.
Christmas
Christmas is a major holiday celebrated in most South American countries. The holiday is celebrated on December 24th and 25th, and it is a time for families to come together and share a meal. In some countries, such as Colombia, it is traditional to light fireworks on Christmas Eve. In Peru, it is also customary to hold a Mass called Misa de Gallo, which translates to “Rooster’s Mass,” because it is celebrated at midnight.
In conclusion, South America has a rich cultural heritage, and that is reflected in the variety of holidays celebrated throughout the continent. Whether it is Carnival, Independence Day, or the Day of the Dead, each holiday has its unique customs and traditions that make it a joyous and memorable occasion.
Related posts:
3 Major Holidays Celebrated in South America 3 Major Holidays Celebrated in South America South America is known for its vibrant culture, and holidays are a big part of this culture. The continent celebrates a variety of religious, cultural, and national holidays throughout the year. Here are three major holidays that are widely celebrated in South America. Carnaval de Rio Carnaval de......
Major Holidays Celebrated in Japan Major Holidays Celebrated in Japan Japan is a country rich in history and culture, and one of the most fascinating aspects of this culture is their holidays. Japanese holidays are deeply rooted in tradition and history, and many of them have been celebrated for centuries. In this blog post, we will take a look at......
3 Major Holidays in South America 3 Major Holidays in South America South America is a diverse continent with a rich cultural heritage. Every year, it celebrates a number of holidays that highlight its colorful history and traditions. In this blog post, we will explore three of the major holidays in South America and the customs and traditions associated with them.......
Major Holidays in South America Major Holidays in South America South America is a continent that offers spectacular landscapes and cultures for travelers around the world, but it is especially unique because of its fascinating blend of Spanish, Portuguese, and indigenous cultures. It is no wonder why South America is known for its festive celebrations! In this blog post, we......
What are the Major Holidays in South America? What are the Major Holidays in South America? South America is a vibrant and culturally rich continent with a multitude of holidays and celebrations throughout the year. Each country in South America has its own unique set of holidays, but there are some major holidays that are widely celebrated throughout the continent. In this post,......
The Most Celebrated Holidays in South America The Most Celebrated Holidays in South America South America is a continent rich in culture and tradition, and many of its holidays are rooted in religious and historical events that have shaped the region. From colorful parades to solemn processions, these holidays are celebrated in different ways throughout the continent, but all of them are......
Three Holidays Celebrated in South America Three Holidays Celebrated in South America South America is known for its vibrant and colorful culture, which is celebrated through various festivals and holidays throughout the year. Each country has its own unique way of celebrating, but there are some holidays that are celebrated across the continent. Here are three holidays celebrated in South America......
Winter Holidays Celebrated in South America Winter Holidays Celebrated in South America As winter approaches, many countries in the Southern Hemisphere gear up to celebrate their winter holidays. South America is home to a diverse range of cultures, and each one has its own unique way of celebrating this special time of year. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of......
