Center for Latin American Studies

Prior to colonization, indigenous societies dominated the region, with a variety of religious practices and traditions.  Following colonization by Spain and Portugal, Catholicism (often forcibly) became the dominant religion in the colonies. With the introduction of the slave trade, the process of religious syncretism created a blend between native, African, and Christian traditions that continue to influence local practices. While Catholicism remains the largest religious denomination throughout the region, in recent decades other forms of Evangelical and Protestant Christianity are gaining followers throughout the region. Though much less common, other religious sects such as Judaism and Islam do exist and are becoming increasingly connected by technology and globalization