Interesting facts about Latin Cultures, Music and Dance.
Latin Americans have one of the most diverse cultures ever seen in the world. Their high end pop culture is an eminent aspect of these people. Their strong Spanish, French and Portuguese roots have lent them vibrancy, class and sensuousness. These qualities join up to create a vehemently interesting and intriguingly rich cultural fabrication. The Latin heritage has been around for quite a while, having its origin dating back in the times of Early Romans. The earliest literary pieces by them that were found have been dated back to 700BC. The Latinos were once the maestros of many fields including medicine, literature, art and music. No matter who is doing what right now, they remain one of the pioneers in many areas.
Music and dance have been one of the most dominant parts of their lives. The Traditional Latin music, just like its culture, is a mix of a lot of different types of music. The Conjunto of Mexico, Habanera of Cuba and simple Andean adds to the diversity of its music. The Andean music itself is an amalgamation of various genres like Tango, Cumbia, Vallenato, Mexican Ranchera, Nicaraguan Palo De Mayo, Uruguayan Candombe, The Panamanian Cumbia, Tamborito, Saloma and Pasillo. Over the years it has also taken inspiration from the British and the Americans. Spanish and Portuguese music also has strong influences over Latin music. African beats and rhythms are also heard quite often in their songs. The Latin music attracts people towards it for its inherent diversity and blend. The ascetic southern American sounds, Central American rhythms and Caribbean symphonies give it a unique appeal. The blend of European Baroque with African beats and Spanish rhythm has helped this music in emerging as one of the most influential genres.
The Latin pop of today is a mix of salsa, samba, cumbia, nortena, merengue, banda, tex-mex, flamenco, tango, reggaeton, vallenato, and reggae with a modern twist. The use of Spanish guitar, Accordion, Bass, Drums, keyboard, trumpet, trombone, piano, claves, cowbell, timbales and conga are most common in this music. Artists like Selena, Gloria Estefan, Luis Miguel, Ricky Martin, Enrique Iglesias and Shakira have done their Latin roots proud by taking their music to international arenas. Robert Carlos and Carlos Santana remain to be the most successful, with millions of records sold in the markets.
All these artists are Latin, yet each one of them has their own distinct style. Selena, the Queen of Tejano music, is known for her Polka Mexican folklore where as Gloria Estefan has this Cuban American flavor. Luis Miguel, known as the Latin Frank Sinatra, brings out a Spanish touch which is no way close to the Puerto Rican vocals of Ricky Martin. The Latin dances are also a popular part of their culture and they are as diverse as the music itself. The Latin music and dance is the core of their vibrant lives and well incorporated into their festivals as well.
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