The Cultural Characteristics of People in Latin America and the Caribbean

Georgia Performance Standard

• SS6G4: The student will describe the cultural characteristics of people who live in Latin America and the Caribbean.

• How have ethnic groups blended in Latin America and the Caribbean?

• What is a result of ethnic groups blending in Latin America and the Caribbean?

Race in Latin America

• Europeans• Africans• Native Americans

• Many of these groups

Intermarried and developed unique cultures over time.

Latin America 1700 and 1800

• Europeans brought disease and death.

• Europeans forced the native people into slavery.

• Most of the native island people were wiped out.

Central and South America

• Many Native Americans preserved their cultures by moving to remote mountains or forest regions.

Mulattoes: Mixed Ancestry • Mulattoes in Brazil,

Panama, and the West Indies are numerous.

• Their Ancestors: • A blend of African and

European

Mestizos: Mixed Ancestry

• Most people in Venezuela are Mestizos.

Their Ancestors:

A blend of European and Native American

Religion in Latin America

• The main religion in Latin America and the Caribbean is Roman Catholic beliefs.

The Day of the Dead

The practices of Native Americans and Africans have blended with Roman Catholic beliefs.

Mexico and in Mexican-American communities around the country celebrate Day of the Dead , a festive celebration to honor lost loved ones and others who have gone before.

Catholic All Saints’ Day

The Day of the Dead corresponds with All Saints’ Day and All Souls' Day on the Catholic calendar of November 1.

It is dedicated to children's souls, while November 2 is for the spirits of adults. It is said that these souls return to Earth for a visit, but they aren't feared: they're greeted with open arms and lots of trinkets.

Cuba’s Santeria

• Santeria is a religion popular among Hispanic Cubans. 

• According to the beliefs of Santeria, each person is born under a particular guardian saint (Orsha) that must be worshipped throughout life.

Santeria Religious Ceremony

Problems with Ethnic Groups

People with European ancestry often have more important jobs, better education, and heath care.

In 2005, Bolivians elected their first Native American president.

Question: 53

• What are the three main sources of the cultural groups of Latin America and the Caribbean?

• A. Africans, Mulattoes, Catholics

• B. Africans, Europeans, Native Americans.

Question: 54

• In Latin America and the Caribbean, people with which ethnic background often have better jobs and more money?

• A. Africans

• B. Europeans

• C. Catholics

• D. Native Americans

Questions: 55

• How is the “Day of the Dead” an example of blended culture?

• A. It is celebrated by traditional African cultures.

• B. The Roman Catholic holiday is celebrated in a way that adds Native American tradition.

Question: 56

• What is one cause for blending of cultures in Latin America and the Caribbean?

• A. Men and women from different ethnic groups intermarried.

• B. People from different ethnic groups enjoyed learning about other cultures.

Resources

• http://www.dayofthedead.com/content/day-dead-photographs

• http://cuban-exile.com/doc_326-350/doc0337.html