Eager to learn some interesting facts about Honduras?
There are two things that make Honduras genuinely unique among its Central American neighbors.
Honduras is said to have the largest wilderness area of all Central American countries and the second largest barrier reef in the world.
You’ll find many interesting facts about Honduras when you begin exploring its culture, people, and history.
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Interesting Facts About Honduras
For several thousand years, Indigenous ethnic groups have developed their cultures until the arrival of the Spanish colonizers in the 16th century.
The subsequent blending of European and Indigenous cultures and beliefs has led the Honduran peoples’ culture to develop into the unique artistic expressions we see today.
From festival celebrations that honor their Indigenous ancestors and deities to mouthwatering cuisine, Honduras is a land teeming with cultural traditions.
General Facts About Honduras
So, what is Honduras known for?
One of the most unique aspects about Honduras is that it’s predominately Roman Catholic, with 90% of its population being of Mestizo descent that relies heavily on agriculture.
Here are some fun facts about Honduras that may not have known:
- Honduras has a population of 9 ½ million people
- The official language in Honduras is Spanish
- Tegucigalpa the capital of Honduras is often referred to as Tegus
- Lemira is the official currency of Honduras
The currency of Honduras has a level of significance as it is named after an Indian Chief who fought against the Spanish army.
Facts about Honduran People
Statistics show that Honduras is one of the poorest countries in Central America with 66% of the population in poverty.
Despite the extreme poverty, the Honduran people are incredibly proud of their culture and possess a strong work ethic.
Hondurans are very family-oriented and child-friendly. Hondurans are very animated when communicating and utilize a lot of hand gestures, eye contact is also a sign of respect.
Some other facts about Honduran people include:
- They are very passionate about football.
- Hondurans are known for their Latino-style hospitality.
There are also an estimated nine Indigenous ethnic groups in Honduras. Current estimates place the Indigenous population at about 1.3 million.
Among the Indigenous groups are Garifuna, Lenca, Miskito, Tolupan, Nahua, Chorti, Pech, Tawahka, and Mayan.
Many of these indigenous groups’ cultural contributions can still be experienced today.
The Garifuna gave us the Punta dance, the Mayans gave us magnificent architecture, and the Miskito gave us entrancing folktales passed down orally through generations.
Indigenous cultural customs can be seen in festivals, music, and art. Many people travel to Honduras to visit some of its cultural landmarks.
Celebrations & Festivals in Honduras
There are numerous cultural celebrations throughout the year in Honduras.
One such festival celebrates the Garifuna people and their culture.
The Garifuna are the descendants of Afro-indigenous people from the Caribbean who were exiled to the Honduran coast and island of Roatan in the 18th century.
The National Garifuna Festival celebrates their cultural heritage and is typically held during the third weekend in July.
This particular festival frequently attracts people from surrounding South American countries.
Also, the Garifuna’s cultural contributions to Honduras also include music and cuisine.
One festival in Honduras to look for is the Feria Juniana, a month-long vibrant celebration in San Pedro Sula.
Despite fears of safety in Honduras, people attend anually during June for the festival of Feria Juniana in San Pedro Sula.
This festival honors the patron saint of the city, St. Peter the Apostle.
During the celebrations, you can expect to experience live music, dancing, local cuisine, and even a parade. You’ll also see local artwork and magnificent firework exhibitions at night.
Feria Juniana is a popular event that draws in locals and tourists alike.
Facts about Honduran Music
Amongst the Honduran peoples, Music is an integral aspect of Honduran culture and a way of life.
Honduran music is a diverse mixture of rhythmic sounds of Caribbean salsa, reggae, merengue, and reggaeton.
Within rural areas, Mexican ranchera music is often heard permeating the air.
One of the important facts about Honduras to know is that all Hondurans love their music. They are also known for playing it loudly. Within the metropolitan areas, music is also played loudly, in cars, at shopping centers, and parks.
Music is an integral part of Honduran society. Punta is the most popular form of musical dance expression in Honduras.
Originating in the 18th century and heavily influenced by African elements, Punta music has become the primary musical genre throughout the country.
A popular Punta song is Sopa De Caracol meaning Conch Soup in English.
Banda Blanca is a Honduran musical group that helped launch its popularity. The lyrics of most Punta songs are written by women.
Typical instruments include drums, shakers, conch-shell trumpets, and flutes.
Punta can be performed on holidays, parties, ancestral celebrations, and social gatherings.
Agricultural Facts about Honduras
Honduras is recognized as a food priority country by the United Nations.
Despite its agricultural potential, the United Nations recognizes Honduras as a food priority due to its inefficient agricultural practices.
Honduras’s agriculture is best known for its export of bananas and coffee. Nearly 60% of the rural population is employed within the agricultural sector.
In 1999, Hurricane Mitch devastated the agricultural industry, and it has been slow to recover.
Currently, agriculture in Honduras accounts for roughly 14% of their GDP. Most rural Hondurans experience an agricultural lifestyle.
Since most of the rural population is employed in agriculture, they have a farming lifestyle.
Typically Hondurans will wake up early and take a nap in the middle of the day, which is usually the hottest time of day.
A vast majority of the rural farms are family-owned, and they number in the thousands.
Chiquita and Dole operate large plantations in the northern part of the country. Honduras has roughly 4 ½ million acres of arable land.
Facts about Honduras Food
One of the many interesting things about Honduras and its cuisine is that many of the dishes are influenced by the countries natural resources.
Typical staples found in Honduras are corn, meat, tropical fruits (papaya, pineapple, plantains), rice, and beans.
One Honduran dish that is enjoyed throughout the country is Yucca with pork.
The dish consists of a pickled coleslaw added on top of the yucca, which is boiled and lightly salted.
Oftentimes, tomato sauce and cheese are added. Topped with thick savory slices of pork.
Honduras has hundreds of traditional dishes that are popular throughout the world today. Honduran cuisine is influenced by its ancestors and immigrants.
A traditional Garifuna dish is Machuca, which is fried smashed plantains, finely chopped onion or garlic, and jalapenos with salt sprinkled on top. Pupusa is a staple food in Honduras.
A true authentic Honduran dish is the plato tipico, which consists of grilled pork and beef, cooked rice, fried plantains, and stewed beans with traditional chismol.
Much of the cuisine in Honduras combines African, European, and Indigenous ingredients.
Interesting Facts About Honduras
Honduras means “depths” for its deep waters off the coast, it has a wealth of natural resources and cultural traditions.
Its local cuisine, musical expressions, breathtaking dive sites and festive celebrations have gained International popularity over the past several decades.
Despite being one of the poorest Central American countries economically. Honduras remains a rich cultural gem to be explored and experienced.
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