5 World-Famous Latin Festivals
17 February, 2023If you’ve never attended a Latin festival, you’re missing out. Although some of the best can be found in Latin America, there are a number of well-known festivals throughout the entire world.
So break out your passport, put on your best pair of luxury sunglasses, and get ready for one of the best parties of your life with one of these five world-famous Latin festivals.
1. Carnival – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Carnival just might be the most famous festival in the world and by far the most well-known. The festival, which takes place every year at the end of February or early March, involves lent. The idea is for people to enjoy the last good treats before lent begins. Carnival features parades and street parties with circus elements.
Although Rio de Janeiro is home to the most famous Carnival in the world, the festival is also celebrated in other cities like New Orleans (USA), Port of Spain (Trinidad and Tobago), Oruro (Bolivia), and Venice (Italy).
2. Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead) – Mexico (various cities)
Dia de Los Muertos is observed from October 31st (Halloween) to November 2nd (All Saints Day). It’s believed that during this time, the gates of heaven open, so Mexican people celebrate to briefly welcome their deceased relatives with food, drink, and celebration.
Dia de Los Muertos festivals offer parades featuring colorfully painted sugar skulls, delicious food, and so much more. Some of the top Day of the Dead celebrations can be found in Mexico City, Michoacán, and San Luis Potosi.
Although Mexico is most famous for its Day of the Dead festivals, the holiday is observed in other countries throughout Latin America.
3. Inti Raymi (Festival of the Sun) – Cusco, Peru
Although Peru offers several well-known festivals throughout the year, Inti Raymi — or the Festival of the Sun — is the most famous. The festival honors Inti, the ancient Inca Sun God. Historically, a llama’s heart was sacrificed in honor of Pachamama (Mother Earth). If this sounds inhumane, no worries. Nowadays, this tradition is continued as a stage act.
The festival takes place on June 24th every year. In the southern hemisphere, this is the winter solstice — which marks the start of the Incan New Year.
4. Semana Santa (Holy Week) – Seville, Spain
Semana Santa takes place during the week leading up to Easter. Also commonly referred to as Holy Week, this festival takes place on the Thursday, Friday, and Saturday before Easter. The festival acts as a yearly tribute to the passion of Christ. Although Catholics may find themselves more interested in the festival, the historical goal of Semana Santa was to teach non-religious people about Christ.
Though Seville, Spain is the most popular place to celebrate Semana Santa, other countries like Peru, Colombia, and Chile also hold Semana Santa festivals.
5. Feria de Los Flores (Flower Festival) – Medellín, Colombia
The Flower Festival is held each year in Colombia. Although the focus is on the beautiful roses, lilies, and orchids in the country, this festival celebrates Colombian culture as a whole. The festival also aims to celebrate diversity. The festival offers concerts and sporting events. There’s also a popular Paso Fino horse parade, which features beautiful flower floats.
These are just five world-famous Latin festivals. If you’re interested in getting a true Latin festival experience, you might want to schedule a trip to one of these cities when a festival is taking place. That being said, there are a number of great festivals throughout the world. Be sure to keep an eye out for any local Latin festivals to get a taste of culture in your own region of the world.
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