No trip to Latin America is complete without experiencing at least one of its vibrant, beguiling and eclectic festivals or events – they are quite simply unlike anywhere else in the world. Revel in the riot of colour and music at the exhilarating Rio Carnival; soak up the sensuous and passionate tango festival in Buenos Aires, or get an insight into the fascinating Day of the Dead celebrations. You’ll delve deep into the unique local culture and folklore of this captivating continent. Here are a few suggestions including some smaller and ‘quirky’ events.
Semana Santa (Guatemala) 16-23 March
This week-long event is a wonderful display of religious ritual and floral designs. The streets are filled with clouds of incense, accompanied by music and processions of floats carried by purple-robed men. This is one of the most spectacular Easter celebrations in Latin America, so accommodation needs to be booked well in advance. Go to Guatemala >
Tortuguero turtles (Costa Rica) March–October
In Tortuguero National Park there are miles of forest fringed beach where thousands of Green turtles lay their eggs between July and October. September and October are the only months to see the whole cycle (egg laying and hatching). From April to May Leatherbacks also lay in small numbers. Hawksbill nest sporadically from March to October. Go to Costa Rica >
Inti Raymi (Peru) 24 June
To the sun-worshipping Incas, the winter solstice was a very important and sacred day in the calendar. Academics, archaeologists and historians combine forces to present a fascinating event. The central event in Cusco is acted out below the imposing fortress of Sacsayhuaman, 2 km outside the city.
It is celebrated throughout the country with religious ceremonies, lively dancing and colourful festivities. Please note that booking more than 6 months in advance is strongly recommended. Go to Peru >
World Tango Championship (Argentina) 24 August – 1 September
This ten day celebration of tango in Buenos Aires includes classes for beginners as well as concerts and shows. Approximately 500 couples from 28 countries around the world compete in the championship. There are two contests, one involving dancing the more traditional Milonga Ballroom tango and the other, a more European-style choreographed tango. The tango championship is one of two annual events that highlight the importance of tango to Buenos Aires social and cultural life, the other event is staged in March. Go to Buenos Aires >
Autumn Equinox (Mexico) 20-22 September
The temple of Kukulkan is the largest and most important ceremonial pyramid at Chichén-Itzá. This 90 foot high structure reveals considerable information about the Mayan calendar. At sunset on the autumn equinox, the light catches the edges of the terraces on the pyramids, creating the visual effect of a snake leading down toward the stone head of the serpent at the base. Go to Mexico >
Procession of Lord of the Miracles (Peru) 18-28 October
An enormous image of the Señor de los Milagros, patron saint of Lima, is paraded through the city streets on a massive wood and silver float (on the shoulders of 30 men) decorated by flowers among a haze of incense and a mass of purple-clad miracle worshippers. The ritual has spread throughout the country as accounts of miracles continue to be reported. Go to Lima >
Day of the Dead (Mexico plus other countries) 31 October – 2 November
Mexicans honour their deceased relatives during this moving and vivid ritual, which is celebrated between October 31 and November 2. Mexicans visit the cemeteries to decorate the graves, pray, chant and lay petals on their way home to guide the spirits into the house. They construct colourful altars in their homes which they adorn with food and favourite personal possessions of the deceased. It takes place all over Mexico although the more colourful spectacles take place in Oaxaca and Chiapas. Go to Mexico >
Kite festival (Guatemala) 1 November
The kite festival takes place by Santiago Sacatepequez cemetery on All Saint’s Day where families sing and dance around the graves of their deceased relatives. Guatemalans believe that they can communicate with the spirits of the dead using giant kites which soar in the skies above. The kites makes a whistling and weaving sound which they believe is sending messages to their loved ones whilst releasing the souls of the dead. The kites are up to 7 metres in diameter and are made out of colourful fabrics and bamboo. Most of the designs have religious or political themes. The kites take more than 2 months to build. It is conveniently located approximately 35 minutes from Antigua.
Go to Guatemala >
