Unit 3: Las actividades extracurriculares Flashcards
What is the climate like in Guatemala?
Guatemala is a hot and humid country, but it also has the potential for freezing temperatures. The climate is influenced by altitude as well as latitude, so in mountainous areas, temperatures can actually drop below freezing at night.
What is the relationship between the people of Guatemala and the Mayan people?
Most of them are either descendants of or part of the Mayan population. The Mayans are one of three civilizations (along with the Inca and the Aztecs) who lived in the Americas for more than 1,000 years before America was colonized by Europeans. They are the original peoples of Guatemala. Today, in addition to Spanish, which is the official language, more than 21 indigenous Mayan languages are still spoken, especially in rural areas.
What is the climate like in the tropical zone of Guatemala?
hot and humid days and nights
What is the climate like in the temperate zone of Guatemala?
moderate daytime temperatures and cool nights
What is the climate like in the cool zone of Guatemala?
daytime about 80°F; nights fairly cold to below freezing
What is the state of extracurricular activities in rural Central American schools?
Rural schools in Central America provide very few after-school activities. In the cities, private schools do offer sports, drama, and music. In addition, the capitals of Guatemala and other Central American countries often have civic centers, which provide access to sports and the arts, including ballet and music. Although students from smaller towns and rural areas often lack extracurricular activities, the National Intercultural Youth Orchestra provides a fantastic opportunity for young musicians. Here, students from different regions, social classes, and ethnic backgrounds study music together in an atmosphere of intercultural understanding.
What is the climate, location, capital, and attractions of Honduras?
Honduras, like most of the Central American countries, has the Caribbean Sea on one coast and the Pacific Ocean on the other. Its climate varies, depending on the altitude, from tropical in the lowlands to temperate in the mountains. Although the territory of Honduras is mainly mountains, there are narrow plains along the coasts. Honduras also has a large lowland jungle called La Mosquitia. Here, a great variety of plants and wildlife are found in the Río Plátano Biosphere Reserve, named a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Tegucigalpa, the capital of Honduras, has 12 universities, 14 hospitals and 14 museums. For recreation, it has 200 parks or plazas and 200 sports facilities.
What is the Honduran music and dance style “Punta”?
Punta is a unique type of music. It is music of the Garifuna people, who are of African and Caribbean origin. The rhythm is African, but the songs are sung in the indigenous languages of the Arawak and Carib peoples. Punta is so popular that it can be heard at holiday parties, wakes, traditional celebrations, and a variety of social events. Part of its appeal is its ability to blend the art of traditional cultures and rhythms with more modern sounds. Punta is often played with traditional instruments, such as drums, maracas, a conch shell and two wooden sticks that are beat together. The dancers must move their feet to a complex rhythm. Though the beat may sound happy, the lyrics are often sad.
What is the climate and history of San José, Costa Rica?
It is the capital of Costa Rica and the country’s largest city. It is located between mountains, and its architecture reveals that the city has been influenced almost entirely by European culture. The Spanish began to arrive shortly after Christopher Columbus’s arrival to Costa Rica. San José de Costa Rica lies in the Torrid Zone and is actually in a tropical rainforest. However, its elevation gives it a mild climate.
What is the climate of San Salvador, El Salvador? How is it similar to San José?
San Salvador, the capital city of El Salvador, has some traits in common with San José. San Salvador is also located in the highlands, surrounded by volcanos and prone to earthquakes. The weather here is tropical and warm year-round.
What is the Teatro Nacional?
The Teatro Nacional, located in Casco Viejo, Panamá, is the oldest theater in Central America. It was built early in the twentieth century on the site of an eighteenth century monastery. Through its long history, the theater fell into disrepair and was eventually rented as a movie house. Luckily, it was restored and reopened in 2004, with famous ceiling frescos by well-known Panamanian artist, Robert Lewis.
What is the National Theater of Costa Rica?
The National Theater of Costa Rica is equally impressive, but in a neo-classical style of architecture. Its construction was funded largely through taxes levied on coffee exports. Several times a week there are performances of the music of Costa Rican and international composers and artists. In addition, the theater is a tourist attraction.
What is the significance of chess in Panamá?
Chess is very popular in Panamá. In addition to local tournaments, the Panamá Chess Federation organizes a yearly chess championship in the capital, Ciudad de Panamá. Additional events include lectures, seminars, simultaneous exhibitions, and blitz tournaments. Hundreds of people compete each year, hoping to take home one of several prizes given to the winners.
According to one theory, “Panamá” is the indigenous word meaning what?
According to one theory, “Panamá” is an indigenous word meaning “abundance of fish, trees, and butterflies.”
What type of climate does Panamá have?
A tropical climate
