What You Need to Know About Holidays in Central America

If you've ever wanted to visit Central America, you've likely heard about the various countries in this region, including Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, El Salvador, Nicaragua, and Panama. If you haven't, then read on for some general information about each country. From Costa Rica to Honduras, you'll learn about the country's history, culture, and cuisine. Once you've learned about the different countries, you'll be able to book your travel with confidence.

Costa Rica

If you are looking for an exciting holiday experience, consider Costa Rica Holidays in Central America. This nation is filled with religious celebrations, and holidays in Costa Rica revolve around those. Most businesses close for major holidays, and hotels are booked several weeks in advance. However, there are many reasons to celebrate in Costa Rica. Here are some of the most popular. The Christmas season is especially festive, with children leaving out their shoes on Christmas Eve for the Christ child to find. Click here for more details about Central America Holidays

Honduras

Honduras is a country in Central America with Caribbean Sea and Pacific Ocean coasts to the north and south. The country is dotted with ancient Mayan ceremonial sites such as Copán, which features a series of stone-carved hieroglyphs and tall monuments. To the south, you can visit the Bay Islands, which form part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Taking Honduras holidays is sure to provide unforgettable memories.

Guatemala

South of Mexico, Guatemala is a stunning Central American country with rainforests, volcanoes, and ancient Mayan sites. The country's capital, Guatemala City, is home to the National Museum of Archaeology and National Palace of Culture. To the west, visit Antigua, a quaint town full of colonial Spanish buildings. Guatemala is also home to Lake Atitlán, a large volcanic crater surrounded by villages and coffee fields.

El Salvador

There are a few things to know before visiting El Salvador. While most festivals and holidays are religious in nature, most take place during the summer months when the country is wet. Easter is celebrated with great fervor in the country, and the main cities celebrate their patron saint. San Salvador is the epicenter of most of the major events, such as Semana Santa (Lent in Spanish), which has a carnival-like atmosphere in many parts of Latin America.

Belize

This island nation in eastern Central America has Caribbean Sea shorelines to the east and dense jungle to the west. Its barrier reef is dotted with hundreds of cayes and hosts rich marine life. The jungle areas are teeming with Mayan ruins. Visit Caracol, famous for its towering pyramid, and Lamanai, a lagoon-side Mayan village outside of Belize City. Alternatively, head to the Caribbean coast and visit Cozumel.

Belize Barrier Reef Reserve System

A Central American holiday is incomplete without a stopover at this marine reserve. With seven marine reserves and three atolls, the system protects a significant part of Belize's barrier reef. It is also home to 450 cayes and the famous Great Blue Hole. This underwater world is a treasure trove of marine life and includes several important natural habitats for in situ conservation. The reserve system is home to hundreds of bird species, 350 species of molluscs and 450 different types of fish.

Honduras's San Miguel Carnival

November is the time to celebrate the annual Carnival in the city of San Miguel. The streets of the town become a tumultuous dance floor for 30 days. The parade is the highlight of the festivities, especially the last Saturday. Pupusa is the country's national dish, so the second Sunday of November marks National Pupusa Day with contests throughout the city. Thousands of people flock to San Miguel each year to enjoy the fiesta.

Honduras' Baile de los Diablitos

The Feria de San Sebastian is a national holiday celebrated in Honduras each November, and one of the highlights of the celebration is the Baile de los Diablitos. This unique dance is the country's oldest religious dramatization, and it features dancing and body movements in harmony with the music. Originally, the Diablitos dance was performed by Lenca people.

Belize's Fiestas Agostinas

The second weekend of May marks the Fiestas Agostinas, the celebration of Garifuna settlement day. During this day, locals gather to celebrate the arrival of these natives. The festivities feature music, dancing, reenactments, and a lively procession. The celebration is held by the Garifuna community, which includes people of Kriol descent.

Honduras' La Purisima

The first public celebration of La Purisima took place in Nicaragua 16 years ago. Organizers walk the streets, visiting homes and altars, handing out small gifts and music. The festival's organizers then continue their journey until they run out of gifts, distributing food staples and selling souvenirs such as t-shirts and mugs. La Purisima organizers in Nicaragua also give out bizcochos, a sponge cake that's typically made for the holiday.