The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America

and the Caribbean

EQ: What is the difference between Mulattoes and Mestizos as ethnic groups?

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

Each ethnic group reflects its history They do this in their

customs, beliefs, and foods

As a result of history Latin America has a diversity of races Europeans, Africans,

and Native Americans

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

People of these different races and cultures intermarried and blended races and cultures together.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

At the end of the sixteenth century the native people of Latin America were forced to be slaves. Many died from

diseases and brutality Some were able to

preserve their culture by moving to the remote areas of the mountains.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

Because the Natives would die or run away, the Europeans brought slaves over from Africa.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

Many of slaves had children with the Europeans and created the Mulattoes ethnic group Mixture of African and

European

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

Another ethnic group is a mixture of Native American and European called Mestizos.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

The main religion of Latin America is Roman Catholic.

However, the religion of the Native Americans and the Africans have blended with the roman Catholics

As a result there are a variety of festivals that are a mixture of Catholic, Native American, and African.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

One example of the blending of ethnic groups is the day of the dead which is a blend of Roman catholic and native American beliefs.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

Religions based on African Beliefs are also present One example is Santeria which is practiced in

much of Cuba.

The Blending of Ethnic Groups in Latin America and the Caribbean

There are some problems Many times the people with

European ancestry have the higher paying jobs, more education and heath care.

More money

Native Americans, Blacks, and Mestizos have begun to demand equality in their countries.