HONDURAS By: Alma Adame

Population About 7.99 million people live in

Honduras The growing rate is about 1.9 percent

annually 90% of the population is mestizo, 7% has

indigenous ancestry, 2% is black and only 1% has European descendants

Population

This graph shows the growth of the population in Honduras.

This was the population in 2000.

Language Spanish is the dominant language. The indigenous speak their own

languages Garinagu however speak Garífuna The English language is required as a

course in secondary schools. Very few speak it fluently.

Religion Roman Catholic is the main religion in

Honduras. There are other Christian groups that are

active. They have freedom of religion as a law. Protestantism, though, is growing quickly. Even the smallest towns have Protestant

churches.

Religion continued… Catholic churches have a strong influence

in society throughout festivals, family celebrations, and politics.

Each town holds a festival for their patron saint.

Pictures of Religion

This is a symbol for the Roman Catholic.

Christianity Protestants

General Attitudes In Honduras fatalism exists because of

poverty. This makes them see what is good in life.

When they have a conversation they add Si Dios quiere meaning God willing.

They have a lot of machismo they expect the women to be submissive.

Most women in that live in rural places don’t work out of the house.

Continued… La hora latina means time and schedules. In Honduras being late to appointments

and social events is their way of life.

Pictures…

To me this tells about machismo.

Gestures Body language is an important way to

communicate in Honduras. Some body language includes: waving

the index finger to say “no”, they point with their lips or chin because pointing with the index I s rude, when they express enthusiasm they place the middle finger and thumb together and shake their hands and it produces a snapping noise.

Gestures continued Gang members have a different hand

signals which should not be imitated by others.

They use them to communicate from far away.

Gestures

Greetings Men shake hands as an appropriate greeting. Women usually greet each other with a kiss on

the cheek. ( urban women) Rural women greet each other by placing one

hand on the upper arm of the other. Warm embraces are shared most by close friends

and family. Other greeting include: Adiós when they pass

someone on the street, Qué le vaya bien which means May it go will with you, when leaving a party, and Buen provecho (Enjoy your meal) before a meal.

Greetings…

Holidays New Year’s Day of the Americas is April 14 Labor Day is May 1st

Independence day is September 15 Birth of Morazán October 3rd

Columbus Day October 12th Armed Forces day is October 21 Christmas, of course, December 25

Holidays continued The most popular holiday is

Independence day. During Easter’s Holy Week businesses

close from Wednesday thru the end of the week.

Pictures

Rites of Passage (dating/marriage)

At the age of 15 young women are initiated into social life.

Teens start dating in groups. For example, a young woman goes with

one or more friends on her date. They often get together at dances. Poor people will start a family without

marriage.

Continued… The poor ones usually start a family at

the age of 14. In all social classes, single mothers are

common. Most of the time the siblings only have

the mother in common. The young single mothers move back in

with their parents until they are older or find a husband.

Pictures…

Foods Red beans Corn Tortillas Rice Bananas Pineapples

Pictures…

clothing… Western-style They don’t really wear shorts. Men often wear guayabera. T-shirts that have English slogans are

very popular throughout Honduras.

Pictures…

Sports Fútbol is the national sports. Boys and men play regularly. More girls have been involved in soccer in

the recent years. Rural boys and men like to play card and

dice games.

Pictures…

Arts They are known for brightly ceramic,

carved wooden trucks and homemade instruments.

Other common arts include metalwork, embroidery, and weaving.

Popular music in Honduras is La Punta. It is played with drums, conch shell and

maracas.

Arts and Dances pictures…