It’s autumn in the northern part of the globe, and spring in the southern half. That means we have just a precious few months left in the year — and limited time to squeeze in last-minute vacations (you don’t want to lose vacation days, do you?). In case you’re having trouble coming up with ideas about things to do, I’ve put together this handy list of the top holidays and events in Latin America — including Mexico, Central and South America and the Caribbean — through the end of 2014. So get out those calendars (and perhaps check LatinFlyer’s weekly roundup of the best Latin America Travel Deals) and start planning.
September 15: Independence Day in El Salvador, Costa Rica, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua.
Where to Celebrate: You can commemorate the declaration of independence from Spain in 1821 in the Central American cities of San Salvador, San José, Guatemala City, San Pedro Sula and — although it’s not a capital city — Granada, Nicaragua.
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DON’T MISS: Must-See Historic Architecture in San José, Costa Rica (PHOTOS)
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September 16: Mexican Independence Day (shame on you if you thought Cinco de Mayo was Mexico’s independence celebration — found out the real story behind Cinco de Mayo here!)
Where to Celebrate: The colonial city of San Miguel de Allende is having a lively celebration, and one hotel is offering a very colorful vacation package to celebrate.
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DON’T MISS: Mexican History, Mexican Art: 4 Great Museums in Mexico City (PHOTOS)
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September 18: Independence Day in Chile.
Where to Celebrate: Join the Fiestas Patrias in the capital city of Santiago.
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DON’T MISS: Hot Hotels, Cool Culture: 3 Great Reasons to Visit Santiago de Chile
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September 23: Grito de Lares.
Where to Celebrate: The anniversary of the first major revolt in Puerto Rico against Spanish rule took place in the town of Lares. You can commemorate the occasion by admiring the Lares flag, which flies in front of the tomb of Ramón E. Betances in Lares.
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DON’T MISS: LF Awards: The 18 Best Hotels & Restaurants in San Juan, Puerto Rico
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October 12: Spanish National Day, also known as Día de la HIspanidad.
Where to Celebrate: Celebrated in many Spanish-speaking countries as Dia de la Raza, Columbus Day, or Panamerican Day, this holiday commemorates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in America.
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DON’T MISS: Supersize Travel: The 29 Largest Hotels in Latin America
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November 1 & 2:
Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead (Mexico, Central America)
Where to Celebrate: This legendary holiday — which blends pre-Hispanic and other traditions — is best celebrated in small villages, although even large Mexico beach resorts like Cancun make it easy to take tours that incorporate the festivities.
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DON’T MISS: 5 Ways to Connect with Mexican Culture in Cancun
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November 3: Independence Day in Panama.
Where to Celebrate: Panama broke away from Colombia on this date; parades and festivals take place around the country.
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DON’T MISS: 2014 LF Awards: 10 Best Hotels in Panama City, Panama
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November 11: Cartagena Independence Day in Colombia.
Where to Celebrate: The city of Cartagena declared independence in 1811, and that’s where to celebrate it.
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DON’T MISS: The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Cartagena
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Dec 16-24: Las Posadas (Mexico and Central American countries).
Where to Celebrate: For this traditional holiday, family and friends visit on another to eat, talk and sing. Various cities and towns around Mexico provide opportunities to hear the traditional music.
December 24 and 25: La Nochebuena y la Navidad (Christmas Eve and Christmas).
Where to Celebrate: These holidays are traditionally spent at home with family, but some Mexico tours and events allow visitors to partake in the festivities.
December 31: New Year’s Eve
Where to Celebrate: People frequently spend time celebrating with family, but they may go out before or after midnight.
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Stay tuned to LatinFlyer.com for ideas about how to celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in Latin America — as well as special holiday packages and discounts!
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