CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

Folklore Dancing and Traditional Clothing

The most representative traditional clothing in our country is the custom from Intibucá, better known as “manta" which still preserves European influence. While recognizing that our peasants do not wear these costumes today and now more than ever we can appreciate external influence.

Source:
http://www.tugentelatina.com/media/images/ImageManager/4/arte_y_cultura/trajes_tipicos_de_honduras/trajes-tipicos-de-honduras-5.jpg

Sawdust Carpets in Comayagua

Honduras gives special attention to the celebrations of Holy Week. In some regions of the country, such as Comayagua, Choluteca, Copán and Intibucá, processions are held, especially during Thursday and Holly Friday. Through these events, Hondurans commemorate the sacrifice Jesus Christ made for humanity by reenacting the events that happened during the week between Palm Sunday and Jesus Christ crucifixion.

The most outstanding event is the creation of the sawdust carpets. People decorate the trail where Jesus walks through (to his crucifixion) to make the walk less painful for Christ.

Source:

www.crafthubs.com

La Ceiba Carnival

La Ceiba Carnival is one of the best events in Honduras, and each year, it promises to be every bit as lively and popular as the prior celebrations. Once again, this festival that revolves around the city’s patron saint will begin with the election of the Carnival queen and will end with a large parade and party along Avenida San Isidro. Wedged in between are various other celebrations, the likes of which include small neighborhood carnivals, and revelers can always take an interest in the Carnival rides that are set up at the city fairgrounds.

The carnival in La Ceiba is the biggest celebration of its kind in Central America. Hundreds of thousands pour into town to enjoy the festivities. The main celebration takes place in late May and includes a big parade that features plenty of colorful characters. After this parade ends, thousands of revelers remain in the streets and the city basically becomes one large street party. Food and beverages are sold all night long, and partygoers can pick up souvenirs on the side.

Source:
http://www.destination360.com/central-america/honduras/la-ceiba-carnival

Christmas




Christmas is perhaps the biggest celebration of the year for Hondurans. It is filled with religious meaning, as the commemoration of the birth of Jesus Christ is at heart of it. Christmas is celebrated at the stroke of midnight on the night of the 24th of December (as opposed to the 25th in other countries).

For Hondurans, Christmas is a very special and emotional occasion and it is important to spend it with the family. Just before midnight, the family will gather and pray together, which may include the reading of passages of the Bible that narrate the birth of Jesus Christ. Once the prayer is finished, the family members engage in a round of hearty hugs and wish each other "¡Feliz Navidad!". The Christmas meal is usually served after this.

Pyrotechnics

Several weeks before Christmas Eve, the streets of the cities become populated with vendors of firecrackers and other pyrotechnical articles. Hondurans, especially children, will spend considerable amounts on money purchasing pyrotecnics. The amount of pyrotechnics set off (and the noise level) grows exponentially thought the Christmas season, reaching a a spectacular climax at the stroke of midnight on Christmas Eve. Sadly, this tradition is now endangered: the Honduran government has recently passed laws prohibiting the sale of pyrotechnic devices.

The "Guest of Honor" gets blown up!

A few days before 31st of December, the children and teenagers in the neighborhoods in the cities will fashion a life-size doll or mannequin of an old man, representing the year that is about to end: the "Año Viejo". The doll is fashioned from whatever materials the children can gather and dressed with old clothes collected from the neighbors and stuffed with as many pyrotechnical devices as possible. There are no guidelines, so each Año Viejo reflects the creativity of each "neighborhood team". Sometimes they are made to look like politicians or other famous (or rather infamous) public figures.

At the stroke of midnight of 31st of December, the Año Viejo is set alight, with all the pyrotechnics setting off in a loud and bright display that the neighbors gather around to see. This is echoed to spectacular effect throught the cities and towns, as each neighborhood will have its own Año Viejo.

The Año Viejo is meant symbolise of all the bad and forgettable events of the outgoing year. So, in a way, burning the Año Viejo is a symbolic "burning away" of bad memories. Also, it is simply great fun to watch!

Source: 

http://thisishonduras.com/People_and_Culture.htm

MUSIC

Sopa de Caracol

                                                                             

Sopa de Caracol is a song played by the band Honduran music “Banda Blanca”. Adapted by the belizean singer Hernán "Chico" Ramos. It was originally written in Garifuna. In 1991 was launched a Spanish version by Banda Blanca, based on the original, which achieved international success, reaching the top spot in the Top Latin Songs from Billboard in the United States. The song includes elements of Garifuna music and the punta¹ that have been used to promote Honduras. Thanks to this success, the Banda Blanca became the best known musical group Honduras.

The lyrics of the song uses Garifuna dialect mixed with Spanish , according to Pilo Tejeda’s explanation on Sabado Gigante, the songs follows this interpretation:

"Wata Negue Consup" I want to take soup

"Luli Rwami Wanaga" I want to continue to enjoy it

"Yupi  pa ti Yupi pa mi": Some for you and a little for me.

The song debuted on the list of Billboard Hot Latin Tracks in 15th place during the week of January 19, 1991, reaching the top 10 the next week. "Sopa de Caracol" reached number one on March 16 of 1991, replacing to "Te pareces tanto a él" from the Chilean singer Myriam Hernandez and it was followed by "No Basta" from the Venezuelan singer Franco De Vita two weeks later. "Sopa de Caracol" ended up being the fifth Latin song year in the United States, according to the Top Latin Songs year-End Chart of Billboard. The Banda Blanca won a silver gull on February 12, 1992 at the XXXIII Viña del Mar International Song Festival, and it earned a nomination in Premio Lo Nuestro.

There are many new covers of the Sopa de Caracol. For instance, Los Fabulosos Cadillacs, Banda Maguey, Los Flamers, Wilkins and Tony Camargo. In 2011 the Honduran singer Polache made a version that sings with Pilo Tejeda.

1.       La Punta is a form of dance and music of the Garifuna own ethnicity in their celebrations and festivities.

Source:

http://es.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sopa_de_caracol

 Honduran Marimba

Folk music in Honduras is played with guitar, marimba and other instruments.

The marimba is a percussion instrument consisting of a set of wooden bars struck with mallets to produce musical tones. Resonators attached to the bars amplify their sound. The bars are arranged as those of a piano with the accidentals raised vertically and overlapping the natural bars (similar to a piano) to aid the performer both visually and physically. This instrument is a type of idiophone but with a more resonant and lower-pitched tessitura than the xylophone.

The most Famous groups of Marimba in Honduras: "Marimba Usula" from San Pedro Sula, "Marimba Patepluma" from Santa Bárbara,  "Marimba del Banco de Occidente, and "Alma de Honduras"

Source:
www.diariowebcentroamerica.com



Garifuna Music

Garifuna music is quite different from that of the rest of Central America. The most famous form is punta. In its associated dance style, dancers move their hips in a circular motion. An evolved form of traditional music, still usually played using traditional instruments, punta has seen some modernization and electrification in the 1970s; this is called punta rock. Traditional punta dancing is consciously competitive.

Other forms of Garifuna music and dance include: hungu-hungu, combination, wanaragua, abaimahani, matamuerte, laremuna wadaguman, gunjai, sambai, charikanari, eremuna egi, paranda, berusu, teremuna ligilisi, arumahani, and Mali-amalihani. However, punta is the most popular dance in Garifuna culture. It is performed around holidays and at parties and other social events. Punta lyrics are usually composed by the women. Chumba and hunguhungu involve circular dancing to a three-beat rhythm, which is often combined with punta. 

There are other types of songs typical of each gender: women having eremwu eu and abaimajani, rhythmic a cappella songs, and laremuna wadaguman; and men having work songs, chumba, and hunguhungu.

Drums play a very important role in Garifuna music. Primarily two types of drums are used: the primero (tenor drum) and the segunda (bass drum). These drums are typically made of hollowed-out hardwood, such as mahogany or mayflower, with the skins coming from the peccary (wild bush pig), deer, or sheep.

Also used in combination with the drums are the sisera, which are shakers made from the dried fruit of the gourd tree, filled with seeds, and then fitted with hardwood handles.

Source: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CBb4R95EAoI

TOURISTIC PLACES

Copan



Located in western Honduras, Copán is a relatively small Mayan site famous for its remarkable series of portrait stelae. The stelae and sculptured decorations of the buildings of Copán are some of the very finest surviving art of ancient Mesoamerica. Some of the stone structures at Copán date back to the 9th century BC. The city grew into one of the most important Maya sites by the 5th century with more than 20,000 inhabitants but was mysteriously abandoned a few centuries later. The nearby town of Copán Ruinas has all types of accommodations and other facilities for tourists.

Source:
http://www.touropia.com/tourist-attractions-in-honduras/

Roatan and Utila

If you are more into enjoying sand and sea, Roatan will be the best choice. Pristine water and sugar-white sand are waiting for you at some of the best beaches this side of America. And for divers and snorkelers, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is just a fin stroke away from the beach, as opposed to many other diving destinations where you are forced to take a boat ride to get to the good spots.
The Gumbalimba Natural Park has a zip-line, a jungle with a lagoon and an interaction area with monkeys and macaws, a nice hanging bridge and water sports, all available to spend a nice full day of fun and adventure. You can also visit a nice cameo factory, where you can see the ancient delicate art of carving mythical images in sea shells. There is also an iguana farm, glass bottom boat tours and dolphin encounters available for you.
Utila, the smallest of the Bay Islands is a true heaven for divers, it is the less expensive place in the planet to get PADI certification, a preferred spot for the impressively giant whale shark and plenty of marine life, still a truly enjoyable paradise not crowded at all.

Source:
http://www.mctours-honduras.com/20090904236/Resources/Travel-Inspiration/Honduras-Top-5-Travel-Destinations.html

Yojoa Lake

It is the largest lake in Honduras with a surface area of 79 square kilometers (30.50 mi²) and an average depth of 15 meters (50 ft). At an altitude of 700 meters (2,300 ft), it lies in a depression formed by volcanoes. The Yojoa Lake volcanic field consists of Pleistocene to Holocene scoria cones, craters, and lava flows.

The west side of the lake is bordered by steep mountains and Santa Bárbara National Park while the east side is adjacent to Cerro Azul Meambar National Park.

Yojoa Lake  is a popular fishing destination and the surrounding area has a rich biodiversity--almost 400 species of birds and 800 plant species have been identified in the region. However, it also is threatened by deforestation, cattle ranching, and development. The settlers of the communities around the lake are dedicated to the cultivation of fruits, vegetables and basic grains. Nevertheless many of these inhabitants earn their living from the sale of fish originating from the lake.

Source;
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lake_Yojoa

Pulhapanzak Waterfall 

Another place you should visit if you ever come to Honduras is the beautiful Pulhapanzak waterfall, which is located near Yojoa Lake, it´s only about 20 minutes drive from Yojoa Lake  taking the road that goes to Peña Blanca. If you are coming on the road from Tegucigalpa to San Pedro Sula it's a road to the left after Yojoa Lake. There is a sign with the name Peña Blanca and Cañaveral. On the other hand, if you are traveling from San Pedro Sula to Tegucigalpa the road is to the right, before Yojoa Lake. That´s the way to Pulhapanzak, you can´t miss it.

Pulhapanzak is a beautiful waterfall which is kind of lost in the middle of nowhere. It is the most famous waterfall in Honduras, and the biggest as well, dropping about 140 feet. As for reference, the worldwide famous Niagara Falls drop about 170 feet, so Pulhapanzak is only 30 feet shorter in height, so you can bet it is an impressive waterfall alright. As for the width Pulhapanzak is not even close to Niagara Falls, the impressive feeling is only about the height.

Pulhapanzak is a name that comes from ancient native languages, some people say it´s a voice from Mayan language, some others say it´s from Nahuatl language. Anyway, the most accepted version is that Pulhapanzak comes from a Nahuatl expression which means "Rebalse del Río Blanco", in english it would be like "Overflow of White River". Rio Blanco or White River is a very known river in the region.

When you go to Pulhapanzak you can actually go very close to the waterfall. You can admire the beauty of the waterfall from a certain distance and that is what most people and visitors do, but you can also get into the waterfall if you dare, not many people have the guts to do it because it´s kind of scary. And how is that?. There are some walking trails that go very near to the waterfall, in one of those trails you can actually get into the waterfall and behind the falling water, you can feel the water almost all over your body and you can get into some small caves behind the falling water.

Source;

http://www.whereishonduras.com/2011/09/pulhapanzak-waterfall-in-honduras.html

FOOD AND DRINKS

Tamales

Dough preparation

 2 1 / 2 lbs. corn meal

15 cups water

1 large onion

 1 red or green chile,

1 2 / 3 cups lard

salt and pepper

 In a skillet, melt the lard, saute onion and chile over medium heat,cover the skillet and cook about 10 minutes.

 Allow to cool and liquefy, then strain the mixture.

Apart in a large pot, place the flour, gradually dissolve in water, add salt and pepper and onion mixture and chile.

Place the pot on the fire, over medium heat,  move the dough constantly.

Bring to a boil, add the remaining lard (melted), simmer for about 5 minutes.

Set it aside to cool.

Meat preparation

2 lbs. pork or chicken

1 / 2 lb. prepared dough

 1 large tomato

 1 large onion

5 cloves garlic

1 sweet green or red chile, minced

 1 / 2 tazade tomato paste, dissolved in water

1 tsp achiote

cumin, salt and pepper to taste

 Cut the meat into 2 inch pieces

 Blend the tomatoes, onion, garlic and chile. With this mixture is marinated pork (chicken), add the cumin, salt and pepper, prepared dough, achiote and tomato paste. All this is cooked so the meat is tender .

 Filling

 2 cups cooked rice

 2 cups stuffed olives

 3 potatoes, cooked diced

 1 can peas

 1 / 2 cup chickpeas

1 cup raisins

 20 banana leaves (or foil)

 If you want to wrap the tamales with banana leaves, boil until you catch a black color and then clean them and remove the veins of the leaves and try to cut into squares, but if they crack or break when wrapping tamal use another sheet on top, in case you do not find banana leaves Use foil, just cut them the size of a sheet of bond paper or on the size of the tamales.

 Leaves are arranged.  in the center of the sheet or foil is put a tablespoon of dough, the size you like a tamale, made a hole, a piece of pork (chicken) with dough mixture( recado) and place the other ingredients as follows:

 1 piece of potato,  1 cdta. of peas, 1 or 2 olives, 1 tps. raisins, 2 tbsp rice, 2 or 3 chickpeas. Fold the sheet is wrapped tamal, repeat the same procedure until all the dough, and they are ready to cook.

 At the bottom of the pan, a lid, then put enough leaves and place the tamales in layers.  Cover with water. Cook on high for 30 to 45 minutes.

Source:www.miguelreyesonline.com

Honduran Horchata

This is a delicious and popular drink  in Honduras. 
The horchata found in Honduras is primarily made from morro seeds or rice, with cold milk and sugar. Other common ingredients include ground cocoa, cinnamon, sesame seeds, nutmeg, tigernuts and vanilla. 

 Cocoa powder is used for a chocolate aftertaste.  Best way to serve it is really cold over lots of ice with grated cinnamon and more lime zest.

Honduras exports this drink to other countries like United states and Canada.

Source: www.honduranfood.com

Baleadas

A quick and delicious breakfast or evening meal, baleadas are thick flour tortillas folded over a variety of fillings. The most common filling for baleadas is a simple mix of beans, cheese and the Honduran-style sour cream known as mantequilla.

More elaborate fillings include meat, eggs, plantain and avocado. 

For a fast snack, you can use store-bought flour tortillas. But for authentic flavor, make your own.

 It's easy!

Recipe:

Flour -- 2 cups

Baking powder -- 1 teaspoon

Salt -- pinch

Water or milk -- 1/2 to 3/4 cup

Butter, lard or oil -- 3 tablespoons

Mix together the flour baking powder and salt in a large bowl. Stir in 1/2 cup of the water or milk to form a dough. Work in the butter, lard or oil until smooth. Add more liquid or flour as needed to form a smooth dough that isn't too sticky.

Remove the dough to a floured work surface and knead until smooth. Cover with a clean dish towel and set aside to rest for at least 30 minutes.

Heat an ungreased comal, griddle or skillet over medium flame. Cut the dough into 8 equal portions and roll each portion into a ball. Roll each ball out into roughly an 8-inch round, about 1/8-inch thick.

Place a dough round onto the hot comal and cook for about 1 minute on each side, or until the tortilla has browned spots and is lightly puffed. Set aside and repeat with the remaining dough rounds.

Source:maxiefectivo.com.hn

"Mondongo" Soup

Mondongo soup is a soup made from diced tripe (the stomach of a cow.) well cleaned, slow-cooked with vegetables such as plantain, potatoes, peppers, onions, carrots, cabbage, celery, tomatoes, cilantro, garlic or root vegetables and others. This is very famous in Honduras and one of the most delicious dishes from Honduras.

If you come to Honduras you have to taste it!!

         

                   You will not regret…

Source:

www.pinterest.com/gastronomia hondureña

Carne asada or Grilled meat

Carne asada or grilled meat is considered a typical dish in many restaurants in Honduras, you can order it as Plato Tipico. The meat is usually accompanied by chismol salsa (made of chopped tomatoes, onion and cilantro with lemon and spices), plantains, sausage, cheese, avocado, tortillas, and refried mashed beans.The cuts of beef are usually marinated in salt, pepper, spices, citrus juice to highlight the flavor of the beef and then grilled.

Source:
http://hondurasfood.blogspot.com/2009/08/platillos-tpicos-hondureos-carne-asada.html

Chicha

In Honduras there is a strong tradition of Chicha consumption especially when made from Pineapple. This fermented drink is a strong tradition that denotes the consistent respect of indigenous traditions.

This is a fermented drink made from derived either from  maize, manioc root (also known as cassava or yuca), grapes, apples or some other fruits. The Chicha is prepared mostly for the holidays like “Semanta Santa” (Easter), Christmas and other special occassions, a traditional event, shared with visiting friends and family. Chicha is rarely bought because it is considered a noble drink, an alcoholic brew prepared and celebrated by family members.

Source: www.gastronomiahondureña.com




Wine Palm Fruits in Honey 

("Coyoles" in honey)




This is a very delicious dessert and one of the most popular in the villages of Honduras. People in Honduras prepare it in "Semana Santa" (Easter week).

INGREDIENTES:

Coyoles, the amount that you want.
Sweet brown sugar


PREPARATION:

Wash and peel the fruit. Crush with a wooden mallet, to spring up. Put them into water to cook with little pieces of sweet brown sugar. When you look that they are quite cooked you can put more sweet brown sugar if you want. 

They are ready to be served when it gets thick honey.


Source:www.honduranfood.com

CRAFTS

Tobacco 

The tobacco from Valle de Sula is stronger than Cuban or Dominican tobacco. The higher temperature and humidity of this country offers a type of leaf that is usually mixed with other softer. The tobacco in the region situated to the North is light and it has aromas of forest.

Coffee

                            

You can taste the excellent Honduran coffee in the extent of its territory. It is the main agricultural product of the country, so it is not surprising that 65% of the country is covered with coffee plantations.

Carved Wood Products

The famous and incomparable mahogany from Honduras or cedar wood delicious join the magnificent work of the best carvers in this region in order to get the most beautiful and exquisite works of its kind in the world.

Source:
http://hondurasartedesconocido.blogspot.com/2009/02/artesanias-hondurenas.html

Replicas 

In Copan few local crafts are produced, however here you can find the most comprehensive range of crafts and souvenir produced in Honduras, they are found in different stores that are dedicated to that around the village.

The only craft locally produced are carved stelae replicas and various Mayan figures. Most of these are true works of art, handmade one piece at a time. Many of these hand-carved replicas are carried around the world.

Reeds

In Santa Barbara reed tissue plays a unifying social function, for men, women and children work alike. Men grow the reeds, women and children weave the fibers processed objects. For example,  this container violets and potpourri of craft from Santa Barbara.

In villages around Santa Barbara produces many of the most beautiful crafts of Honduras.

Ceramic clay 

The main occupation of its inhabitants is the manufacture of ceramic clay.

Here there is no distinction of sex or age, men, women and children work hard in each workshops to meet the high demand for these products. Every corner, every street has its historical mystery about them craftsmen reflect small painted landscapes clay vases and pitchers.

Source:

http://foro.univision.com/t5/Noticias-de-Honduras/HONDURAS-Y-SU-ARTESANIA/td-p/110337008