Colombian culture is as diverse as the rest of the cultures of South America yet it still shares some of the same basic elements of culture. The following are but a few of the unique, rich, and interesting facts and nuances related to Colombian culture. Presented below are several interesting facts from general Colombian culture Colombian language facts, Colombian food culture facts, family traditions, and religious facts. Buckle up, get in, and enjoy the ride! Vamanos!
General Colombian Culture Facts:
- Colombia is recognized as being one of the most diverse countries in terms of culture. Colombian culture has been influenced by so many different cultures that there are many traditions that go back to other civilizations. From Spanish colonists to Middle Easterners to Africans and Native Americans, each of these peoples left a mark on what would become today’s Colombia.
- Colombia’s unique topography creates several regions with distinctly difference climates. Climates are so different that the regions are often referred to by their climate – hot, temperate, cold, etc. Being so close to the equator means each region has consistent temperatures throughout the year without the four-season climate seen in non-equatorial countries. These climatic differences have impact on how Colombian culture varies in different parts of the country.
Colombian Language Facts:
- Spanish is the official and predominant language in Colombia. With the second largest population in South America after Brazil, Colombia is the third largest Spanish speaking population in the world after Spain and Mexico.
- Although almost all Colombians speak Spanish, there are still roughly half a million speakers of indigenous languages and also several areas that officially recognize English for common usage.
Colombian Food Culture Facts:
- With the convenient positioning of Colombia giving it both cooler Pacific Ocean and warmer Caribbean Sea climates, there is a huge variety of fruits and vegetables grown in the country year-round. This results in a food culture that is steeped in fresh and exotic ingredients.
- Recipes and flavors vary from region to region along with the climate and cultural influence in that region. These influences lead to spicier foods along the Caribbean, Brazilian and Peruvian influences along those borders, and increased fish and seafood dishes along the coasts.
- Colombians feel united by the basic traditional foods like arepas (unleavened corn meal bread) and sancochos (traditional meat and vegetable soup) that are still prepared in the same traditional methods that have been used throughout the country for generations.
Colombian Family Traditions
- Like the majority of South American countries, family is a priority when it comes to Colombian values. This fact is not surprising when you consider the huge influence the Roman Catholic Church has had and continues to have on Colombian culture.
- Even today with the shifts in work trends, most extended families remain very close both emotionally and physically with children tending to settle down very close to their parents. Keeping multiple generations in proximity fosters strong bonds across the entire extended family.
Colombian Religion Facts
- Over 70% of Colombian identify themselves at Roman Catholic – this is among the highest percentages in countries around the world and is expected to remain fairly constant in the future.
- Despite the predominance of Catholicism, Colombian culture is very accepting of other religions as well with notable populations of Protestant, Jewish, Islamic and other religions all represented.
As you can see, with Colombian culture being so diverse and different, it’s no wonder Colombians are so proud of their heritage! While the country has some issues, as do a few other South American countries, I think it’s important from time to time to sit back and enjoy the unique, long, and varied tradition of the Colombian culture we know and love! Some say the Colombian Spanish is the easiest language to learn. They tend tospeak slower than other Latin American countries… which helps quite a bit. Either way, it’s a beautiful country.
[side note: this post is part of a series on the various elements of culture in South America]
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