Latin American Wedding Traditions for Post-COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic has delayed a lot of weddings. Some people didn't want to go through with the wedding with masks and social distancing, but as the vaccine rolls out and it seems that this is going to take longer than we expected, weddings will be happening either way. You can plan far ahead to try to get beyond the pandemic, weddings take a long time to plan anyways. People won't give in to this forever. Still, traditions will remain. Here are some Latin American wedding traditions to keep in mind as weddings return.

Padrino & Madrina

When it comes to Latin wedding traditions, the couple doesn't usually have a maid of honor or a best man. Instead of these titles, wedding couples have a Padrino and a Madrina. They are specifically chosen who play a significant role in the lives of the couple. The exact translation is godparents, but this isn't as literal as you'd think. In some cases, the Padrinos are the groomsmen and the Madrinas are the bridesmaids. Others include both traditions.

Throwing Rice

The guests toss rice when the couple exits after the ceremony. This symbolizes fertility, prosperity, and good fortune. Everyone wants to have enough rice and throwing it shows that there is plenty to go around. Nowadays some people exchange rice for rose petals, confetti, or bird seeds.

Marriage Coins

Another old tradition is the use of marriage coins. This hasn't changed for many years. 13 arras, or gold coins, are often a gift from the Padrinos and Madrinas during the wedding ceremony. After the couple is blessed by the priest, the coins are given to signify the groom's commitment to supporting the bride. These coins represent Jesus and his 12 apostles and are meant to show that the couple has a commitment to God.

Waiting to Dance Until Midnight

A lot of people observe the tradition of waiting until midnight to dance. This doesn't stop dancing, people will go at it all night. It doesn't matter how old the person is, dancing doesn't stop until the morning. You can be clear that the party will continue until the wee hours on the wedding invites. This tradition of dancing all night may seem extraneous, but for a lot of people, it needs to be observed!

Wedding Lasso

A traditional unity ceremony, the wedding lasso has been performed for generations. This usually takes place after the vows. El lazo, or the lasso is used to join the couple physically. It can be anything from a silk cord or an oversized rosary, the lasso isn't that important. The Padrino and Madrina typically wrap the lasso around the couple in figure eight to symbolize the union.

The Crazy Hour

The crazy hour, or la hora loca, is a part of the party when entertainers are brought into the equation. This can be a mariachi band or something more silly like stilt walkers. Whoever is brought into the party to switch it up, they are meant to keep the people awake and enthusiastic about partying all night. It comes later in the night so people will keep up the fun.

The Money Dance

During the reception, money is given to the bride and groom. The cash is pinned to the couple in exchange for a dance. It depends on who wants to dance with the couple, but it can last as long as they are people willing to pay cash for a dance. Known in Spanish as el baile del billete, it is another way to wish the couple a prosperous future.

These are just some of the many traditions practiced during Latin American weddings. Now that there is a light at the end of the tunnel when it comes to the pandemic, weddings will resume and so will the traditions. While practicing tradition isn't necessarily mandatory, people love to practice these traditions in a symbolic and meaningful way. If you're getting married, it's never too soon to plan. If you want to include the traditions in your wedding plan, think about how you will include them. You'll make your abuelo y abeula happy that you are keeping them alive.