Exploring unique facts and traditions across the Hispanic world

Throughout the year, various hispanic customs and vibrant traditions are celebrated. Tag along as we take a look at some interesting celebrations and traditions across the Hispanic world.

El Salvador
Farolitos Ahuachapan

Farolitos Day is a traditional Catholic celebration that originated in Ahuachapán. It is held on September 7 each year. It began in 1850, when an rwas believed to have occurred. Since then, the tradition has been celebrated in Ahuachapán without modification or interruption. In 2014, it was declared an intangible cultural heritage by the legislative assembly of El Salvador.

Uruguay
Rural Tablado Del Prado

It is also known as Expo Prado. It is the largest agricultural exhibition in the country. It features the main breeders of equine, bovine, ovine, caprine, porcine, and the most outstanding poultry and rabbit breeders. The exhibition is held in September every year and attracts thousands of visitors.

Venezuela
The festival of the dancing devils

This is a Venezuelan religious tradition recognized in 2012 as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. It is celebrated in 11 brotherhoods in the country on the Thursday of Corpus Christi. It is a deeply religious ceremony in which promises are made to the Blessed Sacrament.

Paraguay
Kurusú Ara

It is also called the day of the cross.It is celebrated on the third day of May every year. Families prepare baked cheese rolls and rosary beads made with peanuts and candy. They later hung them on an altar-like platform to form a decorated cross ("Kurusu Jegua"). In this celebration, families remember their deceased, making it a very emotional activity.

Mexico
Guleguetza

It is traditionally referred to as the Guelaguetza of Oaxaca. It is observed in July as part of the popular cults of the Virgin of Carmen. Due to this, it falls on the two Mondays closest to the Catholic festival of the Marian celebration, July 16. It involves folkloric, cultural, and sports performances.

Spain
Las Fallas

This festival takes place from March 15 to March 19. It starts with installing more than 700 huge "ninots" throughout the city. The "ninots" are realistic cardboard representations of famous people and figures from fairy tales. The "ninots" are later burned on March 19. Every year, a "ninot" is saved from extinction by popular vote (pardoning a "ninot"). Pardoned "ninots" are exhibited in the Local Museum of Fallas.