Geography
This country is most known for its cuisine (having four separate spots of the top 50 restaurants in the world list including first), potatoes, its history, and a wonder of the world. Machu Picchu. It’s also a country associated with Dowson.
What is Peru?
The Spanish name of this Cuban shredded-beef dish translates to “old clothes,” referring to the meat’s ragged appearance.
What is Ropa Vieja?
Hispanic Heritage Month, originally a week long, is now celebrated between these two dates, recognizing the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture.
When is September 15 to October 15?
Known most for their self portraits, this artist suffered from a bus accident early on in their lifetime. This artist was involved in the Mexican Muralist movement, which aimed to mine the country’s national history and identity through public monuments.
Who is Frida Kahlo?
Traditionally performed in weddings and festivals this music style emerged in the 19th century known for becoming a national pride and for the musicians wearing charro suits. This Mexican tradition commonly features violins, trumpets, guitars, a vihuela, and un guitarrón.
What is Mariachi?
Stretching along the western side of South America, this mountain range passes through countries including Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina.
What are the Andes Mountains?
Considered a national dish of El Salvador, these thick corn cakes are commonly stuffed with cheese, beans, or seasoned pork called chicharrón. Their distant cousin Arepas are similar in style, but associated with Venezuela and Colombia.
What are Pupusas?
Celebrated especially in México on November 1 and 2, this tradition honors deceased family members with photographs, marigolds, food, and decorated altars called ofrendas.
When is Día de los Muertos, or Day of the Dead?
Known for their dreamlike paintings, unexpected imagery, and melting clocks which are closely associated with the 20th century movement of Surrealism (the influence of dreams and the unconscious mind bypassing rational thought).
Who is Salvador Dalí?
Associated with Buenos Aires y Montevideo, this music and dance style is known for dramatic partner movements using intricate footwork, and leg hooks. It is used in a common English phrase which means both parties share responsibility for an argument or conflict.
What is tango?
This is the only Spanish-speaking South American country with coastlines on both the Pacific and the Caribbean sea.
What is Colombia?
Closely associated with Peru, this seafood dish is prepared by marinating raw fish or shrimp in citrus juice and commonly serving it with onions, chili peppers, sweet potato and cilantro.
What is Ceviche?
This event marks a major milestone in life early on. This event is often celebrated with a grand reception with formal dress, choreographed dances, and a traditional dance between two specific familial individuals.
What is a Quinceñera?
This artist, along with Georges Braque, helped develop the early 20th century style of painting of Cubism, which breaks subjects into geometric forms and presents multiple viewpoints at once.
Who is Pablo Picasso?
This dance style originated in New York City with development coming from Cubans and Puerto Ricans, this is also one of the most popular latin dance styles. It’s known for having fun, flirtatious, and energetic movements however it can be danced slowly to the romantic aspect of this genre.
What is Salsa?
This country contains most of the Atacama Desert, one of the driest nonpolar places on Earth.
What is Chile?
This Mexican sauce can contain chili peppers, spices, nuts, seeds, fruit, and other ingredients. Its famous Pueblan variety includes chocolate, which adds depth rather than making the sauce taste like dessert.
What is Mole or Mole Poblano?
Meaning “Festival of the Sun” in Quechua, this celebration in Cusco, Peru, honors the Inca sun deity Inti.
When is Inti Raymi?
This form of art emerged in Argentina during the 1970s under a military dictatorship. It served as a medium for expressing dissent and resistance, often referred to as the “voice of the oppressed.” The art form gained popularity in the 2000s due to an economic depression, however it continues to be used today for personal expression or political messages.
What is Street Art or Graffiti?
This style originated in the Dominican Republic in the early 20th century, quickly becoming the country’s national dance and music genre. Known for its fast-paced, lively rhythm, this genre is generally played in a 2/4 time signature. This dance style has a lot of hip and side to side movement.
What is Merengue?
This waterfall, located in the Southeast of Venezuela is most known for being the tallest uninterrupted waterfall on Earth, plunging 979 meters.
What is Angel Falls?
Traditionally eaten in parts of the Andes, especially Peru and Ecuador, this roasted or fried animal is a what many would not eat since it is usually seen as a pet in other countries.
What is Cuy?
In Hispanic culture, this day marks the end of the Christmas season on January 6th, honoring a Christian holiday. The celebration includes gift giving and sharing Rosca de Reyes. Some countries or cities host parades or gatherings for this event with children leaving out shoes in hopes for gifts.
When is Día de los Reyes Magos?
Originating in Valencia Spain, this form of art is used in tradition during the month of May to honor Saint Joseph (saint of carpenters). Made of papier-mache on a wooden carcass, this type of sculpture is traditionally satirical and explicit, mocking social trends in their society or public figures. However not all have to be satirical. Towards the end of the festival they are made for, they are burned into the ground.
What are Las Fallas or Fallas?
Often attributed to Spain, this expressive dancing style is often accompanied by guitar and “canto” (song) crowds viewing this dance often clap or vocally encourage to build energy and maintain the beat. This dance is traditionally rooted in individual expression, with dancers improvising and reacting to the “cante”.
What is Flamenco?