Colombia's Culture
If you are planning a visit to the beautiful country of Colombia, you should make a point of learning as much about Colombia culture as possible before you arrive. You may be surprised at how interesting and exciting you’ll find it.
You simply can’t understand Colombia culture without discussing the music. The unique sound of the country’s music is traced back to a unique combination of influences including African, European, and Indigenous populations. Influences from North America have also reached the country as have the music of the Caribbean. This combination is quite unique and enjoyable for most visitors. Along with listening to the music, dancing is also an important part of Colombia culture. The salsa, the Merengue, and other dances are common in clubs and during festivals.
If you want to experience the best of Colombia culture, you should visit the country and celebrate one of its many holidays. A number of the holidays are associated with the church, including Epiphany which is celebrated on January 6th, All Saints Day which is celebrated on November 1st, and Immaculate Conception which is celebrated on December 8th. During March or April, Holy Week is celebrated, and this week includes Easter.
Of course, not all of the holidays that make up Colombia culture are religious in nature. Some are secular. On July 20th, the country celebrates its Independence Day. If you are located in Bogota, you may also want to celebrate the city’s founding on August 6th with the Bogota Carnival. In November, the entire country celebrates feminine beauty with the crowning of the country’s beauty pageant winner.
Enjoying the Food in Colombia
No visit to any South American country is complete without enjoying some of the country’s delicious food. Colombia is no different. While you’ll want to try a variety of regional dishes, you should also follow the traditional dining customs which are primarily based on Spanish traditions. For example, you’ll normally have a light breakfast and supper. The midday meal is usually the larger of the meals. As a visitor to the country, you’ll probably be more inclined to dine like the middle-class families who have fruit, soup, rice, and meat or fish. Desserts made with panela (a kind of brown sugar) are a common way to end the meal. During the holidays in Bogota, you may want to enjoy a special meal known as ajiaco – a type of stew containing corn, chicken, and potatoes. When ajiaco is served, it comes with avocado, capers, and cream. Keep and open mind and enjoy as many different dishes as possible because food is an important part of Colombia culture.Colombia Culture & Music
You simply can’t understand Colombia culture without discussing the music. The unique sound of the country’s music is traced back to a unique combination of influences including African, European, and Indigenous populations. Influences from North America have also reached the country as have the music of the Caribbean. This combination is quite unique and enjoyable for most visitors. Along with listening to the music, dancing is also an important part of Colombia culture. The salsa, the Merengue, and other dances are common in clubs and during festivals.
Colombian Language
Obviously, the Colombia culture is based on the country’s official language: Spanish. More than 43 million people in the country speaking Spanish while about 500,000 still speak the native language of the Indigenous people who settled the country originally. Understanding Spanish will be a huge benefit if you want to visit the country but you may also find many English-speakers, especially around the major cities like Bogota.Understanding Colombian Etiquette & Customs
Part of becoming acclimated to Colombia culture is to understand some of the customs followed by the people of the country. For example, when men meet each other and are merely acquaintances, they should shake hands and make direct eye contact with one another. The initial greeting should be accompanied by a phrase, such as “buenas noches” for good evening. When you are dining with others in Colombia, you should always keep your hands visible during the meal. Eating can only begin once the host has spoken “buen provecho” which is Spanish for “have a good meal.” Although you should try all of the food offered, polite guests will leave a tiny amount of food on the plate when the meal is finished.Religion in Colombia
An important part of Colombia culture is religion. Only 5% of the country’s population is not part of the Roman Catholic Church, and those who are take their religion seriously. About 85% of people living in urban areas attend mass regularly. Small numbers of Protestants, Muslims, and Jews also practice in Colombia thanks to the passage of the country’s 1991 constitution that guaranteed religious freedom.Holidays & Colombia Culture
If you want to experience the best of Colombia culture, you should visit the country and celebrate one of its many holidays. A number of the holidays are associated with the church, including Epiphany which is celebrated on January 6th, All Saints Day which is celebrated on November 1st, and Immaculate Conception which is celebrated on December 8th. During March or April, Holy Week is celebrated, and this week includes Easter.
Of course, not all of the holidays that make up Colombia culture are religious in nature. Some are secular. On July 20th, the country celebrates its Independence Day. If you are located in Bogota, you may also want to celebrate the city’s founding on August 6th with the Bogota Carnival. In November, the entire country celebrates feminine beauty with the crowning of the country’s beauty pageant winner.
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