Les 10 meilleurs événements d'Amérique latine© Tiago Fernandez
Chile, Bolivia, Argentina... These faraway countries are as fascinating for their beauty as they are for their culture. Throughout the year, popular festivals and cultural events attract many visitors to Latin America. Carnivals come to mind, from Rio to Oruro! Unmissable, they reflect a festive and colorful society. But if you look hard enough, you could almost find a festival every day, from Mexico to Chile... To make things easier for you, Petit Futé has selected the 10 best events in Latin America.
N° 10 - Festivities of San Benito, Venezuela
Les fêtes de San Benito, Venezuela© Elyxandro Cegarra Gomez
A Catholic saint from Palermo, Sicily, San Benito is said to be a descendant of slaves of African origin. Recognized by the Church as the author of numerous miracles, he is the object of a veritable cult in the western states of
Venezuela , where numerous festivities are dedicated to him between December and January. The traditional dance known as
giros de San Benito is one of the most colorful traditions in the entire country, with dancers taking their places around a stake around which ribbons are tied and gracefully flown about. A must-see!
No. 9 - Cosquín Folklore Festival, Argentina
Festival de folklore de Cosquín, Argentine © Cristianl
More than 300,000 people are expected to attend Latin America's biggest
folk music festival every year. Cosquín, a small village in the province of Córdoba, is the setting for this major gathering, which lasts nine nights at the end of January. It's a chance for Argentines and visitors alike to (re)connect with their vibrant traditional culture. Please note that the festival is emblematic of the
campo , or "Argentine province". So you won't be seeing any tango, a dance that's typically Puerto Rican!
N° 8 - Chagras parade, EcuadorLa parade des Chagras, Équateur© Stéphan Szeremeta Chagras are the cowboys of the Andes. In the Cotopaxi volcano region of
Ecuador , their parade is a veritable tradition: the horses are dressed in colorful fabrics and the riders display their finest period costumes. Initially, this gathering consisted of leading the cattle convoy into the pastures. Today, the tradition is strongest in the town of Machachi, known as the capital of the chagras. In a breathtaking setting, riders parade their incredible mounts to the delight of visitors.
No. 7 - Feast of the Dead, MexicoLa fête des morts, Mexique© diegograndi
The Feast of the Dead is a very important event in
Mexico . On November
1st and 2nd, families gather to exchange special gifts, such as sugar-coated skulls and tequila. Everyone then goes to the cemetery, where they eat, dance and sing on the graves before offering their gifts. This practice, which dates back to Aztec times, is widespread in
Mexico , where the dead are brought flowers and candles before being kept company. In houses, altars are set up with skulls representing the deceased. A truly intriguing festival!
No. 6 - The traditional festival of San Antonio de Areco, Argentina
La fête de la tradition de San Antonio de Areco, Argentine© H.Fougère - Iconotec
Since 1939, every year on November 10,
San Antonio de Areco has been transformed into a veritable gaucho sanctuary. Gauchos are the Argentine cowboys who form part of the traditional culture of the Pampas. On the program: equestrian parades, shows, rope braiding, craft markets... It's a chance to discover a piece of Argentine history in a festive atmosphere that attracts over 30,000 visitors every year!
N° 5 - Carnival in Barranquilla, Colombia
Carnaval de Barranquilla, Colombie© Tiago Fernandez
No, it's not just Rio that can boast carnival! The Colombian city of
Barranquilla is also home to colorful festivities, classified as a masterpiece of humanity's oral and intangible heritage. Multi-ethnic and warm-hearted, this carnival, in the image of the Barranquilleros, is one of the finest in the world. For four days, the city lives to the rhythm of the rumba before the death of Joselito, the carnival man and symbol of joy and celebration!
No. 4 - Tapati Rapa Nui celebrations, Chile
Fêtes de Tapati Rapa Nui, Chili© emesilva
Every year,
Easter Island revives its traditions during the Tapati Rapa Nui celebrations in February. Although annexed to Chile, Easter Island has a very specific culture, the result of its great geographical remoteness. On this land at the end of the world, two clans clash during the festivities. The events are based on the island's traditions, from body painting to ritual chants and the creation of handicrafts. An opportunity to discover the mysteries of Rapa Nui...
N° 3 - Inti Raymi, the festival of the sun in Cusco, PeruInti Raymi, la fête du soleil à Cusco, Pérou© torukojin
This religious ceremony takes place every June 24 in
Cusco , celebrating the winter solstice. In the past, it took place after several days of fasting, and sacrifices were made to the sun god. Long banned as pagan by Catholics, Inti Raymi was revived in 1944. Today, participants sacrifice an alpaca before launching into impressive traditional dances and songs!
No. 2 - Carnival in Oruro, BoliviaLe carnaval de Oruro, Bolivie© Jeremy Richards
Bolivia's biggest event! The
Oruro carnival combines spirituality and folklore. Musicians, singers and dancers come from all over the country to pay homage to Pachamama, the earth goddess! The
diablada dance is fascinating, representing the confrontation between the forces of hell and angels. Both sides are represented by dancers executing complex figures in costumes each heavier than the next. Unforgettable!
No. 1 - The mythical Carnival of Rio, Brazil
Le mythique carnaval de Rio, Brésil© Fernando Quevedo
How can you dissociate
Rio from its dazzling
carnival ? More than just a festival, it's a veritable institution. The whole city is abuzz with activity for a week, as samba schools compete for the title of "Queen of Carnival". The baianas' rhinestone and sequined costumes are an eye-catcher for cariocas and visitors alike, ready to dance the night away!
