Colombian culture

CULTURAL ‘MELTING POT'”

Colombia is a cultural melting pot, we cannot talk about the Colombian culture or the Colombian. The South American country is a true melting pot of cultures. Each city, region or community is part of the Colombian culture, but with its own unique interpretation of it.

The culture has been influenced by the indígenas (Indigenous communities) who live particularly in La Guajira and the Amazon and former slaves and/or Europeans. Many Colombians are of mixed descent ( the mestizos). The Caribbean Coast, Cali en Chocó (Pacific), have a lot of Afro-Colombian influences and on the islands  San Andrés and Providencia, there is an Afro-Caribbean culture. Medellín is a city where many European immigrants settled and Bogotá is a mixture of European and Native American influences.

As in many other Latin American countries, there is a large Spanish influence in religion. About 75 percent of the Colombian population is Catholic.

Keep on reading if you are interested in the culture of Colombia. We talk about the different cultural communities, language, music and dance, art, sports and diversity. At the end of this guide you will read our insider tips for what to consider when you go to Colombia.

The diversity is so big that we could fill a complete encyclopedia with information about the cultural communities in Colombia. Here we want to give you just a small impression, of some of the better known communities, that you as a traveler could possibly visit.

Language

The official language is Spanish, but unofficially there are about 70 different languages in Colombia, many of which are spoken by Native American communities. On the Caribbean islands of San Andres and Providencia, English is also an official language. There, a mix of English, Spanish and Creole is often spoken.

There are also different accents and pronunciations of Spanish, which can vary by region and city. On the coast, for example, the “r” is often barely audibly pronounced.

Music and dance

Even in music, there are different influences by region. African influences on the coast, along with Native American and European influences, provide many Colombian rhythms.

There are more than 1,025 rhythms in 157 different genres. This is why Colombia is also called “the land of 1,000 rhythms.”

Popular rhythms

• Cumbia, originated as a dance among slaves, on the Caribbean coast
• Champeta, with mostly African rhythms, originated in Cartagena
• Vallenato with the typical accordion, once brought by European immigrants. Originated in northern Colombia, near Venezuela
• Salsa, popular throughout Colombia, especially in Cali, “city of salsa”
• Bambuco, a traditional folklore that originated in the Andes, with mostly Spanish and Native American influences and traditional musical instruments such as the “tiple,” a Colombian guitar.
• Joropo, the music of the Llaneros, the Colombian “cowboys” of the Llanos, the lowlands of Colombia. “Key” instruments are the harp and the maracas. The llaneros sing about daily life on the land, about horses and nature.
• Reggaeton, a modern style of music popular in Colombia

Colombian artists
Singer Shakira from Barranquilla has achieved international fame and is Colombia’s most popular singer abroad. Famous singers include Carlos Vives, Juanes, Maluma and J.Balvin.

Festivals
Long ago, carnival was a way for all ethnic groups to come together and celebrate traditions. Even today, coming together to celebrate traditions is an important part of Colombian culture. Festivals give people a chance to party and enjoy folklore, live music and local food and drink. Colombians have as many as 18 long weekends a year, so there is often a festival on the weekend off.

Art

Art can be seen in many forms in Colombia: Botero’s famous paintings and  “oversized” sculptures, the literature of Nobel Prize winner Gabriel García Marquez, but also: graffiti art and handmade souvenirs from the Wayúu Indigenous community.

Precolumbian art
The Gold Museum in Bogotá features a large collection of art from pre-Columbian culture.

Ciudad Perdida, San Augustin and Tierradentro are well-known archaeological sites with remains of pre-Columbian culture.

Sports

Soccer
Soccer is Colombia’s national sport, very popular to watch and to do yourself. On a match day of the national team, you can see Colombians walking around during the day, already proudly wearing the national shirt. The cafes are bustling during matches and there is passionate cheering. Icon of Colombian soccer is Carlos Valderrama, easily recognizable by his blond hair. Current soccer heroes include James Rodriguez, Radamel Falcao and Juan Cuadrado.

Baseball
After soccer the most popular team sport and particularly popular on the Caribbean coast. One of the most famous baseball players is Edgar Rentería, or the “Barranquilla baby,” who has made a career in the USA. Besides being a sportsman, Rentería is also socially involved. For example, he participated in the project Béisbol por la paz, in which vulnerable youths were literally taken off the streets for baseball training.

Cycling
A very popular sport in Colombia to watch and to do yourself. During cycling races such as the Tour de France, Colombians passionately cheer on their heroes such as Egan Bernal and Nairo Quintana as they conquer the high mountains. Riders can practice perfectly on the many cycling routes and mountainous areas.

Tejo
A game played in certain regions among locals and tourists who want to try something typically Colombian. The objective is to throw a metal disc at the bocin, another disc with a small explosive charge, lying in a container of earth. Tejo is still most like bowling. The game dates back to the time of the Muisca Indians, who are said to have used a golden disc.

Athletics and rollerblading are also popular sports in Colombia. Most famous athlete is Caterine Ibargüen. Other famous Colombian athletes include Formula One driver Juan Pablo Montoya and Mariana Pabon (BMX).

Colombian food

Also in the culinary field, there is much diversity in Colombia. Each region / city has its own specialties and traditions play a major role in the preparation of food . Do you want to know more about the traditional food of Colombia and the tastiest snacks and street food? Continue reading this article about the food in Colombia. In this article you can also search for your favorite region and search for the typical food of the area.

Despite the differences in culture, there are a number of customs and traditions, that are considered “typical Colombian.”

Colombians are generally cheerful people who love life. They are proud of Colombian music, dance and food. Colombians are cordial, curious, helpful, like to make jokes and enjoy having a chat.

Check out this link if you want to know more about the different destinations in Colombia. You can also find here practical information and tips for planning your trip and information about safety, travel documents, useful apps for your trip to Colombia and more. Check this link for the best hotel deals.