other syncretized Religious ceremonies do among Latinos, but typically theater, and cinema has brought a new awareness to the population; He is the patron saint of Ecuador’s police forces. To set the tone, let’s listen to the Oscar award-winning song, “Remember Me,” from the movie Coco (if you haven’t seen this movie about Mexico’s Day of the Dead yet, I encourage you to do so!). MEXICO CITY, May 6 2005 (IPS) - Indigenous communities throughout Latin America are facing the loss of their cultural traditions, divisive conflicts, and in some cases even bloodshed, all in the name of God. Often they do this barefoot, at times with shackles and chains. Modern Argentina isn’t a particularly religious country. After the arrival of the Spaniards, the Raymi and other celebrations took on a Catholic façade. On the fourth burner is a larger pot full of water, herbs and spices. photo © Lorraine Caputo. photo © Lorraine Caputo, All day Before I leave Pay Ubre, I cross the road again and am guided by some force to those chapels. Dangers included getting stuck in mud, bottoming out the car and ripping the oil pan out, and accidents. They are petitioned for plentiful fishing and – in some areas – rain. No longer did the kings function as the official heads of the church and its mission. A Gauchito Gil prayer card. This is how Western Christianity sets the dates for these religious observances: A roadside shrine to Gauchito Gil near Río Turbio, in Argentina’s southern Patagonia. In coastal towns throughout Latin America, these saints are being fêted. Raymi ceremonies are usually held at places of historical important, like archaeological sites. During his life, it is said, he was recognized for his healing abilities and known as a devoteé of San La Muerte. Christianity is the main religion, with Roman Catholics having the most adherents. Through a history of colonization, appropriation and syncretism, religiosity in Latin America has historically been experienced with passion and intensity. I cross the highway to a roadside eatery to sit down to a typical Argentine parrillada (barbecue). This sad music is native to northern Corrientes Province. Latin America, but varies in form and practice from country to country He died 13 June 1231. This is definitely a time to witness Latin American partying at its finest. Crosses awaiting the cucuruchos of the Good Friday procession. La Recoleta Church (Quito, Ecuador). Ethnic groups define themselves through music and dance. Only in the extreme north of Mexico (perhaps, depending on the year) and the highest of mountains will you find snow. It happened exactly as Gauchito Gil foretold. Kulla Raymi (Planting Festival), called Coya Raymi in Quechua-speaking areas, is dedicated to the moon (Quilla) and to women. Originally Spanish Christmas traditions, Posadas are now also Guatemalan and Mexican traditions. That event closed the night with a massive fireworks display. religious traditions. The solstice is when the earth is at its closest (summer) or furthest (winter) tilt from the sun. This season is also celebrated with traditional foods, especially fish, bacalao (salt cod) and seafood. In living rooms, families read the novena in front of the nativity scene. As well, because many travel during this time, bus and other transportation prices also dramatically increase across the board – especially in countries like Peru. On this rainy night, the eve of the feast day of San Antonio de Padúa, hundreds of kilometers from Los Crepúsculos, I imagine I hear the strains of his serenade. which one is rewarded or punished for having led a good or evil life. After the sun sets, the seven sones (rhythms) of tamunangue are danced by couples armed with garrotes (sticks). Explain the religious significance of piñatas. If you are traveling at any of these seasons, your best chance of seeing (and perhaps joining in) on the festivities are in areas with a strong indigenous sense of pride, especially in Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. photo © Lorraine Caputo. Nothing sums up Latin America's spirit and colour quite like its festivals: from religious fiestas to the 'Dance of … Naturally, the dates vary of when the equinoxes and solstices may occur: 19 – 21 March, 20 – 22 June, 21 – 24 September, and 20 – 23 December. Año Nuevo, New Year’s Day. Afro-Latin Religion. “That’s one dollar,” she tells me friend. Beyond the usual cast of characters, though, is a motley assembly of animals: Among the expected sheep, camels and burros are farm animals – chickens, pigs, cows, etc. This rich drink is then served hot or cold. As with the Spanish language, Roman Catholicism dominates throughout Latin America, but varies in form and practice from country to country and region to Region, owing largely to syncretic mixing with other religious traditions. How are religious beliefs infused into the Christmas traditions in Latin America? From before Christmas through the Feast of Epiphany, city traffic will be stopped for the Pase del Niño. Unlike northern European (including US) traditions, caroling from house to house is not common. Of the 17 ingredients used to make colada morada, two have spiritual significance: the black corn, for in the Andean cosmovision, humans were made from maize; and the mortiño, as this fruit was considered sacred by Andean cultures. This tradition is interesting to me since in Ecuador we have a new year’s eve tradition of burning an effigy. even. Three for one dollar!”, And from many cafés, many restaurants, the offering rings out. He never knew Jesus in person. As its Latin roots imply (æquus = equal + nox = night), the day / night ratio at all corners of the Earth is 12 hours / 12 hours. Recently an increase in Latino American plays, But even in the smallest of villages, the faithful wend the lanes, carrying statues of Jesus and Mary. Cousin Its in Málaga, Colombia. 7 In all of Latin America, people in the Central American nations of Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and El Salvador are among the most religiously committed and socially conservative. photo © Lorraine Caputo. Latino families spend time together very often and help raise a… And the bus stops in from of the Santuario de Gauchito Gil. Hispanic Americans are the fastest growing ethnic group in the United States, and religion plays a pivotal role in both the preservation of their heritage and their acculturation into U.S. culture. As they sing their honoring song honoring to this saint, bottles of cocuy (homebrew liquor) are being passed. MEXICO CITY, May 6 2005 (IPS) - Indigenous communities throughout Latin America are facing the loss of their cultural traditions, divisive conflicts, and in some cases even bloodshed, all in the name of God. The shrine in Pisagua (Chile) is near the fishermen’s wharf. In the evenings, they gather around it to say the novena and sing villancicos (Christmas carols). San Antonio was born Fernando Martins de Bulhões, in Lisbon, Portugal, in 1195. Venezuela has strong cults of popular saints like José Gregorio and María Lionza. Semana Santa celebrates the last days of Christ's life, the Crucifixion and Resurrection, as well as the end of Lent.The Holy Week is observed in many different countries with a range of celebrations, from the solemnly religious to the more commercial and secular. The most famous of these celebrations is the Inti Raymi, celebrated on or near the June solstice. Also in Mexico – specifically Oaxaca – is the Noche de Rábanos, or Night of the Radishes, celebrated on 23 December with a popular competition of the best-carved giant radishes. CHRISTIANITY: CHRISTIANITY IN LATIN AMERICA. What draws hundreds of pilgrims to come here every week? The festival includes offerings with Incan and Christian compositions, ... 10 beaches to visit in Latin America . photo © Lorraine Caputo, When I told a friend that I was writing this article, she asked, “Will you be telling us the origin of the word?”. The list of ingredients is a mish-mash of native fruits, herbs and spices, and those introduced by the Spaniards: The bundle of herbs used in the colada morada is called a guanguito. In the Patagonia, traditional Mapuche celebrate the June solstice with Tripuinta, their New Year. Everywhere, villancicos are sung. Each devotee shall kiss him, before he is tenderly placed in the straw-filled cradle in the center of the pesebre. In a large pot, the herbs and spices are simmering. The page remains at this address as an archival and research resource. Latin American music, musical traditions of Mexico, Central America, and the portions of South America and the Caribbean colonized by the Spanish and the Portuguese. The laughter, the music The indigenous then created pan de finados, a mummy-shaped bread made of corn and winter squash (zapallo) to represent the dearly departed. The juice is placed in a 20-liter pot and the herb water is added. Religion has been a remarkably dynamic force in Latin America since the 1960s, paralleling the shift from dictatorship to elected government. He was beheaded for being a Christian on 29 June 67 AD, during the reign of Nero. His given name was Antonio Mamerto Gil Núñez. And I enter the tin-roofed chapels where smaller versions of Gauchito Gil stand, surrounded by candles with flames dancing in a barely perceptible breeze. By contrast, people in the “Southern Cone” countries of Argentina, Chile and especially Uruguay are among the most secular, with relatively low levels of religious commitment. On Nov. 13, 2014, the Pew Research Center brought together members of the Latin America community, religious leaders, scholars, members of the media and other experts for a round-table discussion about the latest data on religion in Latin America. At dusk, a group of us headed out to watch the Marcha de Antorchas (Torch Parade). photo © Lorraine Caputo. A line of people slowly passes to the front, Fathers with their young sons and daughters, In many Catholic homes, families also present a manger scene. (One of his most famous cases was the stoning of Saint Stephen.) photo © Lorraine Caputo. Part of this feasting included a special drink in their honor: Yana Api, first made with corn and llama and later of fermented corn. But each country, each place also has its traditions. 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