Culture of South America
Conversation
• South Americans talk in close proximity to one another
• Keeping eye contact is important
• They tend to be more diplomatic and tactful
• Use don or dona as a token of respect
Gauchos• Wherever you have ranches and
cattle you will have these men
• They are men on horseback like our American Cowboy
• Found in the great wide plains (pampas) of Chile, Argentina, and Uruguay
• Cattle raising is primary way of life
• Used to be lower class (mestizo) but after Independence Wars from Spain received more respect
Petroglyphs of South America
• Also called rock art• Pictographs or cave paintings
found in Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Peru, and Venezuela
• They are the oldest creative expression today
• Found in caves and open-air sites
• Principle means of documentation
• Reveal thoughts and beliefs
Holidays
• Holy Week of Easter is the most important Catholic festival (SEMANA SANTA)
• Each day has its rituals…participants carrying wooden crosses
• Columbus Day also known as Native American Day
• Celebrated October 12th
• Known as Dia de la Raza
• Celebration of the Hispanic heritage of Latin America with all its ethnic influences
• Celebrated in Argentina, Chile, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Honduras, Mexico, Uruguay, and Venezuela
Cuisine
• Many countries have tropical influences
• Coffee and teas• Flat bread• Chicken• Potatoes• Beans• Bananas• Fish• Meat