South American Festivals

South America is a unique part of the world where many nationalities and cultures have come together to create an entirely new Latino culture that is as diverse as its backgrounds. Languages spoken in South America include Spanish, Portuguese and a large number of indigenous languages of the native people of South America. There is also various African languages and Asian languages and cultures in the mix, as well as so many more. The mixture of all these cultures results in festivals, celebrations and holidays all year round.

If you are planning to visit South America, you will not be disappointed as there is celebration exploding out of every corner. South America is the southern part of Latin America, right under Central America and is made up of 12 countries. Although there are South America holidays throughout the 12 countries every single day of the year, there are a few that are larger and more significant than others.

Catholicism is the main religion in South America, however, it has been largely influenced by African and Indiginous spiritual beliefs. If you want to go to a large South America holiday festival, plan your trip around the major Catholic holidays. This includes Christmas and New Years, Lent and Easter, various Saint's days and more. These are also known as Fiesta de la Virgen, Día de Todos los Santos, Carnaval, Semana Santa, Navidad and more.

One of the largest celebrations occurs annually right before the Lenten season, known as Carnaval. Lent is a period of 40 days where many Latinos fast to get ready for Easter. Carnaval is a time to celebrate life and indulge in foods, drinks and activities that are forbidden during Lent. Carnaval lasts two weeks and is a colorful event full of parades, dances and festivals.

There are also non-religious South America holidays of significance that are also celebrated throughout other countries in Latin America. The first is Independence Day, which is different depending on the date they became independent from another country. Día de la Raza is celebrated in various Spanish-speaking countries to celebrate the day Columbus arrived in the Americas and began the mixing of cultures and the start of the Latino race.

Even if you do not plan your trip based on the holidays mentioned, you are bound to find some type of festival or celebration while visiting South America, especially if you visit several countries during your visit.