Is it necessary to know Spanish/Portuguese in order to get around? And is safety a big issue or is that just media hype?

Considering going to both cities next year for Afro Colombian Day (with a visit to Palenque) and Black Awareness Day (in Brazil).

Nothing happens on Black Awareness Day...

Whether or not something happens doesn’t really matter to me

Just want to be there around that time since I heard the weather is nice in November too

Biggest myth of travel is that you need to know the local language/have a common language. Of course it helps, but for a short & touristic stay, basic phrases (please & thank you type stuff), research (where you want to go, know the names of dishes), gestures, & patience will get the job done - and that’s assuming the person you’re dealing with doesn’t know any English themselves.

Although it’s worth noting that Spanish and Portuguese are relatively easy for English speakers and you could definitely get to a decent level, where you can maneuver as a tourist & have basic conversations, within a year.