The Surprising Symbolism of Bolivia’s National Flag
In this post, we will be exploring the history behind the flag of Bolivia as we delve into the Latin American country’s iconic past. Flags are more than just national symbols. Each color and decoration is a representation of the country’s history, culture, and geography. This post dives into Bolivia’s connection with the Incan Empire, Spanish conquistadors, and the Andes’ mountainous...Read More
El Tope: Costa Rica’s Famous Horse Parade
There’s a beautiful tradition in Costa Rica that connects its people with their past and showcases the country’s horse culture: El Tope. El Tope Costa Rica is a spectacular horse parade that brings together the country in a celebration of their history and culture. Keep reading to learn more about El Tope—what it is, when and where it takes place, and all about its...Read More
Traitor or Hero? Why You’re Wrong About La Malinche
Who was La Malinche? One way to define her is as an interpreter, counselor, and intermediary to the Spanish conquistador Hernán Cortés. Others say she was the ultimate traitor. Was she a victim of circumstance? a survivor of evil?—or was she a heroine? That’s for you to decide (Mexicans are a little divided on this issue). Many oral traditions and myths surround...Read More
Why Are Catholics ‘Dancing of the Devil’ in Venezuela?
Nothing can stop the horde of faithful Catholics in Venezuela who do the dancing of the devil, a unique Venezuelan holiday and tradition. They’re possessed by the joy of making this tradition happen every year on Corpus Christi, an annual Roman Catholic holiday commemorating the presence of Christ in the Sacrament, in a dozen coastal towns of this South American country. The...Read More
Cali Fair: Colombia’s Most Important December Festival
La feria de Cali en Colombia (Cali fair in Colombia) is one of the most colorful and magical events that take place in South America. El Distrito Especial, Deportivo, Cultural, Turístico, Empresarial y de Servicios de Santiago de Cali, known simply as Distrito de Cali (Cali District) is the third most important city in Colombia, because of its cultural and economical relevance, and because...Read More
Unique New Years Traditions of Latin America
Latin American traditions for the New Year are both unique and fascinating! The start of a new calendar year provides the opportunity to reset and begin a new chapter for people all over the world, and Latin America is no exception. Each country has its own special New Year’s Eve traditions, although there is often some overlapping across regions. Like in the United States,...Read More
Christmas Festivities in Costa Rica
La Navidad en Costa Rica (Christmas in Costa Rica), just like in every culturally Catholic country, is the best time of the year. While it is not your traditional white, and snowy Christmas, Costa Ricans celebrate Christmas in their own way. They put up the tree and tangle the little lights around it. While 17% of Costa Ricans do not incline towards any religion, 52% of them declare...Read More
Spectacular Little Candles Day in Colombia
The Day of the Little Candles in Colombia is one of the most fascinating and popular traditions that take place during the Christmas season. Keep reading to learn about the famous Día de las Velitas, when it’s celebrated, and how it started. Discover similar traditions from different cultures and find out how the Day of the Little Candles is celebrated in different regions of...Read More
Pascua Flower: Why Is It a Christmas Symbol?
La flor de pascua, the pascua flower, is a flower closely related to Christmas. Many people, especially in Latin America, put the pascua flower on a pot and use it as an ornament to decorate their houses and give them a more cozy look. Its scientific name is Euphorbia pulcherrima, but you might know it in English as the poinsettia. In Spanish, it has several different names that...Read More