Honduras is a small country in Central America, on the isthmus connecting the two continents. It is located on ancient Indian lands, and it is not surprising that the customs and traditions of the Indians are still extremely strong here. Go on vacation in Honduras can be that especially brave and even desperate tourist.
Honduras is the most dangerous country in Central America, in particular, because of constant skirmishes and shootings of drug cartels.
The literal translation of the name of the state from the Spanish language is “depth”. According to legend, the ship of the discoverer of these lands of Christopher Columbus not far from the modern coast of Honduras fell into a violent storm and almost sank, and the name arose, first of the territory, and then of the country.
The city of Puerto Cortes on the Caribbean coast, despite the country’s reputation as a whole – one of the safest ports in the world.
The main attraction of Honduras is the ruins of Mayan buildings in Kopan (there are remains of pyramids, stelae and ceremonial temples). Scientists still can not understand why the Mayans left these lands and moved to the Yucatan peninsula.
In the capital of the country, Tegucigalpa, is one of the most dangerous airports in the world – the runway is very short and is located near the mountains.
Honduras is a “banana republic” in the truest sense of the word, the country ranks second in the world for the export of bananas.
There is a legend according to which the famous pirate captain Kidd hid his untold treasures on one of the islands of Honduras. This story formed the basis of the famous novel by Robert Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”.
The national currency of the state, lempira, was named after the Indian chief, who in the 16th century entered the war with the Spanish colonialists.
A sacred bird and one of the symbols of Honduras is the red macaw parrot. The inhabitants of Central America believe that this bird is capable of causing rain, and also to maintain a connection between the worlds of the living and the dead.
The people of Garifuna, living in the territory of Honduras, have been included by UNESCO in the list of the World Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Representatives of this people were able to preserve their music and dances, which are not found anywhere else in the world.
In the department of Yoro in the beginning of summer there is a fish rain, and this happens every year for more than 100 years in a row. It lasts several hours, leaving behind hundreds of live fish. Local people select the “catch” and use it for food.
In 1969, a war broke out between Honduras and El Salvador, the formal reason for which was a football match. The confrontation lasted only 6 days, but during this time several thousand people were killed.
The islands of Honduras are surrounded by the largest living coral reefs in the world.
Residents of this country are not only called by name, but also mention the nature of their activities.
In Honduras, cakes “pappusi” are prepared, the dough for which consists of corn, cheese and ham. Throughout the country there are many restaurants specializing specifically on this dish.
School education for young people in Honduras is not compulsory. Often, having finished school for several years, the children go to work, no longer caring about obtaining academic knowledge.
All shops and cafes in Honduras are guarded by armed soldiers. Almost all local residents also do not leave the house without weapons.
The President of Honduras has the right to rule the country only for one four-year term.
