Social norms, taboos and established traditions
The Caribbean's culture has historically been influenced by that of African, European, and Amerindian, and Asian traditions. This is what we are basing the Zonacalgrian culture off of. In Zonacalgra it is a custom to greet people with a kiss on the cheek. Zonacalgrians tend to be friendly, loud, and lively and even may ask personal questions about your career, financial status, relationship status, marriage, and family. Zonacalgrians tend to be lax about punctuality, but when it comes to special occasions, it is necessary to dress correctly. For, the way one carries oneself is extremely important to the society in this region. When it comes to dining manners are very important, a common toast at the beginning of a meal is “Salud!” or “To your health.” When invited to a small gathering like a dinner party is expected to bring a gift for the host or hostess. The nightlife in Zonacalgra is a major part of social life whether it be going out to bars, dancing, and throwing get-togethers and parties.
Social Norms and Traditions Existing Prior to Zonacalgra's Establishment That are Being Kept
Carnivals and Dance Festivals
Music- Bachata, Merenque, Palo, Mombo, Denbo, baithak gana, bouyon, cadence-lypso, calypso, chutney, chutney-soca, compas, dancehall, jing ping, parang, pichakaree, punta, ragga, reggae, reggaeton, salsa, soca, and zouk
Sports- Soccer
Foods- rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and any of various meats that are locally available like beef, poultry, pork or fish with ingredients like garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme
Music- Bachata, Merenque, Palo, Mombo, Denbo, baithak gana, bouyon, cadence-lypso, calypso, chutney, chutney-soca, compas, dancehall, jing ping, parang, pichakaree, punta, ragga, reggae, reggaeton, salsa, soca, and zouk
Sports- Soccer
Foods- rice, plantains, beans, cassava, cilantro (coriander), bell peppers, chickpeas, tomatoes, sweet potatoes, coconut, and any of various meats that are locally available like beef, poultry, pork or fish with ingredients like garlic, onions, scotch bonnet peppers, celery, green onions, and herbs like cilantro, marjoram, rosemary, tarragon and thyme
Social Norms and Traditions Existing Prior to Zonacalgra's Establishment That are Being Removed
The patriarchy-The social system in which males hold primary power and predominate in roles of political leadership, moral authority, social privilege and control of property. In the domain of the family, fathers or father-figures hold authority over women and children.
Machismo- this plays a large role in the culture of the Caribbean, but is unfavorable because machismo can lead to violence against women and it is a large problem because this sets standards that a man must conform to.
Gender Inequality- Since the patriarchy and machismo are so dominant in the region it has led to the oppression of women and so women get less opportunities and lower pay than men do.
Machismo- this plays a large role in the culture of the Caribbean, but is unfavorable because machismo can lead to violence against women and it is a large problem because this sets standards that a man must conform to.
Gender Inequality- Since the patriarchy and machismo are so dominant in the region it has led to the oppression of women and so women get less opportunities and lower pay than men do.
The Language, Religion, Clothing, National Holidays and Celebrations
The national languages of Zonacalgra are English, Spanish, and French, due to the massive colonization and control of the region during the 17th and 18th centuries by the Spanish. The national holidays are Christmas, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Independence day, and Workers day. Independence for Zonacalgra is May the 5 in which they won Independence over the Spanish. Since the region’s main religion is Christianity, the majority of people celebrate the main Christian holidays like Lent, Palm Sunday, Good Friday, Easter, and Christmas. During celebrations and festivals many wear the cultural dress of Zonacalgra. Which is a guayabera and slacks for men and for the women, tiered ruffled skirts, exaggerated sleeves and brightly colored, embroidered shirts and blouses in the national colors with head wraps or headdresses.
Sources
“Caribbean Cuisine.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 11 Dec. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caribbean_cuisine.
“Cultural Etiquette Tips to Know When Traveling to South America.” Blog | Western Union, 10 Oct. 2016, www.westernunion.com/blog/cultural-
etiquette-tips-south-america.
“Culture of the Caribbean.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Caribbean.
Elliott, Sara. “How Cuban Traditions Work.” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 25 July 2011, people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/national-
traditions/cuban-tradition2.htm.
“List of Caribbean Music Genres.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Caribbean_music_genres.
“Cultural Etiquette Tips to Know When Traveling to South America.” Blog | Western Union, 10 Oct. 2016, www.westernunion.com/blog/cultural-
etiquette-tips-south-america.
“Culture of the Caribbean.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 26 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Culture_of_the_Caribbean.
Elliott, Sara. “How Cuban Traditions Work.” HowStuffWorks, HowStuffWorks, 25 July 2011, people.howstuffworks.com/culture-traditions/national-
traditions/cuban-tradition2.htm.
“List of Caribbean Music Genres.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 20 Nov. 2017, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_Caribbean_music_genres.