When in Tela, do as the Telans do. Well, of course, this might seem like an exaggeration but there is wisdom in respecting the culture and, subsequently, the people of whatever place you are visiting on your vacation.
Breath of Small Town Air
In contrast with the Honduran capital city of Tegucigalpa, Tela is a breath of fresh air with its small town ambience. Visitors are treated to relatively noise-free and diesel fumes-free air, which are results of cars being far and few in between since bicycles are the preferred mode of transportation. If you must come in by car, think of parking it car in a safe place, say, in the hotel parking grounds. After all, Tela is a small place so there is no need to waste gas on getting around.
Carnivals and Holidays
Just like most countries anywhere in the world, Tela culture is defined by the events that draw the most popular attention instead of sophisticated creations. As such, visitors can truly get a feel of Tela culture through its special holiday celebrations ranging from the secular to the spiritual events.
First, there are the secular celebrations like Independence Day and Labor Day, Mothers’ Day and Father’s Day, Children’s Day and Teachers’ Day and even Friendship Day. These are often marked by colorful parades, vibrant carnivals and fun fairs participated and enjoyed in by locals and tourists alike. There is also a Carnaval in Tela, which is celebrated either in late February or early March depending on the Holy Week celebration. Although not as grand as the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro, it is still a sight to see with its colorful costumes and lavish floats as well as Honduran music.
Second, visitors get a glimpse into the Telans’ strong Catholic sensibility through their religious celebrations like Holy Week and Christmas Day. During Holy Week, religious processions during Maundy Thursday and Holy Friday are opportunities to mingle with the locals and experience Catholicism in an intriguing way. And let’s not forget the fiesta! With free-flowing food and drink, music and dance, love and laughter, the fiesta of Tela lives up to its name!
The important thing to remember when in Tela is to respect these holidays. This way, you enjoy the people and places while gaining experience about the lifestyles lead by the Hondurans.
Other Cultural Aspects of Note
When meeting others, give a firm handshake especially when it is offered first to signify respect. Most Telans may not be as expressive with their feelings as big city people, who sometimes hug each other, so avoid touching others in a familiar way unless you truly are familiar with each other.
As to language, the Spanish spoken in Tela have a distinctive character in that some words may not be present in other Spanish-speaking countries. As Tela is increasingly host to many nationalities, visitors can find locals who know how to speak English although carrying a pocket dictionary of standard Spanish phrases may be necessary.
In conclusion, when in Tela, try to imbibe the local culture by eating local food, engaging in local activities, speaking the local language and being friendly with the locals. Ultimately, you will discover that the culture and cares of the people of Tela are not too different from your own although with a Central American twist!
