Last Wednesday, DU’s Brazilian Student Association (BRASA) and Latine Student Alliance (LSA) hosted their first collab together: a showcase of South American history and culture through the eyes of Latine students.

The event featured a slide presentation promoting the many different cultures in South America and how they differ from one another, along with a Kahoot! that quizzed attendees on facts about the region’s culture. Traditional food and beverages from South American countries were also provided.

BRASA’s officers highlighted the most important aspects of Brazilian culture, such as the strong African influence, the national love for soccer and Samba and the country’s rich biodiversity that has a significant impact on its cuisine.

Besides Brazil, the presentation also provided information on all other countries in South America. Here are some fun facts shared during the event: 

• Peru is home to over 70% of the world’s alpacas;
• Chile is where the oldest mummies in the world were found;
• Ecuador is highly known for its bananas;
• In Argentina, yerba mate is the national drink;
• In Venezuela, baseball is the most popular sport;
• In Bolivia, more than 30 languages are spoken;
• Paraguay is home to the world’s largest water reserve;
• Uruguay hosted the first-ever World Cup;
• Colombia hosts the world’s largest salsa festival in December;
• In French Guiana, education is free and mandatory from the ages of 6 to 16;
• In Guyana, because of dense forests, 70% of it is uninhabited;
• In Suriname, “roti” is the most famous dish.

The event was a successful opportunity for students to learn more about the American continent from the perspective of Latine students and to showcase the clubs that reflect those values on campus.

Follow BRASA and LSA on Instagram for updated announcements and events.