Is Latin American culture homogeneous?

Certain conventions let us situate ourselves geographically and get our bearings. Conventions like the cardinal points, the hemispheres, regions, maps and territories. But within each country, a new subset is revealed. What is “Latin American culture”? Answering this question means entering a world as rich as it is complex. From a distance it may look homogeneous, but when we zoom in, we find the particularities that set each region apart.

Latin American culture can be roughly defined as the sum of ideologies, traditions, beliefs and histories that shape us as a region. This theoretical definition leads us to the past, where Latin America’s ancestors can help us to better understand where its culture comes from. 

In each identity currently inhabiting the region, we can see the trace of legacies that arrived from abroad, especially with the European immigrants, as well as the marks of the native peoples and aboriginal cultures which are still prominent to this day. 

The main defining trait of Latin American culture is its diversity. Across this vast territory, we can pick up on significant cultural differences between neighbouring countries, and even within each region.

This means that a successful LATAM PR campaign should fully understand and account for the customs and requirements of each territory.

Variety can be found in all areas: race, language, gastronomy, climates, character, music, daily customs, flora and fauna.

From the sweltering heat of the beaches of northern Mexico to the southernmost point of the map, in the snow of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego, Latin America’s territory is as vast as its culture is diverse.

Let’s take a look at the full list of Latin American countries: Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Puerto Rico, Uruguay and Venezuela.

According to the latest official data provided by the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the total population of Latin America is around 670 million inhabitants.

The predominant language of Latin America is Spanish, albeit with a wide variety of accents and dialects: an Argentinian speaking Spanish will do so with a different tone than a Colombian, for example.

These linguistic variations can be grouped according to their respective regions: Caribbean, Andean, Rioplatense, Araucanian and Central American. And it bears emphasising that the languages of native peoples are still in use, especially in Paraguay and Peru, where Guarani and Quechua are spoken respectively.

The exception to the hegemony of the Spanish language can be found in the giant of the region, Brazil, where Portuguese has been adopted as the official language since the colonial era.

From a European perspective, Latin America could be considered from a distance to be a homogeneous territory. Nothing could be further from the truth.

This begs the question: Why is Latin America a culturally diverse region? Why is it wrong to assume that everything is the same? Answering this leads us to one of the best parts of getting to know the region: diving headfirst into the customs and beauty of each country.

García Márquez’s poems describing his native Colombia. The lyrics of Chico Buarque, Caetano Veloso, and so many other artists that make Brazil dance with the joy that distinguishes its people. The rioplatense tango. The internal dispute between Uruguayans and Argentines to claim ownership of Carlos Gardel. And the origin of mate, the caffeine-rich infusion that is part of our identity.

Soccer is another major cultural signifier, export and source of pride – from Pelé to Neymar, from Maradona to Messi, passing through Valderrama, Alexis Sánchez and many more sporting heroes.

Another major signifier of identity in Latin American culture is its gastronomy. In Peru and Mexico we can find intense flavours, with a preference for fish-based, spicy dishes. Neither country has forgotten its roots: in Peru, the fusion with Asian food prevails, while Mexico’s pre-Hispanic and Spanish heritage gives its bean dishes, quesadillas and unmissable tacos a welcome dose of colour and flavour.

Among Argentina’s signature dishes, the asado undoubtedly stands out. More than a meal, asado is a ritual: an  event in which the area’s exquisite beef is sampled alongside family or friends.

Brazilian gastronomy can vary from Amazonian dishes based on exotic fish, to churrasco, more common in the south, to the classic feijoadas, composed of beans and rice.

Examples of Latin American cuisine are endless: arepas on the beaches of Colombia, or a hearty and nutritious bandeja paisa in Medellín. Why not try a Uruguayan chivito in the Port of Montevideo or some exquisite Venezuelan tequeños?

The variety of gastronomy is matched by the region’s climate, and each country contains its own climactic diversity, depending on the area.

In Peru, for example, tourists arriving at Machu Picchu will experience the region’s punishing altitude (2,400 meters above sea level). To the north, meanwhile, visitors will feel the constant heat of Piura, Mancora and the entire coast near the equator.

• The Andes is the longest mountain range in the world, extending 7000 km from the north to the south of the continent, and crossing through seven countries: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Chile and Argentina.
• The Amazon River is the largest and longest river in the world. Its volume represents one-fifth of the planet’s liquid freshwater.
• Colombia produces more than 10 million 60-kilo bags of coffee per year.
• Bolivia’s Uyuni salt flat is the largest of its kind in the world. During the rainy season, it becomes the largest natural mirror on the planet.
• Venezuela contains the highest waterfall in the world: the Angel Falls, which is over 970 metres tall.
• The widest avenue in the world can be found in downtown Buenos Aires, Argentina. The Avenida 9 de Julio is 140 metres wide, and crossing it is a challenge.
• The city with the highest altitude in the world is in Peru: La Rinconada, located at 5,400 meters above sea level.
• Speaking of peculiar food, Venezuela is home to the ice cream parlour with the most flavours in the world. Coromoto, in the town of Mérida, has 593 flavours