What Holidays do South America Celebrate?

South America is a vibrant continent packed full of diverse cultures and traditions. Each country has its own unique holidays and celebrations that are a reflection of its history, customs, and religious beliefs. In this blog, we will take a look at some of the most important holidays celebrated in South America.

Carnival

Carnival is perhaps the most famous holiday in South America, celebrated in Brazil, Ecuador, Uruguay, and Argentina. This vibrant event usually takes place in February or March, and it is a time for people to come together and celebrate with music, dance, and colorful parades. In Brazil, Carnival is a week-long celebration, featuring samba parades, street parties, and costumes. In Uruguay, Carnival has more of a traditional feel and includes a parade of drummers and dancers known as “Llamadas.”

Day of the Dead

Day of the Dead is celebrated on November 1st and 2nd in Mexico, but it is also celebrated in other countries across South America including Ecuador, Brazil, and Bolivia. This holiday is a time to honor and remember loved ones who have passed away. Families build altars with offerings such as food, candles, and flowers, and they also visit cemeteries to decorate the graves of their loved ones.

Inti Raymi

Inti Raymi is a celebration of the winter solstice and the sun god Inti in Peru. It takes place on June 24th and is a significant event for the Inca people. During the festival, people dress in traditional clothing and gather at the ancient ruins of Sacsayhuaman to witness a reenactment of the Inca celebration.

Independence Day

Independence Day is celebrated throughout South America and marks the day each country gained its independence from Spain. For example, in Colombia, July 20th is the day of independence while in Argentina, it is celebrated on July 9th. This is a time for patriotism and unity, with parades, fireworks, and speeches.

Christmas

Christmas is celebrated across South America, and each country has its own unique way of celebrating. In Brazil, they celebrate on Christmas Eve with a feast of cod and turkey while in Colombia, it is tradition to light candles and sing Christmas carols. In Peru, they celebrate with gifts, fireworks, and a feast of roasted pig.

In conclusion, South America is a continent full of colorful celebrations and unique traditions. From Carnival to Day of the Dead to Inti Raymi, each holiday reflects the history and culture of its people. Whether you plan to visit South America during one of these celebrations or want to learn more about the continent’s rich culture, there is always something new and exciting to experience.