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