por What are cultural expressions?
The cultural expressions Traditional are also called expressions of folklore, since they represent everything that identifies a society with the roots of its ancestors. They include the names of people and musical, artistic and dance expressions, as well as ceremonies or even the architecture of a country’s buildings.
These expressions represent the cultural and social characteristics of a nation or society, which makes them cultural heritage. Although in some cases the term is used to define traditions belonging to indigenous cultures or ancient civilizations, it is more commonly coined to refer to the folklore of each country.
Cultural expressions vary according to each country; They represent the traditions of each nation. They can be tangible or intangible, but they are influenced by each culture and are authentic in each country.
Characteristics of cultural expressions
The characteristics of cultural expressions are specific to each culture, but they comply with a series of specific parameters that are repeated regardless of the country in which they are studied.
are transmitted
These expressions are transmitted from generation to generation and usually have several decades of existence. The origins of some date back several centuries, although they have changed their shape over time.
They reflect the identity of a society
As they are old, cultural expressions often reflect the way of thinking and acting of a society since its inception. They are expressions of folklore particular to each country.
They do not have defined authors
Cultural traditions are forged over time and, given their age, it is difficult to recognize a particular person as the author of one of these manifestations.
In many Latin American societies, current traditions have been inherited from pre-Hispanic times.
They have no commercial purposes
The creation of these expressions is not intended to fulfill a commercial purpose. They were created for cultural purposes and this is the purpose they have maintained for as long as they prevail, including today.
They are always in development
Most of these expressions have changed over the years. They adapt to the current state of societies; this occurs in particular with intangible expressions, such as dances and songs.
They can be tangible or intangible
The way in which each society expresses its folklore usually includes tangible elements, such as drawings, body paintings, graphic designs, woodwork, mosaic designs, metalwork, carpets, jewelry and body decorations, stone decorations, among many others.
However, it can also include other types of intangible expressions, among which are traditional dances, music, rituals and games, or even particular ways of thinking of a country that have been inherited from previous generations.
Examples of cultural expressions
Cultural expressions in Mexico
One of the main cultural expressions in Mexico, recognized worldwide, is food. Tacos, enchiladas, and beans make up an important part of the Mexican diet and are a staple in Mexican restaurants around the world.
In addition, arts such as the music of the mariachis are also expressions with a defined cultural roots of the society of this country. There are also traditional clothing, such as the huipil for women or the serape for men.
The Virgin of Guadalupe also has a fiesta in Mexico celebrated on December 12, pertaining to the belief that the Virgin appeared to an Indian during the early years of the Spanish Conquest.
Cultural expressions in Argentina
Tango stands out as the most popular folkloric dance in Argentina, with influences worldwide. Furthermore, the most popular music in Argentina is that which was created in order to accompany the tango dance.
With regard to food, large amounts of beef are usually consumed. Dishes such as barbecue, which include almost all parts of a cow, are typical of this country. It is also customary to consume roast and spaghetti, due to the Italian roots of many inhabitants.
There is a sport called duck, which is local to Argentina, which is practiced on horseback and consists of two teams competing with each other.
Cultural expressions in Venezuela
Venezuela presents a great variety of cultural expressions, but particularly its food stands out. Flour-based dishes such as arepa or cachapa are traditional breakfasts and dinners in the country. In addition, it is also customary to consume fried empanadas.
One of the symbols that most represents the inhabitants of the nation is the figure of Simón Bolívar, the liberator responsible for making Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia independent. The presence of statues in his honor is common in many of the main towns in the country.
Many traditional buildings are still valid in the country and represent the folkloric architecture of the colonial era, such as the town of Coro.
Cultural expressions in Colombia
Colombia has a great diversity of dances and music that identify the region. In general, they present Spanish influences and have adapted to Colombian culture over the centuries.
It is common to have patron saints, in addition to believing in folkloric superstitions and urban legends; many of these also have Spanish roots.
Many traditions from the coastal region of Colombia are closely linked to African cultures. The Andean region has a musical rhythm similar to Venezuela’s, thanks to the close relationship that both nations have had since their independence.
The arepa is also a typical food in Colombia, as well as the so-called bandeja paisa. It is also customary to consume a lot of fish, particularly in the coastal regions.
Cultural expressions in Peru
A large number of Peruvian traditions come from the times before the time of the Conquest. The clothing, dances and traditions of the country maintain a close relationship with the indigenous ancestors who inhabited the region.
Traditional festivals are very common in Peru. In addition, dances such as the Scissors Dance have been considered a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. This country also shares many Andean traditions with other South American nations such as Ecuador, Colombia, and Venezuela.
In Peru it is customary to eat guinea pigs, and they are not seen as pets. In addition, it is customary to wear traditional clothing from the region in many urban areas.
References
Traditional Cultural Expressions, World Intellectual Property Organization, (nd). Taken from wipo.int
Traditional Cultural Expressions, Lexology, 2012. Taken from lexology.com
Cultural Traditions in Argentina, (nd). Taken from depauw.edu
Culture of Venezuela, Every Culture Online, (nd). Taken from everyculture.com
A guide to Peru’s cultural traditions and habits, Britt Fraccolli, (nd). Taken from peruforless.com
Colombia Local Traditions, Colombian Travel, (nd). Taken from colombia.travel