Okay, so I’ve always been fascinated by Latin American culture, especially the vibrant festivals. I decided it was time to stop just reading about them and actually experience them. So, I started planning a trip focused solely on hitting up some of the best local festivals.
Getting Started
First, I brainstormed a list of festivals that sounded interesting. I wanted a mix of well-known celebrations and smaller, more local events. I read some travel blogs, and asked some friends who travel frequently.
Next, I researched the dates. This was crucial because, obviously, I needed to be in the right place at the right time! Many festivals are tied to specific dates or religious holidays, so I had to be really careful with my planning.
The Itinerary
After that I checked out some of my favorite festivals, I finally settled on three:
- Inti Raymi (Peru): This is the ancient Inca festival of the sun, and it’s HUGE.
- Dia de los Muertos (Mexico): Day of the Dead. I’ve always been captivated by the imagery and meaning behind this one.
- A local harvest festival in a small village in Ecuador: I found this one through a local tourism website, and I loved it.
Making it happen
Then came the logistics. I booked flights and accommodations. For the smaller festival, this involved finding a local guesthouse, which was a bit of an adventure in itself!
I also brushed up on my Spanish. While I can get by, I knew that being able to communicate better would make the experience much richer. I used a language learning app for a few weeks leading up to the trip.
The Experience
Finally, the time came! I flew to Peru first for Inti Raymi. It was absolutely incredible – the costumes, the music, the energy… it was overwhelming in the best way. I took tons of photos, and tried my best to learn about the history and significance of the rituals.
Next, I headed to Mexico for Dia de los Muertos. The atmosphere was so different from Inti Raymi, but just as powerful. I visited cemeteries, and local families. I was amazed by the beauty of the altars and the way families honored their ancestors.
The harvest festival in Ecuador was the most intimate of the three. I helped with some of the preparations (mostly just carrying things!), and felt so welcomed by the community. I ate local food, listened to traditional music, and even learned a few dance steps!
The end
I returned another person, I felt alive. It was an amazing journey, and I can’t wait to explore more festivals in the future!
