There are three distinct parts to North America. The northernmost part contains Canada and Greenland. The United States is located in the central part, and Mexico, Central America, and the islands of the Caribbean Sea are found in the south.
There are a huge variety of cultures found in North America. I've included information about many of these cultures to give you an idea of what the people in North America are like.
Foods
Canadians and Americans: Generally, Canadians and Americans enjoy many different types of ethnic foods from around the world. Some of these foods include Japanese, Vietnamese, Thai, Chinese, Italian, Indian, German, middle eastern, Greek, and Mexican. There are many family-owned restaurants that cook traditional foods, but there are also many national (and international) chain restaurants that serve either ethnic-focused foods or food that could be considered "American," such as the hamburger or hotdog.
Mexico: Mexico has a very traditional and unique cuisine. Some of the more well known Mexican foods include the tamale, taco, enchilada and salsa. For a drink, you might find yourself having a tropical fruit drink or Mexican hot chocolate.
Greenland: People living in the northwest and on the east coast follow a more traditional way of life. They often live in small settlements, and they hunt and eat animals such as whales and seals. In the cities, Greenlanders often eat fish, potatoes, mutton, vegetables, and canned foods.
Holidays
Canada: Three special holidays in Canada are called Victoria Day, Canada Day, and Boxing Day. Victoria Day is on the Monday on or before May 24th. It was celebrated originally because May 24th was Queen Victoria's birthday, but in Quebec, Victoria Day and the National Patriot's Day are celebrated on the same day. Canada Day is celebrated on July 1st, along with Memorial Day in the United States. If July 1st is a Sunday, the holiday is legally on July 2nd. Boxing Day is celebrated the day after Christmas, or December 26th. It is not an official holiday in Quebec and is not a statutory holiday in British Columbia.
United States: The third Monday in February is dedicated to President's Day. Americans honor all of their past presidents such as Andrew Jackson, George Washington, Richard Nixon, Abraham Lincoln and George Bush. Another national holiday includes Independence Day which is celebrated on the fourth of July. For this holiday, Americans honor their country by celebrating their nation's birthday (when the Declaration of Independence was signed).
Mexico: One of the special holidays celebrated in Mexico is the Day of the Dead. This celebration is widely known and usually occurs on November 2nd. In some areas of the country, the first of November is dedicated to children and infants while the second is for the  adults who died. On November 2nd, Mexicans celebrate their lost loved ones. Families spend days preparing a meal consisting of foods that their ancestors liked to eat. These foods are then usually placed on an altar along with flowers, candles, statues, a picture of their lost family member, a cross, and cartoons of skeletons. At night, the family visits the grave and lays flowers and candles all around it. This day is not meant to be a sad day. Instead, it is a day to remember the wonderful life of the loved one.
Languages
Canada: Canada is a bilingual country which means that they have two official languages which are English and French. The greatest numbers of French-speaking people live in New Brunswick, Ontario, and Quebec. French is the official language of Quebec. The Inuit and Indians who live in Canada have their own traditional languages that they speak at home. In Canada, there are about 50 Indian and Inuit languages spoken.
United States: English is the most widely-spoken language in the U.S., though some immigrants from all over the world will speak their native tongue when around people who have their same ethnic background. The second most common language is Spanish. Many Americans living in the Southwestern United States speak Spanish.
Mexico: Spanish is the official language of Mexico, but there are also over 60 indigenous (native) languages spoken in Mexico. The most widespread indigenous language in Mexico is the Nahuatl language which was the native language of the Aztecs. Over a million Mexicans can speak Nahuatl. Other spoken indigenous languages include Guarani and Quechua which are Mayan languages.
Greenland: Most people living in Greenland are Greenlanders, and they call themselves Kalaallit. They have Inuit and European ancestors. The rest of the people are Danish. Most people living in Greenland speak Kalaallisut which is also known as Greenlandic. Many people also speak Danish.
Clothing
Canada, the United States and Mexico: The majority of people dress in somewhat similar manners. Different styles come from the different needs of people. Blue jeans and t-shirts are a comfortable combination for working in, whereas a dress suit would be worn by people in most offic e jobs. As with most of the world's nations, citizens of Mexico, the U.S. and Canada tend to dress in what is considered as "in fashion." Of all three countries, the individuals who wear the most traditional, authentic clothing are the Mexicans who live in smaller villages. They will wear sombreros, cotton shirts, trousers, and ponchos for cold or rainy weather. Ponchos are like a cape that is worn over both shoulders, and it can be very colorful. Mexican villagers will also wear leather sandals called huaraches.
|
