The population of South America is extremely diverse and hence so is the cultural make up of the continent. Most of South American people can trace their roots to Spain, Portugal, Africa as well as indigenous South Americans.
Made up of ten different countries, the main language being Spanish other than in Brazil who’s language is Portuguese.
From the late 19th century through to the 1930’s a huge Italian migration occurred mainly in Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay as well as large numbers of Germans,Poles, Syrians, Lebanese and Japanese. This changed the look of South America as well adding more cultures to the cultural diversity.
If you like festivals then South America is the place to be. Because of the mainly Roman Catholic population South America has many religiously based events.
Semana Santa(Holy week) in Peru is very popular leading up to Easter. A week long celebration in which it is believed no sins are committed during this period culminating in an all out celebration on Easter Sunday. The Fiesta de San Juan Bautista is a festival is held in the town of San Juan in Venezuela, and celebrates the town’s patron saint, with the festivities taking place in the week leading up to the biggest day of the festival on 24 June every year.
Music and dance
With civilisations predating 9500 BC the history and culture of South America is as old as it is diverse.