Central America Holidays

If you're looking for a vacation with a rich cultural experience, consider Central America. Exotic wildlife, Colonial splendour, and the Day of the Dead are all available in Central America. From Nicaragua to Belize, there's a holiday for everyone. Read on for more information. And don't forget to pack your camera, because Central America holidays are sure to make you want to return again! After reading this article, you'll be more than prepared to travel to Central America!

Celebrations in Central America

Nicaraguans celebrate Christmas on the 24th of December. The festivities begin a few days before the actual holiday and continue until the 23rd of the same month. On the 6th of December, people start singing holy hymns to the Virgin Mary and buying Christmas decorations, small Nativity figures, toys, and flower bouquets. On the following day, the Epiphany, children are given presents. There are several other celebrations taking place throughout the country as well.

Exotic wildlife

The region of Central America has something to offer everyone: pristine beaches lining the Caribbean coast in Mexico, ancient ruins in Guatemala, colourful markets in Costa Rica, and world-class coral reefs in Belize. You'll also find the slow-moving sloth, the colorful toucan, and the white-faced capuchin monkey. Aside from nature, Central America is also home to ancient civilisations, including Copan ruins and the bustling markets of Honduras.

Colonial splendour

Known as the 'land of opportunity', Central America offers pockets of colonial splendour, sultry cloud forests, pristine beaches and volcanic fauna. Until relatively recently, Central America remained largely undiscovered by western travellers. Some of the most spectacular examples of Central American colonial splendour include Costa Rica, Belize and Nicaragua. If you're looking to discover a different side to the American continent, Central America is a must-see.

Day of the Dead

Celebrated on November 2, the Day of the Dead in Central America brings people together to remember their deceased loved ones. In addition to visiting the grave of a departed loved one, people also leave pillows and blankets at the gravesite. Then they spend the night beside the grave, offering prayers and singing songs to their deceased loved ones. In Bolivia, the celebration is called Dia de las Natitas. It is a Catholic tradition. Click here for more details about Central America Holidays

Day of the Dead in Honduras

The Day of the Dead celebrations vary from town to town, but the most common traditions include decorating cemeteries and praying by the graves of departed family members. In some areas, people make special canela, or pumpkin, drinks that commemorate the deceased and include a skull painted on the face. During the day, people wear masks or put up flowers, as well as make ayote, a type of steamed squash, with cinnamon and sugar added.

Day of the Dead in Guatemala

Many communities in Guatemala celebrate Day of the Dead by sharing decorations and food to foster a sense of community harmony. Families flock to the cemetery early on November 1 to decorate gravestones with candles, coronas, and other offerings. The day culminates with banquets and the burning of candles. Day of the Dead in Guatemala is also a time to honor the deceased with dried foods and flowers, known as flor de muerto.