Festivities in Latin America

Dia de los muertos

It's a two days celebration dedicated to the ones who passed away. The tradition is to put some of the deceased favorite food next to a picture of him to remember them. The first day of the celebration is only for the "innocent ones" like the babies and saints. The second days is the reunion with our lost ones and also host de parade. There's a parade in which people paint skulls on their faces and they dance while wearing traditional Mexican clothes. The main attraction are the various giant skulls that circulate in the parade which are all hand made. (David Agren)

Semana Santa

The "Semana Santa" is a whole week before easter. The celebration is a little bit different in each country of Latin America but it's generally the same. During this week, there are many reenactments of the crucifix of jesus, many parades with pictures of saints circulate through the city and the people decorate the paths taken by the saints with carpets made out of flowers. It's a spectacular religious event. (Bonnie Hamre)

Carnaval - Montevideo, Uruguay

It’s the longest Carnaval in the world, it lasts 40 days leading up to Ash Wednesday. The city transforms itself, stages are set up on streets, parades, dances, and parties where parties will form and go on for days at a time. The Candombe is a lively drum driven music and dance style rooted in African slave culture, the city’s own invention. More than 90 Candombe groups compete during the Carnaval at the downtown amphitheater. (Travel, Dine, Live… Like A Local)

Carnaval - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

International tourists and Brazilians alike know it is the best place to experience a holiday.  The city and its residents go all out to host and organize the event at one of Brazil’s most exciting and beautiful beachside cities. There are hundreds of street parties called blocos taking place every Carnival season. Music, dancing, a moving party and a fun crowd are what awaits any traveler looking for a good time. The festival starts on the Friday before Ash Wednesday and ends on Ash Wednesday at noon.
(Karina Martinez)