una vuelta

(image via atenguilloonline.com)

Before cell phones, text messages and MySpace, there was la vuelta.

At the center of most cities in Latin America, there's a plaza and on Saturday or Sunday nights, that's where it goes down. The ladies walk counter-clockwise, the men clockwise, all the while flirting and exchanging friendly glances. Guys make the first move, sometimes sprinkling confetti or handing a rose to a girl before asking if she would like to go for a "vuelta" around the plaza. If the girl refuses, she'll politely reply "maybe next time." If she agrees, the two walk around the plaza and possibly take the first steps as lovers for life.

A tradition that dates back to colonial times, la vuelta was "speed dating" before there was dating: a quick way for singles to break the ice not far from the protective eyes of their families. According to Herb Klein of Stanford University: "The Sunday paseo… in small towns and even some larger cities in Latin America was a great way for families to show off their marriageable children."

La vuelta is still popular throughout Latin America, but with a twist: these days, young couples may exchange cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or even a kiss.