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…