Spring 2011 Events in South America
With seasons in reverse south of the equator, as it gets colder in North America things are just starting to heat up in South America.
So while it may be Fall in the United States but it is Spring in South America and there are lots of events and festivities to celebrate the warmer seasons. If you're thinking of planning a vacation you may want to check out some of these great events.
In 1492 Colombus sailed the ocean blue and landed in the New World. While in the United States it is celebrated as Colombus Day, in South America it is known as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race or of the Hispanic People).
It is celebrated on October 12 in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador with festivities recognizing the influence of both indigneous and European cultures melding to create the country.
In Uruguay it is known as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas). In 2002 Hugo Chávez renamed it Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela to reflect the indigenous resistance to European settlement.More »
If you love a good beer festival but not able to attend Oktoberfest in Munich then come to Brazil!
In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Germans moved to cities in Southern Brazil. Sure, it's not Germany but the Oktoberfest in Blumenau is now the third largest celebrating their German heritage with nearly three weeks of beer, music, dance and food.
Read our guide on festivals and events in Brazil.More »
Although Peru has thousands of Catholic celebrations and many processions. The most important is Señor de los Milagros or Lord of the Miracles in Lima.
The holiday celebrates a mural of Jesus that was painted by an Angolan slave in the 17th century. During that time there were many earthquakes including one that destroyed the city, amany say the only thing that survived was this painting.
Today tens of thousands of followers walk the streets of Lima dressed in purple to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.The festival is also the beginning of bullfighting season in Lima.
Check out more festivals and events in Peru.
Buenos Aires premier luxury wine exposition is held every year in the first week of November. With wines priced between US $12-120 this is considered the best wine festival among the many held in the capital city.
A bit of insider advice on this festival. It is better to attend the first two nights, where there are smaller crowds but more generous pours. However, later in the week there is a dinner prepared by the country's top chefs with wine pairings for each course. It's a bit pricey but the ultimate gastronomic experience for food lovers.
Check out more festivals and events in Argentina.More »
While the official date of independence is November 3rd, the city celebrates for an entire week. As Ecuadorians from nearby towns and villages pour into the city for numerous parades and parties it is the only time it is difficult to find accommodation without a reservation in Cuenca.
It is a great time to visit and see traditional dress and music, at night there are a number of parties from those featuring indigenous traditions to all night raves.
It's best to arrive earlier in the week as the city finally rests on Sunday and nearly everything, including restaurants, are closed so plan ahead and stock up on snacks and anything else you may need.
Discover more of Ecuador's holidays and festivals.More »
Depending on what country you are in November 1st is known as either Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day) or as Día de los Muertos or (Day of the Dead).
The dual naming reflect the influence of the Catholic Church appropriating indigenous holidays deemed to be pagan and creating new ones reflecting beliefs of the church.
Within a country it can also change depending on the strength of the indigenous population, for example in Ecuador, the area of Otavalo has a large indigenous community and the day is a joyous celebration celebrating the dead, whereas in Cuenca where there is a stronger Catholic following, it is a more somber event.More »
So while it may be Fall in the United States but it is Spring in South America and there are lots of events and festivities to celebrate the warmer seasons. If you're thinking of planning a vacation you may want to check out some of these great events.
1. Dia de la Raza
In 1492 Colombus sailed the ocean blue and landed in the New World. While in the United States it is celebrated as Colombus Day, in South America it is known as Día de la Raza (Day of the Race or of the Hispanic People).
It is celebrated on October 12 in Argentina, Chile and Ecuador with festivities recognizing the influence of both indigneous and European cultures melding to create the country.
In Uruguay it is known as Día de las Américas (Day of the Americas). In 2002 Hugo Chávez renamed it Día de la Resistencia Indígena (Day of Indigenous Resistance) in Venezuela to reflect the indigenous resistance to European settlement.More »
2. Oktoberfest
If you love a good beer festival but not able to attend Oktoberfest in Munich then come to Brazil!
In the 19th and 20th centuries, many Germans moved to cities in Southern Brazil. Sure, it's not Germany but the Oktoberfest in Blumenau is now the third largest celebrating their German heritage with nearly three weeks of beer, music, dance and food.
Read our guide on festivals and events in Brazil.More »
3. Lord of the Miracles Procession
Although Peru has thousands of Catholic celebrations and many processions. The most important is Señor de los Milagros or Lord of the Miracles in Lima.
The holiday celebrates a mural of Jesus that was painted by an Angolan slave in the 17th century. During that time there were many earthquakes including one that destroyed the city, amany say the only thing that survived was this painting.
Today tens of thousands of followers walk the streets of Lima dressed in purple to celebrate the Lord of Miracles.The festival is also the beginning of bullfighting season in Lima.
Check out more festivals and events in Peru.
4. Vinos de Lujo
Buenos Aires premier luxury wine exposition is held every year in the first week of November. With wines priced between US $12-120 this is considered the best wine festival among the many held in the capital city.
A bit of insider advice on this festival. It is better to attend the first two nights, where there are smaller crowds but more generous pours. However, later in the week there is a dinner prepared by the country's top chefs with wine pairings for each course. It's a bit pricey but the ultimate gastronomic experience for food lovers.
Check out more festivals and events in Argentina.More »
5. Cuenca's Independence Day
While the official date of independence is November 3rd, the city celebrates for an entire week. As Ecuadorians from nearby towns and villages pour into the city for numerous parades and parties it is the only time it is difficult to find accommodation without a reservation in Cuenca.
It is a great time to visit and see traditional dress and music, at night there are a number of parties from those featuring indigenous traditions to all night raves.
It's best to arrive earlier in the week as the city finally rests on Sunday and nearly everything, including restaurants, are closed so plan ahead and stock up on snacks and anything else you may need.
Discover more of Ecuador's holidays and festivals.More »
6. All Saints Day
Depending on what country you are in November 1st is known as either Día de Todos Santos (All Saints Day) or as Día de los Muertos or (Day of the Dead).
The dual naming reflect the influence of the Catholic Church appropriating indigenous holidays deemed to be pagan and creating new ones reflecting beliefs of the church.
Within a country it can also change depending on the strength of the indigenous population, for example in Ecuador, the area of Otavalo has a large indigenous community and the day is a joyous celebration celebrating the dead, whereas in Cuenca where there is a stronger Catholic following, it is a more somber event.More »
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