Transcript Slide 1

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?
Diversity in Latin America
• The cultures of Latin America are diverse.
• Each region has its own character.
• Each region has its own history, language,
customs, beliefs and even food.
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 MexicanAmerican 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/daydead-photographs
• http://cuban-exile.com/doc_326350/doc0337.html