In this lesson, students will learn about how Labor Day is celebrated in Latin-America. They will engage in activities that help them understand the significance of this celebration around Latin-America in the context of Colombian Silleteros - a particular job from this South American country
What is Labor Day in Latin America?
In Latin America, Labor Day is a celebration in which people recognize, honor and show appreciation for the different professions that contribute to the development and growth of the countries. The celebration often includes parades organized by labor unions and official events in the main squares of towns. The media also broadcasts reflections that announces the achievements of every single type of worker.
For instance, in Colombia there is a unique and special occupation: Silleteros. The Silleteros, are people from the region of Antioquia, who strap a Silla (chair) on their backs to sell and carry exquisite designs made out of flowers; the execution of Silletas requires a lot of work, some designs can take up to three months to be ready. In this way, they stay true to the Feria de las Flores (Festival of the Flowers) tradition and participate in varied parades in which locals and tourists can enjoy and delight in their beautiful creations.
Watch this video with your class for more information:
Activities
Share the infographic in
Annex 1
with the class, and then ask students the following questions:
Do you know a profession in your country that is similar to Silleteros? Which ones?
Which type of messages are presented in the Silletas designs?
What do you think about the process of making Silletas? Which steps seem easier or harder to do?
Some months previous to la Feria de las Flores, Silleteros start working on the creation of beautiful designs made of colorful flowers. Show
this video
(00:35 – 3:01, you can play it at 1.5x speed) and allow students to share their impressions of this process. Make emphasis on the amount of work and time that this task requires
Experiential Activity
Using
Annex 2
, students can create their own mini-Silletas. Go through the steps on the infographic, follow them and assist students when needed, ask students to decorate the Silletas using available materials.
Allow the students to share the Mini-Silletas during class participating in a Feria de las Flores parade.
Extension
The Silleteros usually have their own flower plantation. Use
Annex 3
, observe some of the typical flowers from Colombia and then, draw your favorite in the chart. There is also a space for students to draw their favorite flower from their own country.