Most Popular Festival Vacation Spots in Latin America
The Latin side of America celebrates magnificent festivals throughout the year. Starting in January to December, there are a number of celebrations for almost everything -- from harvesting to music and films, to religious customs and wild street parties -- Latins always prepare the revelry.
Already widely known for their vibrant and free-spirited ways, lively music and deep love for cultural heritage, Latin American nations really give their all when there are festivals. As a result, the festivities are entertaining, delightful, moving and educational. There are also reasons why heading to this region for a vacation is all worthwhile.
Visitors can get to experience a very rich culture apart from enjoying the scenery and colorful celebrations throughout Central and South America. If you are planning for a vacation, make sure to check out the dates of the biggest festivals before booking your holiday trip. In this way, you will get the most out of your vacation.
Some of the most popular and best festivals that you might want to attend are:
Festival of the Virgen de la Candelaria
This is one of the most popular religious festivals in Bolivia and Peru. It is celebrated every second day of February. The 2-week celebration is filled with parades, dance and music and display of fancy costumes. This is also Bolivia's festivity that has mix influences of Catholic and age-old local culture.
Rio Carnival
For an ultimate party experience, iExplore suggests this Carnival festival in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil is the one to attend to. This takes place before the lent season and run for four days. And although the parties can get so wild, the celebration actually has a religious and cultural significance.
The revelry which tend to last all day and night are held everywhere -- in bars, streets, squares and clubs. Samba is the main dance for this festival so if you choose this for your trip, learning the moves and preparing samba outfit should be part of your things to do.
Dia de los Muertos
The "Day of the Dead" in Mexico is celebrated for two days -- during the All Saint's Day and All Souls day in November. Similar to Halloween, skeletons are everywhere. Skull candies and pan de muerto (bread of the dead) are being sold in shops too.
Cemeteries are not a spooky place and the mood is far from ghoulish because people enliven the place with music, food, tequila and favorite dishes of the deceased who they are remembering.
World Tango Championships
When you want to witness the best tango dancers, visiting Buenos Aires, Argentina in August will get you a ticket to the world tango competition. As part of the festival, learn the dance through free classes and concerts.
New Year's Eve in Chile and Brazil
Millions of tourists visit troupe to these Latin countries to celebrate the New Year. Revelers join the countdown to a brand new year along the Copacabana Beach.
Fireworks, concerts and the religious ceremonies await for travelers wanting to create a memorable New Year's Eve.
There's a chance that the shchedules for these festivals do not go well with your vacation time, but you don't have to worry because the festivities are held year-round. Frommers has a calendar of events for festivities in Latin America, pick which will work with your free time.
* This is a contributed article and this content does not necessarily represent the views of latinpost.com