What to See on Your Holidays in Central America

You'll want to check out some of Central America's most fascinating traditions on your next holiday. From the Cocos Island National Park to the ancient Copan ruins in Honduras, you'll want to know how to experience the Day of the Dead and the celebrations of the patron saint of El Salvador. Here are some suggestions to get you started. In addition to the holidays mentioned above, you'll want to check out the various festivals in each country.

Costa Rica's Cocos Island National Park

Located in the Pacific Ocean, just southwest of Costa Rica's mainland, Costa Rica's Cocos Island National Park is one of the country's best kept secrets. Located 550 km off the coast, the island is the country's 11th district. Located within the Province of Puntarenas, Cocos Island offers visitors a unique experience in nature. Located on the island's west side, Cocos Island features numerous eco-tourist attractions.

Honduras' Copan ruins

When it comes to Central America holidays, few destinations rival Honduras' Copan ruins. This massive archaeological complex features beautiful temples and intricate hieroglyphics. You can easily spend a full day at the site, and you can choose to explore the ruins on your own or hire a guide. Entry to the site is $15 USD per person. There are also archaeological museums and digital exhibits to peruse. Click here for more details about Central America Holidays

El Salvador's patron saint celebrations

The patron saint of El Salvador is Jesus Christ, so you're bound to find many celebrations honoring him. Traditionally, people celebrate their patron saints' feast days, which are usually the dates of their birth or death. In El Salvador, the fiestas are held the week before the saint's day, as well as the Feast of the Transfiguration. During this festival, revellers decorate colourful crosses and place offerings of food and drink around them. Guests are then invited to pray in front of the cross and take an offering.

El Salvador's Day of the Dead

In a city outside San Salvador, the people celebrate the Day of the Dead with a festival called La Calabiuza, which brings together elements of pre-Hispanic culture and mythological figures from Central America. Children and youth dress up in gory costumes and carry painted carts to honor the deceased. This festival culminates in dancing and drinking. Pumpkins, sweetened with honey, and skeletons are popular foods during the festival.

Guatemala's Day of the Dead

Guatemalans mark the Day of the Dead by visiting the graves of their ancestors. Some families decorate their loved ones' graves with flowers, while others place prayers for their souls. Families also pack food and dress up for the visit. They may also purchase traditional sweets and flowers. If you're visiting the country during the Day of the Dead, don't miss out on the food and festivities.

Belize's Barrier Reef Reserve System

Among its many wonders, the Belize Barrier Reef has a rich ecosystem. This region is home to numerous marine species, including the endangered West Indian manatee, three types of sea turtle, and the American crocodile. This diverse habitat also supports several hundred different species of birds, hundreds of varieties of fish, and over 350 different molluscs. Visitors are encouraged to explore the region's untouched beauty and explore its many hidden corners.

El Salvador's Tope Nacional

The Tope National, or National Day, is a national holiday in El Salvador. The celebration is a unique blend of indigenous and Christian traditions. It celebrates the day that Saint Helena found the Cross of Christ during the time of Constantine. The Indians, on the other hand, pay homage to the goddess Mother Earth and a god known as Xipe Totec, the god of skinning. The Spanish merged the two cultures when they arrived in El Salvador, putting a cross in the Central Park of Chalatenango.