Latin America Exports Culture to the World

Latin American traditions have moved beyond local expressions to become global phenomena. What began as celebrations rooted in specific communities now resonates in cities like New York, Tokyo, London, and Berlin. This expansion is no accident: it reflects the strength, authenticity, and universality of a culture that connects with people's deepest emotions, regardless of their origin.

From gastronomy to music, from festivals to visual arts, Latin America is redefining global culture. And platforms like Encontrable allow you to discover where to experience these traditions authentically, connecting travelers with the places and people who keep them alive.

Day of the Dead: From Mexico to the World

The Mexican Day of the Dead has become one of the most recognized Latin American traditions worldwide. What was an intimate celebration in cemeteries and homes of Yucatan, Oaxaca, and Michoacan now takes place with altars and parades in over 50 countries. Hollywood contributed to its spread with films like Pixar's "Coco," but the true strength of this tradition lies in its message: death is not the end, but a continuation of the bond with those we love.

In New York, the Day of the Dead parade in the East Harlem neighborhood brings together thousands of people every November. In Los Angeles, the Hollywood Forever Cemetery transforms into a spectacle of offerings and music. Even in European cities like Barcelona and Madrid, Day of the Dead altars have become anticipated cultural events.

Cumbia: The Rhythm Connecting Continents

Cumbia was born on the coasts of Colombia as a musical dialogue between African, indigenous, and European cultures. From Bogota and Barranquilla, this rhythm first traveled throughout Latin America, adapting to each country: Argentine cumbia, Peruvian cumbia, Mexican cumbia, each with its own flavor but maintaining the rhythmic essence that makes it irresistible.

Today, cumbia is danced in Berlin clubs, London festivals, and Tokyo parties. Colombian artists like Bomba Estereo and Systema Solar have brought electronic cumbia to the world's most important stages, fusing the traditional with the contemporary and creating a sound that transcends cultural and linguistic barriers.

Carnival: Universal Celebration

Brazilian Carnival, with epicenters in Salvador and Rio de Janeiro, has inspired similar celebrations worldwide. London's Notting Hill Carnival, founded by the Caribbean community, is now the second-largest street carnival in the world. In cities like Toronto, Miami, and Tokyo, Brazilian-inspired parades attract millions of people each year.

But Carnival is not exclusively Brazilian. The Barranquilla Carnival in Colombia, Oruro in Bolivia, and Trinidad and Tobago are equally powerful expressions gaining international recognition and attracting increasing numbers of visitors from around the world.

Latin Gastronomy: Beyond the Taco

Latin American gastronomy is experiencing a moment of global glory. Peruvian ceviches, Mexican tacos, Colombian arepas, and Brazilian feijoada are found on menus of high-end restaurants in major cities worldwide. But the revolution goes beyond iconic dishes:

  • Colombian coffee from the Coffee Region, with cities like Pereira, is recognized as among the best in the world and has driven a specialty coffee culture rivaling that of Ethiopia and Japan
  • Mexican mezcal and tequila have outgrown any other spirits category worldwide
  • Amazonian cuisine from Brazil and Peru is being rediscovered by avant-garde chefs using ancestral ingredients in contemporary preparations
  • Latin American chocolate, originating from Mexico and Central America, is experiencing a renaissance with artisan producers recovering criollo cacao varieties

Spiritual and Artistic Traditions

Latin American spiritual practices are also gaining global ground. Ayahuasca ceremonies, originating from the Amazon, attract spiritual seekers from around the world. Andean textiles from Peru and Bolivia are exhibited in design museums in New York and Paris. Mexican muralism, initiated by Diego Rivera and David Alfaro Siqueiros, continues to inspire urban art movements in cities across all continents.

Spanish is the second most spoken native language in the world and the fourth most used on the internet. Latin America's cultural influence grows in direct proportion to the reach of its language and artistic expressions, creating cultural bridges that connect more than 500 million Spanish speakers with the rest of the planet.

Latin Music: Global Domination

Reggaeton, born in Puerto Rico and Panama, dominates global playlists. Salsa, bachata, vallenato, and ranchero have faithful audiences on every continent. Latin artists lead streaming platforms and the world's most important festivals. This musical conquest is not a passing trend: it is the result of decades of musical tradition finally finding its global audience.

How to Experience These Traditions Authentically

  • Visit the places of origin: nothing compares to experiencing the Day of the Dead in Oaxaca or Carnival in Salvador
  • Connect with local communities through platforms like Encontrable for genuine experiences
  • Learn about the historical and cultural context of each tradition before participating
  • Support local artists and artisans by buying directly from their workshops
  • Participate with respect: these traditions hold deep meaning for the communities that created them

Latin American traditions are a living heritage that deserves to be known and respected. Discover more about the continent's cultural richness on our blog, explore the Latin gastronomy that accompanies these traditions, and plan your trip with our travel recommendations.