National traditions of Honduras. Habits, mentality and the way of living

Local culture is very distinctive and authentic, despite the fact that once its formation was strongly influenced by the culture of Spain. Local people are distinguished by friendliness and hospitality, with their “Buenos dias” they welcome absolutely everyone, both work colleagues and new friends. Men usually greet each other with a firm handshake, while women give light hugs. Honduran people pay great attention to etiquette rules. At the festive table, one should welcome all those gathered and wish them a good meal. Visiting local homes, one should definitely buy some small gifts for the owners. Women may be presented with a bouquet of flowers, and men with expensive alcohol or cigars.

When communicating, locals address each other not only by name but also by professional status. Education is given great importance as well. The family has always been the most important social value. Despite the fact that it is customary to start a family at a quite early age, independent children are in no hurry to leave their parents' home. Speaking of a typical local family, we should imagine at least ten relatives who continue living together and maintaining a common household. The heads of the family are honored and respected representatives of the older generation. It is worth noting the hard-working nature of local residents, each family member must do one's part. Women work on a par with men, and grandparents keep the household, being responsible for raising grandchildren.

One of the main national peculiarities is the way of spending leisure time - people prefer to spend their free time with family. The common passion of all men is football, the broadcast of each football match turns into a real holiday. Despite the fact that Honduras is a modern and actively developing state, its culture still keeps the best traditions of the past centuries. Like many years ago, during family celebrations, people love to tell interesting legends and parables, many of which are more than one hundred years old. Oral folk art will be of great interest to foreign tourists, and every local resident will gladly tell curious travelers a few ancient legends. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

Being a Central American country, Honduras is primarily associated with celebrations and the ability to enjoy every moment. And this is true - take the local festivals alone! One of the most distinctive events in the festival calendar of Honduras is Lluvia de peces, that is, “Rain of Fish” taking place in the Yoro department. The fact is that such a phenomenon as raining animals has been occurring in this region for more than a century. The phenomenon has two scientific explanations: according to the first one, a strong wind lifts fish from the Atlantic Ocean into the air (the rain of other animals is explained by the same), while the second one says that the river fish swims into the underground stream where it finds its last refuge, as heavy rain overflows the stream and washes it out.

Of course, there is a mystical explanation of what is happening. According to it, this is nothing but the miracle of Father Subirana, a Spanish priest who lived in these lands and helped poor people. It is quite possible because the rain of the fish began just when he left Honduras after having prayed for 3 days and 3 nights for the salvation of poor people and for the miracle to help them survive. Fish falling like rain is immediately used for the preparation of delicious dishes. Well, locals did not fail to take advantage of arranging a festival in honor of this event; no party can do without fun songs and dancing at this time. This happens in May and June.

It is little wonder that Honduras, being one of the coffee supplying countries, hosts a festival dedicated to this particular product (Festival del Café). It is held at the end of March in El Paraíso, which is considered the "coffiest" department. At this time, the famous coffee producers invite visitors to taste about 200 classic coffee varieties. In addition to the gastronomic program, the audience can enjoy the interactive one - contests, workshops, coffee brewing competitions.

In late May, La Ceiba hosts the most popular carnival in all of Honduras, which is considered to be the most significant in the region after the legendary carnival in Rio de Janeiro. Lying on the Atlantic coast, this city is the best possible option for holding the festival: The sun, air and water, and nothing more is needed for happiness. Well, maybe only costume parades, colorful dance afterparties, musical performances. The festival is very distinctive, perfect for exploring the local culture. After all, you can hear something that is primarily associated with Honduras - namely, Punta Rock, an unusual mixture of calypso and Belizean Punta. Usually, songs are performed in Creole, which gives them a special charm. The festival is held in honor of Isidore, the city's patron saint.

On April 12, on Roatan Island, you can witness such a festival as Punta Gorda. This is another distinctive event reminding us of how 4,000 people moved to Roatan, thus starting the settlement of the Caribbean coast. This is the time of a rich cultural program. One more holiday of a national character is Independence Day, which falls on September 15. Within its framework, picturesque parades are held in virtually every city in the country. The holiday is not complete without food courts and a rich program involving concerts of traditional Honduran music and dancing.

The country's main fair takes place in early February in the small town of Suyapa. At this time, the town welcomes thousands of visitors from all over the world. The fair is very distinctive, and not least due to its rich program. Another interesting fair takes place in San Pedro Sula at the end of hot June. Visitors can buy all sorts of interesting souvenirs as well as enjoy musical performances and a gastronomic program including tasting traditional tamales. Of course, without a colorful parade, the fair cannot be considered open. At the end of July, a tribute to the Garifuna culture is paid in Honduras. At this time, the small town of Bahamar hosts one of the most distinctive festivals where you can watch dance performances, taste local dishes and enjoy traditional music.