Creative stories and poems by young people about the customs and celebrations of Latin America (article 2 of 3).
These writings from the Toitoi journal of young people’s writing give an inside view of Latin American customs and celebrations from the perspective of young people. Make sure you also check out the introductory page and the language and culture page.
Click the images below to explore each resource. Use the provocations to spark discussion and deeper thinking about global identity, connections and challenges.
Cinco de Mayo Magic
Words by Brianna Garrety (12), pictures by Isabella Loghides (13). Theme: customs & celebrations. Available in English and Spanish.
Provocations
What are the festivals that are special to you? Why are they special?
Find out about the festivals that are special to your classmates. Talk to them about what makes these events so important.
Rio Carnival
Words by Sarnai Sahni (10). Pictures by Harry Prinsep (11). Theme: customs & celebrations. Available in English and Brazilian Portuguese.
Provocations
What special days do you celebrate in your family/culture?
Think about your favourite festival. What are the main things that make it special? What would you see, hear and feel when at the festival?
Find out more about the Rio carnival and compare it to your favourite festival. What are the similarities and differences?
Yemanjá Festival
Words by Trelise McEwan (11), pictures by Scarlet Connor (12). Theme: customs & celebrations. Available in English and Brazilian Portuguese.
Provocations
Find out what you can about the Yemanjá (Iemanjá) Festival. Is anything similar held in Aotearoa/New Zealand?
Talk to your classmates, do any of them have similar festivals in their culture?
What special days do you celebrate in your family/culture?
Humboldt Penguin
Poem. Words by Phoebe James (10), pictures by Lucia Olney-Boyd (14). Themes: festivals, animals. Available in English and Spanish.
Provocations
What does the poem tell us about this festival?
What festivals have you been to?
Corn Cob Piñata
Poem. Words by Tom Nalder (10), pictures by Mia Harding-Trail (12). Theme: customs and celebrations. Available in English and Spanish.
Provocations
Compare this piñata with ones you have seen in New Zealand. What are the similarities and differences?
What was inside a piñata that you have seen? Why do you think popcorn has been used inside the piñata?
At what occasions have you seen piñata being used in NZ?