What are typical South American remarkable holidays and holiday habits?

What are typical South American remarkable holidays and holiday habits?

• Silvester evening is the last night in the year, the 31st of december. Silvester is the name of a holy pope. In general after midnight fireworks are burned. It comes from the belief that firework will keep ghosts away. 

What are remarkable holidays in Colombia?

• Colombia's holidays reflect the Catholic history and heritage, providing opportunities for both religious observance and national celebration.
• Colombia's Independence Day is celebrated extensively on July 20 with concerts, parades and costume parties.
• It is sometimes said that the carnival of Barranquilla is the most colorful carnival in the world. In any case, after the carnival in Rio, it is the one with the most visitors. Every year in January, it celebrates for 4 days. 
• During La Feria de Cali from December 25 to 30, the city of Cali turns into one big party. People flock from all over the country for the horse parades, beautiful women, bullfights and delicious food. The essence of the party is salsa, here the best salsa in the world is danced by professionals and accompanied by the most famous Salsa orchestras of Colombia and other South American countries.
• Flower Festival of Medellín: For several days a year, the city of Medellín in the Andean region is one big Sea of Flowers. During this 10-day celebration in August, all balconies, terraces and gardens are covered with flowers.
• The superstition with new year is: wear yellow underwear, that makes the next year for sure financial beneficial. You know what you gotta do!

What are remarkable holidays in Ecuador?

• In Ecuador holidays are a vibrant blend of indigenous traditions and Catholic influences.
• With el ano Viejo and Nuevo ano (new year) men dress as widows to mourn the passing year. It is meant to be done with humor and fun.
• The Ecuadorians wear yellow underwear with new year, that makes the next year financially well.
• Carnival is a time of joy and playfulness it is celebrated with water fights and foam sprays. Parades are lively and colourful.
• The festival of the sun (Inti Raymi) honours Mother Earth (Pachamama) and celebrates the winter solstice. It is a celebration with offerings, traditional dance and music.

What are remarkable holidays in Mexico?

• On average, there are four holidays per month in Mexico. Each day on the calendar is actually a holiday in Mexico. Calendar days are dedicated to saints with names. Also called “name days.” It's similar to a birthday. If you, as a Mexican, have the same name as the saint the day is named after, you are congratulated and receive gifts. For example, June 24 is the name day of San Juan.
• Constitution Day is a national holiday in Mexico. Originally, Feb. 5 was the fixed date for this. In 1857 and 1917, Mexican constitutions were adopted on this date. In 2006, it was decided to celebrate it on the first Tuesday of the year.
• On May 5, Mexicans celebrate the day Mexico defeated a French army in the Battle of Puebla. The discovery of America by Columbus used to be celebrated grandly in Mexico. However, after 300 years of misery by Europeans, it was decided to celebrate something else on Oct. 12. Today, Mexico celebrates Race Day. This refers to the new race that emerged from the Europeans and the Indians.
• In Mexico, they celebrate the “Day of the Dead” (El Dia de los Muertos). Also called All Saints' Day and All Souls' Day. This national holiday is on November 1 and 2, and Mexicans celebrate on this day that the dead come back to earth to visit the living. The dead are then the guests of the living on that day. Cemeteries are crowded, picnics are held at gravesites and skulls are used as decorations. Bakers sell the bread of death on this festive day.
• December 12 is the most important holiday in Mexico. Mexicans then celebrate the national feast of the Virgin of Guadalupe. This patron saint of Mexico is said to have been beheld as a Marian apparition in 1531 by Saint Juan Diego Cuauhtlatoatzin. Pilgrims in Mexico walk with torches and wear tunic referring to Juan Diego's clothing. Tens of thousands of Mexicans climb the mountain that day to the basilica “Iglesia de Guadalupe” in Mexico City. All day in Mexico there is celebration with music and fireworks.
• Christmas starts in Mexico on the 16th of december with the "Posadas", which are processions through the streets with plays of the story of Maria and Joseph. Every evening ends with a feast and breaking of a pinata. On Nochebuena, christmas eve, diner is served with tamales, bacalao, and ponche (fruitpunch). After dinner a lot of people go to Misa de Gallo, a mis at church, followed with firework.