It does make sense to discuss Latin America as a cohesive region. This is especially true when discussing the history of the countries we now describe as Latin American. The term also highlights the beliefs, cultures, and political traditions shared by Central and South American nations.

            Some hallmarks of Latin American culture include rhythmic and full-bodied dances, the use of bold colors in art and architecture, and participation in the Roman Catholic faith. The samba and tango are both products of Latin America. These dances evolved from a melding of European dances like the quadrille as well as tribal dances from Native American and African traditions. Latin American culture is also notable for its celebrations and extravagant festivals. Mexico’s Day of the Dead is a famous example. The Peruvian Mistura and the Ordo Carnival of Bolivia are also showcases of Latin American heritage and culture.

            Belief in the Roman Catholic Church is another component of Latin culture. Even more so now than in previous decades. Currently, the highest position within the Catholic Church is occupied by a man of Latin American heritage. The election of Pope Francis further highlights the significance of Catholicism in Latin America and subsequentially the significance of Latin American culture on the rest of the world.

Language also a feature in Latin American culture. While there are many dialects that are still spoken from before European colonization, Spanish is very much the dominant language with Portuguese being the exception in Brazil. A shared language contributes to the cohesion and shared identities of countries that make up Latin America.

            Uprisings against the European Monarchies solidified the identity of Latin America as a unique and established region. Revolution brought forth sovereign nations and a defined culture to the world. That isn’t to say that Latin American culture didn’t exist before independence from colonizing powers and, in fact, was one of the factors that inspired separation from European governance.

            It would be inaccurate to classify pre-Columbian peoples as Latin American. The indigenous nations of South and Central America contributed to the culture that would condense into what we would recognize as Latin American. African, Portuguese, and Spanish tradition are also contributing factors of Latin culture.

            Likewise, the colonial-era Portuguese are not recognizably Latin American. Latin American culture did not coalesce until later in history. The elements that would become Latin American were present, but only beginning to meld. It is unlikely that Portuguese royalty would consider themselves anything but Portuguese.

            Qualifiers for what makes a country Latin American include its geography and history. The most significant factor defining a Latin American country is its location within the American continents. This serves to eliminate the majority of countries in the world from being considered. Latin American nations also share a period of occupation from the monarchies of the Iberian Peninsula, namely Portugal and Spain. A shared culture influenced by native traditions as well as African, Portuguese, and Spanish heritage further defines the countries of Latin America as their own distinct region.

            Yago Quiñones Triana, Festivals and Heritage in Latin America (Switzerland: Springer Nature AG, 2021), 46. https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.semo.edu:2443/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-030-67985-9.pdf

            Adam Sharman, Deconstructing the Enlightenment in Spanish America (Switzerland: Springer Nature AG, 2020), 162. https://link-springer-com.ezproxy.semo.edu:2443/content/pdf/10.1007/978-3-030-37019-0.pdf