Map Monday What is the dominant language of Latin America? How do linguistics and history influence each other? Name one thing on this map that surprises you.

Culture in Latin America

Colonization Patterns Most Latin American nations were controlled by the country that ‘discovered’ them during the 16th and 17th centuries Portugal- Brazil Holland- Suriname France- French Guiana England- Guyana and Caribbean Islands Spain- everything else

Cultural Influence in Latin America Most of the culture in Latin America and the Caribbean has been heavily influenced by the European colonization of the region Spanish and Portuguese are the primary languages of the region Roman Catholicism is the primary religion in the region Many nations in the region have taken the influence of their European colonists and combined them with the cultures of the indigenous peoples of Latin America These cultures are referred to as mestizo Mix of Spanish and Native American heritage

Christianity in Latin America Catholicism is the dominant religion in Central and South America Catholicism was diffused from Europe during the age of exploration Brazil has the largest Catholic population in the world Protestantism is the other major religion

Other Religious Practices in Latin America Many of the religious practices in Central America and the Caribbean are influenced by African tribal religions Santeria – combines indigenous African practices and rituals with Catholic elements Voodoo – practiced on the island of Haiti Rastafarianism – religious and political movement based in Jamaica

Learning Task Use the BBC Religions website to research Christianity, Rastafarianism, and Santeria. For each: Write three sentences summarizing the basic beliefs of the religion. Draw two pictures that represent the religion. In one word write the culture most responsible for this religion being found in Latin America.

Where in the World Wednesday

Christ the Redeemer Rio De Janeiro , Brazil Donations came mostly from Brazilian Catholics. Heitor da Silva Costa designed the statue and Paul Landowski sculpted it. . 1931 5. A symbol of Brazilian Christianity