Introduction
It’s a common misconception that all Hispanic people share the same origins, but this simply isn’t true. Growing up in Latin America, individuals are influenced by a diverse blend of cultures and traditions, each contributing to the unique shaping of their identities and Hispanic heritage. These traditions are always expressed with joy and pride.
In today’s world, it’s more important than ever to open our minds and embrace the richness of Hispanic traditions. In this post, we’ll dive into some of these traditions and highlight the core values they represent.
5 Long-Standing Hispanic Cultural Traditions
Hispanic traditions include the following:
Family-Related Practices
In Hispanic culture, the family is considered the most cohesive and important social unit. The word "family" also describes nuclear (parents and children) and extended families (grandparents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives).
Different practices strengthen family ties. For example, many people in a town or city far from home stay with relatives or their family’s closest friends. Hispanic families also celebrate various holidays and milestones in each other’s lives.
More importantly, Hispanic families teach children the importance of upholding honor, showing good manners, and respecting high authority figures and the elderly. They also speak Spanish at home to ensure the Spanish language endures in our ever-changing world.
Important Celebrations & Holidays
Celebrations and holidays are another significant aspect of Hispanic culture, with many of these festivities centered on or rooted in religion. Here are some of the celebrations observed by Hispanic communities every year:
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead)
Originating from Mexico, Día de los Muertos honors the lives, memories, and eternal presence of the deceased in Latin American countries. You may think this holiday is just a solemn occasion, but it’s a vibrant celebration held on the streets.
Every November 1 and 2, Hispanic communities hold parades, sing, dance, wear costumes, and remember their deceased loved ones through respectful graveside ceremonies. People also paint their faces in skeletons inspired by José Guadalupe Posada’s “La Calavera Catrina,” which is known to symbolize the Day of the Dead.
Flower Festival
Colombia holds an annual flower festival every August in the city of Medellín. During this celebration, elaborate floats and installations made from fresh flowers take center stage. Such creations turn downtown Medellín into a fragrant and lively place for the Desfile de Silleteros (Flower Growers’ Parade).
The festivities don’t end with a parade, though. Live music, sporting events, and cultural experiences also await residents and visitors during the week-long festival.
Three Kings Day
Three Kings Day, or “Epiphany,” honors the Three Wise Men who gave gifts to baby Jesus. Latin American countries have different ways to celebrate this religious holiday, but they always do so 12 days after Christmas. Additionally, Three Kings Day caps off the holiday season.
During the holiday, children get gifts from the Three Kings. Mexican children place a wish list on top of their shoes, then wake up to see them filled with gifts from the Three Kings. Outside of Mexico, children leave water and grass for the Three Kings’ camels. They receive their gifts the morning after the tradition is done.
Grape Harvest Festival
If you love wine, you can enjoy some of the finest at Argentina and Chile’s grape harvest festivals.
Argentina hosts the largest festival in its world-renowned wine region of Mendoza from late February to early March. Expect streets packed with music, parades, live concerts, and residents choosing their “Harvest Queen” at this time of year. You’ll see well-decorated floats and get small gifts from riders during the parades, both taken from the Mardi Gras celebrations.
Grape harvest festivals are also held in Chile, featuring wine tastings, grape stomping, and drinking sessions.
Quinceañera
The popular quinceañera, or Sweet 15 celebration, is held for young girls as they enter womanhood. It’s not your average birthday party, with traditions like choreographed dances and gift-giving that are part of the celebration.
Of course, you can’t have a quinceañera without the birthday girl’s dress. The celebrant wears a colorful, striking, and big ball gown for the occasion, showing her unique personality and character. Quinceañera themes range from traditional ones to newer and trending ones.
Other Celebrations & Holidays
In addition to the celebrations and holidays mentioned above, Hispanic countries observe international holidays such as Easter, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. Each country also commemorates its Independence Day, El Día de la Independencia.
Religious Rituals
Religion is also an integral part of the daily lives of Hispanic communities. The church dictates how families live and communities work, making Hispanic culture spiritual.
Many Hispanic Catholics have strengthened their faith by traveling to El Santuario de Chimayo, where tens of thousands visit this New Mexico village every Holy Week to pray for healing, make other wishes, and express gratitude.
They also light luminarias or farolitos — small bonfires used to guide the Holy Family toward their homes and the local church.
Another common practice is celebrating the feast days of local patron saints, which Hispanic Catholics consider highly important and ceremonial.
Other Hispanic Cultural Traditions
Beyond family-related customs, celebrations, and religious rituals, Hispanic communities follow other important traditions.
One of them is the mariachi band, which is enjoyed at weddings and other celebrations. Mariachi bands have eight violins, two trumpets, and at least one guitar. A high-pitched vihuela and a guitarron (acoustic bass guitar) are also played during events.
Hispanic heritage and traditions also include cooking Latin cuisine. Many Hispanic cooks have created delicious dishes, such as tamales, which are made from corn-cased masa and steamed in a corn husk. Tamales can contain a variety of ingredients, including meat, cheese, fruits, vegetables, and chili.
What are Some Hispanic Cultural Values?
According to Stanford Medicine, Hispanic values and beliefs fall under five cultural themes. Familismo emphasizes the significance of family at all levels, from one’s nuclear family to one's extended social circle. Personalismo involves showing mutual respect for other people and building trust with them. Jerarquismo centers around one’s respect for hierarchy. Presentisimo emphasizes living in the present. Espiritismo describes the connection between good or evil spirits and a dead person’s well-being and spirit.
Dig Deep Into Hispanic Culture Today
Diverse cultures and traditions make the Hispanic heritage distinct and fascinating to discover. They range from family practices to the art of cooking delightful Latin American dishes. All of these experiences encourage us to appreciate Hispanic culture and preserve it together with our Hispanic friends.
If you want to experience Hispanic heritage and traditions up close, try using United Tribes to find businesses or events that highlight both. Visit our website today for more information about our online directory or read our blog for quick guides to Hispanic culture.
