Unit 3 CULTURE IN LATIN AMERICA

Colonial Roots Because of colonialism, the countries of Latin America have similar cultures The colonial culture and the native culture mixed to create what we know today In Brazil, three cultures (Native, Portuguese, and African) all mixed into one In the Caribbean, the European influences mixed with the Native and the African

Language and Religion Spanish is the main language of Latin America; other languages include English, Portuguese, Dutch, and French Christianity, mainly Roman Catholicism, is the major religion of Spain and nearly all of Latin America

Music and Dance The popular music in South America is a combination of Indian, European, and African In the Caribbean, their music has roots in America, Spain, and Africa, such as the steel drum calypso music in Trinidad and reggae music in Jamaica Brazil features music of the samba, which is a Brazilian dance with African influence

Salma Hayek, Rihanna, and Shakira were all born in Latin America

Food Corn, potatoes, peppers, tropical fruit, queso blanco/queso fresco, and yuca are all staples in the dishes made in South America such as tamales, ceviche, and feijoada Seafood is also a staple especially in Central America and the Caribbean

Holidays and Festivals iestas/Events_Fiestas_Festivals_and_Holi days_in_South_America.htm iestas/Events_Fiestas_Festivals_and_Holi days_in_South_America.htm