Spanish Culture and Language

This article discusses famous festivals like Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Inti Raymi in Peru, Trinidad and Tobago Carnival, beaches and delicacy of food in Santa Teresa, Costa Rica, political relations between Mexico and United States and the issue of murders in Mexico.

Running Head: SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 0
Spanish Culture and Language

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 1
Article 1: Famous Festivals in South America
Geographical Area: Latin America
Country: Brazil
Capital City: Rio de Janeiro
Article Title: Carnival in Rio de Janeiro
Article Author: Matt Sandy
http://time.com/4209973/carnival-brazil-rio-de-jeneiro/
Article Topic: Cultural Events & Festivals
Article Summary
It is basically a catholic event which starts before 51 days of Easter and ends before 45
days of Easter. It is considered to be one of the biggest festivals of the world where more than 1
million (including 500,000 foreign visitors) people gather on the streets to enjoy this event. Such
events took place to practice its catholic traditions and to honor and worship the god. Its origin
was traced in 18th century, as it was in introduced by the Portuguese immigrants in the country.
Events like Samba school parade, Street carnival, Corte real are the basic ingredient of this
festival (Sandy, 2015).

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 2
Personal Response
In my opinion, the Carnival is one of the most electrifying cultural events in the world, it
includes not less than 587 street parties which includes bands, costumes etc. Various facilities
like healthcare or medical facilities and more than 25,000 portable clean toilets are available for
the public. Officially holidays are of 3 to 4 days but it is noticed that people in Rio de Janeiro
barely work from Christmas to the end of the carnival. The Samba Parade is known as the heart
of the carnival, where the ritual of drum dance and handclaps were being followed. Such
festivals attract greater attention of the people to pray, enjoy and exploring the culture of various
countries.

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 3
Article 2: The Next Tulum: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Geographical area: Central America
Country: Costa Rica
Capital City: San Jose
Article Title: The Next Tulum: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica
Article author: Published on The New York Times Style Magazine on 17/05/16 by Alice Newell-
Hanson
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/t-magazine/travel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-travel.html?
rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FCosta
%20Rica&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=stream&module=stream_unit&versi
on=latest&contentPlacement=14&pgtype=collection
Article Topic: Beaches and Delicacy of food
Article Summary
The place talks about the sleepy fishing village which has become a paradise filled with
surfers, and falling in the category of the reality which seemed to be the fantasy at times
(Hanson, 2016). The best places to visit and the things to do while going to the Santa Teresa are
serving the public where the surf instructors are available and the natural attractions have
become a core importance for the visitors as the article also talks about the exotic food and fancy
places such as the floating house, Sushi master Koji’s, the Olam kind of the restaurant Nautilus

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 4
hotel, the thin crust pizza king commonly known as the Al Chile Viola only to discover and get a
relishing experience of the sights and giving relaxation to the taste buds with the new taste.
Personal response
From my personal experience the view on the topic will be biased as the taste of an
individual differs according to the place and locality in which he/he lives. However, when
talking about the places and the natural attractions undoubtedly the Santa Teresa is one of an
exotic place to visit and chill during the winter the autumn season. Personally I believe that some
of the restaurants have a large private terrace that avails the cool breeze and have just like one is
sitting for a Spa. The vegetarian food takes away the heart out and stands out in thickness, savory
features. Therefore I can conclude on the landmark that the food and place is a flawless choice
for the monsoon season and to spend a quality time with family.

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 5
Article 3: Murder statistics reveal 2017 to be the deadliest year in Mexico's history
Geographical area: North America
Country: Mexico
Capital City: Mexico City
Article Title: Murder statistics reveal 2017 to be the deadliest year in Mexico's history
Article author: Published on The Guardian on 23/12/17 by Guardian News and Media Centre
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/23/new-figures-reveal-2017-to-be-the-deadliest-
year-in-mexicos-history
Article Topic: Murders and Issues in State
Article Summary
The year 2017 has been a drastic year for the Mexico as it reported a record breaking
number of the murders in 2017. It was one of the deadliest years in the history of the Mexico.
Around 23,102 murder investigations were opened in the first 10 months and thereafter
registered a 22,509 in the year 2011. The rate of murders reached till 19.4 per 100,000 as
compared to other Latin American countries (The Guardian, 2017). The issue has been addressed
by the Andrew Manuel the Obrador of the National Regeneration Movement.
Personal Experience
In my view the rate of the murder increased due to political disturbance in the country
due to which the cost of the essentials increased. Drug trafficking is also one of the reason which
created a havoc in the country and there is a great violence regarding the murders. In my

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 6
personal view though the pledge to end the epidemic of cartel violence has been taken by the
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto there is still a lot of room for the improvement and the
government shall work upon in reducing the rate of the murders through the schemes before the
election to avoid the presidential issues.
Article 4: Famous Festivals in South America
Geographical Area: Latin America
Country: Peru
Capital City: Ecuador
Article Title: Inti Raymi
Article Author: Discover Peru
http://www.discover-peru.org/inti-raymi/
Article Topic: Cultural Events & Festivals
Article Summary
It is a religious occasion to honor the god Inti (Sun); it is celebrated on 24th June every
year. The festival’s celebration starts in the morning at the Inca Temple of Sun – Korikancha.
The representatives of the four souyos of the Inca Empire (Quallsuyu, Kuntisuyu, Antisuyu &
Chinchaysuyu) opens the festivities with the praise of god – Inti, where the ceremony took place

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 7
by reading on sacred coco leaf where the fate of the Inca Empire for the years to come (The Only
Peru Guide, 2014). It is basically a three days purification process where only water uncooked
corn and chucam were eaten. In other words Inti Raymi is a festival where the people preaches
and worship their god Inti (i.e sun) and became drunk with spiritual communication as they
celebrate this day as a new year (Discover Peru, 2018).
Personal Response
In my opinion, Inti Raymi is a religious celebration where people worship sun as Inti,
where the people of Inca Empire that is Spa Inca, Nobles, Priest and the Headman gather in
Haukaypata to witness a parade where the ancestral mummies are brought from temples which
are wrapped in clothes and the traditional dances are held to honor such occasions. Thousands of
spectators, visitors etc. were crowded in the nearby hills as the sitting facilities were arranged by
the government of the country. In the end the festival finishes with handclaps and drum
beatings.
Article 5: Celebrations in the Caribbean
Geographical Area: The Caribbean
Country: West Indies
Capital City: Chaguaramas
Article Title: Trinidad and Tobago Carnival
Article Author: Culture Trip

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 8
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/articles/a-celebration-of-roots-the-best-carnivals-in-the-caribbean/
Article Topic: Celebrations
Article Summary
The Caribbean culture is known for its music, dance and celebrations, the carnival of
Trinidad and Tobago is considered as one of the most famous carnivals in the world (Culture Trip,
2016). This carnival was originated in the 18th century. The Trinidad and Tobago Carnival is one
of them where some people are bathed in melted chocolate, oil, mud and paint and some other
people are dressed up as monsters, devils and demons. As the sun comes outside into the streets
and dances as a gesture of celebration (Creekmore, 2018). Throughout the event people conduct
the huge outdoor parties and have community gatherings in Trinidad and Tobago are also
celebrated in various countries such as Miami Carnival etc.
Personal Response
In my personal experience, the Caribbean is one of the most exciting places to visit. It has
a unique way of celebration for various events and festivals. The Carnival of Trinidad and
Tobago is very famous all around the world as it is accepted by various countries in the world.
The carnival parade is the heart of the carnival, where people wear colorful costumes during the
parade and dance to various rhythms of soca music.
Article 6: Mexico and U.S Relations
Geographical Area: North America
Country: Mexico

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 9
Capital City: Mexico City
Article Title: Political relations between Mexico and United States
Article Author: Jose R. Cardenas
https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/03/22/the-u-s-mexico-relationship-has-survived-and-thrived-under-trump/
Article Topic: Political Relations
Article Summary
There have been many ups and downs in Mexican and US relation. Such ups and downs
are majorly due to change in the government and in the policies of United States. Mexico shares
2000 km boundary with United States. Both countries are focusing on preventing drugs and
criminals into entering in the boundaries of United States (Cardenas, 2018). Both countries agreed
upon building walls between the countries in order to prevent the illegal activities from both the
countries. Both countries have also entered into a North American Free Trade Agreement in
order to promote trade between the countries. Such agreements help’s in building good relations
with each other.
Personal Response
In my opinion, the diplomatic or the politic relations between Mexico and United States
changes from government to government. Currently in Trump’s administration, there have been
many differences between the countries. America has rules out Mexico from North American
Free Trade Agreement as a result the diplomatic relations of Mexico and America is not the same

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 10
during Obama’s administration. Both the countries are on the same time are also concerned on
prevention of drugs, human trafficking and other illegal activities into the borders of each other
countries, of which they find a resolution to build the walls between the two countries but they
now facing disagreements of each other regarding the expenses to be shared in building the walls
in the boundaries. Hence it can be conclude that the current relation between United States and
Mexico is not good as earlier.

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 11
References
Cardenas, J. R. (2018). The U.S.-Mexico Relationship Has Survived and Thrived Under Trump. Retrieved
from https://foreignpolicy.com/2018/03/22/the-u-s-mexico-relationship-has-survived-and-thrived-
under-trump/
Creekmore, T. (2018). Caribbean Festival and Events. Retrieved from
https://www.travelchannel.com/interests/arts-and-culture/articles/caribbean-festivals-and-events
Culture Trip, (2016). The Best Carnivals In The Caribbean. Retrieved from
https://theculturetrip.com/caribbean/articles/a-celebration-of-roots-the-best-carnivals-in-the-
caribbean/
Discover Peru, (2018). Inti Raymi, Celebration of the Sun. Retrieved from
http://www.discover-peru.org/inti-raymi/
Hanson, A.N. (2016). The Next Tulum: Santa Teresa, Costa Rica. Retrieved from
https://www.nytimes.com/2016/05/17/t-magazine/travel/santa-teresa-costa-rica-
travel.html?rref=collection%2Ftimestopic%2FCosta
%20Rica&action=click&contentCollection=world&region=stream&module=stream_unit&
version=latest&contentPlacement=14&pgtype=collection
Sandy, M. (2015). These 12 Facts Explain Why Rio’s Carnival Is the World’s Biggest Party. Retrieved
from http://time.com/4209973/carnival-brazil-rio-de-jeneiro/
Saon, T. (2018). Top 5 festivals in South America you need to See. Retrieved from
https://www.enchantingtravels.com/travel-blog/top-festivals-in-south-america/

SPANISH CULTURE AND LANGUAGE 12
The Guardian, (2017). Murder statistics reveal 2017 to be the deadliest year in Mexico's history.
Retrieved From https://www.theguardian.com/world/2017/dec/23/new-figures-reveal-
2017-to-be-the-deadliest-year-in-mexicos-history
The Only Peru Guide, (2014). The Only Peru Guide. Retrieved from
https://www.theonlyperuguide.com/festival-sun-inti-raymi/