CULTURAL COLOMBIA
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With such a rich and multifaceted cultural heritage, Colombia is deeply rooted in a blend of customs and modern global influences. Colombian culture reflects the nation’s dynamic history and evolving social fabric. From its vibrant arts scene to its diverse music and cuisine, Colombia continues to develop and interact with global trends, and its cultural landscape remains a fascinating panorama of traditional practices and contemporary expressions.
Blessed with this rich cultural and natural heritage, Colombia is also strategically located at the crossroads of Central and South America and is the only South American country with both Pacific and Caribbean coasts. Moreover, it is a contemporary paradox in that it has both a long tradition of democratic institutions and an abiding history of internal political conflict.
However, with the signature of a landmark peace agreement between the national authorities and the armed insurgency group known throughout the world as FARC in 2016, the country is now achieving a more lasting peace.
Colombian culture is very similar to many other Latin American countries, with a few special elements that make it unique. Looking at Colombian history, for example, the Spanish colonial era has left a lasting influence throughout the country, with a high rate of Roman Catholics in Colombian society.
The culture of Colombia is as varied as its landscape. While there are only small remains of native, indigenous tribes, most Colombians are descended from one of three ethnic groups: European, Asian, or native Indian.
The Spanish colonialists originally envisioned Cartagena as a gateway to the continent, zealously guarding it against invaders. Thousands of African slaves were transported into the country, making Cartagena the largest slave port in all of Latin America.
The unique settlement of San Basilio de Palenque, the first of its kind for escaped slaves, has preserved its African heritage and way of life until this day.
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The Spanish decimated the indigenous population here, yet many elements live on in Colombian customs, music and language. The geographical makeup of Colombia, with its at times treacherous terrain and dramatic variety of climates, made communication and travel very difficult and therefore helped foster provincialism. The Spanish were also responsible for the advent of Catholicism into the country, although several other religious communities coexist peacefully within the country. You can visit Popayan to witness the famous Palm Sunday Procession when statues of Christ the Saviour are paraded through the streets with great pomp and splendour. True to its heritage, Colombia continues to preserve its colonial architecture, baroque buildings and traditional Catholic churches that exist side by side with towering modern skyscrapers.
Across the country, Spanish is recognized as the official language, with English spoken amid the upper classes in larger cities. Education in the country is primarily managed by the private sector.
Music is a very important part of Colombian culture, with Cumbia and Vallenato enjoyed country-wide. Shakira is famously from this Latin American country, as is Nobel Prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez, a famous figure in Colombian literature. Colombian art is often synonymous with Fernando Botero.
To further understand and appreciate Colombia’s incredibly varied culture, it is useful to explore the various regions to fully absorb this fabulous culture.
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