El Pirarucu de Oro -- International Folk Music Festival

Every year for three days at the end of November, the El Pirarucu de Oro festival is held in Leticia, Amazonas, Colombia. The festival takes its name, Pirarucu, from a fish found in the region that can weigh up to 150 pounds and grow over six feet long. The fish is an endangered species which has lead Colombia, Brazil and Peru to declare a ban on the catching or killing of the fish from November-March of every year. The festival takes place during the ban as a tribute not only to the music of the area, but to the fish so closely associated with sustenance in the Amazon.

This year the festival is celebrating its 22nd consecutive year. There are several categories of competition:

1- Murgas Leticianas -- People of any age can participate in this category, but the songs must reflect the music of the area of Leticia and the surrounding region.

2- Cantantes Aficionados -- In this impromptu contest, participants must sing about an assigned topic (they cannot receive help from the audience) and are accompanied by a musical group that plays the different rhythms of the region.

3- Montaje Musical Dancistico -- These are coreographed dances which display through dance the daily life of the people of the region.

4- Composititor /Autor -- A theme is given prior to the event and composers write songs that are then judged with a prize awarded

There are also prizes for:
5- Best Musical group
6- Best Artist
7- Best Amazonian Song of the year


One of the greats of the music of the Amazon is Pedro Bernal. He won the best all around performer at the 8th Piracuru festival. This year, he was selected to represent the department of Amazonas in the recent GRAN CONCIERTO NACIONAL 2009 which was held in Bogota recently. You can see his performance at the National Concert here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7tIouDonlgY

EVEN BETTER -- see him sing the National Anthem accompanied by a singing group of Ticuna Indians that sing the anthem in their native language.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZSipZXcmoes&feature=related

Yurupari -- Sacred Flute

According to Javier Ocampo López, Yuruparí is the god of the indigenous Tucano peoples of Vaupés. He is the product of a pregnancy that occurred when his mother Secuy ate the forbidden fruit of pihycán. After his birth, she hid him in a hollow tree where she would go and breastfeed him several times a day. Eventually, Yuruparí grew and left the tree to seek out his mother.

Apparently, he had been blessed with magical powers. His first magical act was to change all curious women into rocks. Even his mother fell victim to this as he caught her spying on the men of the village while they were in a meeting.

In an attempt to obtain dominance over all the women, Yuruparí started a new religion where women were not allowed to participate. He used a flute to symbolize membership in the cult. The flute also represented the voice of God and the bones of the mythic hero of his people -- Ualri.

Then, Yuruparí was burned up and left nothing but ashes -- from which grew the PACHUBA palm tree. It was from this tree that the people then made the flutes of their religion and the sound of the flutes was said to be the sound of the voice of Yuruparí.

Today, the Yuruparí flute is still a prevalent feature in many Amazonian communities. It is made with the leaves of the Pachuba palm tree, then is is covered in tree bark and tied with vines. The mouthpiece is made of wood from the palm tree.

I have seen other versions of the story of Yuruparí -- though the story of his origins change -- the part about being burned up, the growth of the Pachuba tree and the creation of the flutes all remain the same.

Ancas de Rana o Pollo

I have to admit that trying to find a recipe from the Amazons that was possible to actually make outside of the Amazon has been difficult -- since access to Boas, Monkeys, Manatees, Frogs, Snails, and Turtles isn't exactly an easy task.

My mother suggested that I give you the frog recipe -- and since frog tastes a lot like chicken -- you might substitute frog legs for chicken legs.

The recipe:

Step #1

Clean the legs and rub them with lime juice.

Step #2

Fry them in oil without salt, until golden brown.

Step #3

Place on a paper towel, let drain and serve.

Simple, but worth a try.

Unusual Fruit -- NOT TO MISS CUISINE

Long before I met my husband, I spent 18 months living in Toronto, Canada. Most of the people I lived and worked with were from Latin America. I remember that one of the families I knew was from Colombia. On their wall was a large poster of the many different fruits of Colombia. Dozens of fruits that seemed completely unfamiliar. I remember thinking that it would be great to try all of them. And now, having tried many of them, I must recommend that you try some too. The fruits are definitely one of the NOT TO MISS CUISINE items of Colombia.

This week, with the focus on the Amazon regions of Colombia, I thought I would spotlight some of the amazing fruits of the region.

Seje -- found in the Amazon and Pacific Coast regions. This fruit is most similar to a date and is the size of a marble. It is cooked before serving. Unfortunately, I could not find a picture of this fruit.

Copoazu -- (Theobroma grandiflorum) -- This fruit is a relative of the cacao and its seeds can also produce chocolate. The plup is used to make marmalade.

Anon -- (Annona squamosa) -- You eat the fleshy segments and spit out the hard seeds -- think watermelon. It is so delicious that it is well worth the trouble. It is never cooked.

Why not give some of this fruit a try while in Colombia?

Photo:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Cupua%C3%A7u.JPG

Amazonas -- Colombia's Amazon Region

In actuality the Amazon region of Colombia makes up 42% of Colombian territory, but it is the area with the lowest actual population. There are six departments that make up this region of the country: Amazonas, Caquetá, Guainía, Guaviare, Putumayo and Vaupés. However, small parts of the departments of Narino, Cauca and Meta are included in the Amazon region as well.

This region unfortunately includes some of the most dangerous parts of Colombia and is infested with FARC and other rebel groups. It was in this region that Ingrid Betancourt was held captive for so many years.

It is also the region where the native indigenous cultures have been best preserved.

In addition to the native populations, the large cities include 'colonists' from Colombia's interior as well as from Brasil, Ecuador, Peru and Venezuela. According to the latest national census, conducted by the DANE, the Amazonian region's city of Florencia has the largest population (121, 898), followed by San Jose de Guaviare, (34,863), San Vicente de Caguán (31,011), Puerto Asis (27,609), Mocoa (25,751), and Leticia (23,811).

Because of the sparse population in these areas, few children are referred for adoption from these areas. However, every year several foreign families travel to Florencia and even fewer travel to the other areas like Leticia. For families that do get the thrill of seeing the Amazon region of Colombia, remember that hot weather clothing rules apply -- no suits for men no pantyhose for women. Dress nicely and modestly -- especially for your ICBF and Court appointments. Just because it is hot does not mean beach type attire or shorts are appropriate for these activities.

Also, if you are one of the lucky families that has travelled to this region, I would appreciate some free use pictures :) Thanks!


Photo:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/f/f6/Regi%C3%B3nAmaz%C3%B3nica.png

Cumbia -- Folkloric

Monument to Cumbia in El Banco, Magdalena, Colombia

CUMBIA is yet another purely Colombian musical invention. Many people are familiar with modern cumbia. Fewer are familiar with the classic folkloric Cumbia, from which modern Cumbia is derived.

The classic cumbia is played using the gaita hembra, gaita macho, the maraca, and drums. Classic cumbia is a Zambo (Indigenous and African mix) invention. In fact the word Cumbia comes from the African word Cumbe which meant Fiesta or Party.

Cumbia can trace its start to the beginning of the 1800s -- about the time of Bolivar. The city of El Banco, Magdalena, considers itself the birthplace of Cumbia, but Barranquilla made it famous.

The Cumbia is based on a 2/2 or 2/4 time signature. Initially, the cumbia was purely instrumental. But, over time lyrics were added.

In the traditional cumbia dance, the women wear long flowing skirts or dresses. The blouse has 3/4 sleeves and the bodice is tightly fit to the waist. The cloth is usually cotton with floral or gingham checked pattern. They wear necklaces, flowers, and special shoes called babuchas -- worn without socks.

Men wear white pants with a round-neck white shirt. The always carry a bag, a handkerchief, and a hat. Many also carry machetes, ropes, candles and other props.

Cumbia Colombiana is a national symbol. Even Shakira features it in her video -- Hips Don't Lie.

Here is a short clip showing traditional Cumbia.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8KHCQBXoRwE&feature=related

Today, the most recognized song is the "Pollera Colora". It was one of the 20 most beautiful songs of Colombia. My husband says, "When any Colombian in the world hears that song, there will be some sort of reaction."

Listen to it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y3lmS0L-co&feature=related

Also, if you can read Spanish, the following book is available through Interlibrary loan.

Kumbia, legado cultural de los indígenas del Caribe colombiano, by Gerardo Pombo Hernandez.

Photo:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dd/Monumento_a_la_cumbia.JPG

The Gaita Colombiana

Gaitas are an indigenous flute of Colombia, commonly used by the Kogi, Zenu and Kuna Indians located on the Atlantic coast of Colombia.

There are actually 2 different kinds of gaitas -- the male (macho) and female (hembra). The female has five openings and is responsible for the melody. The male gaita has only 2 openings and plays harmony. Often the person playing the male gaita will have a maraca in the other hand.

The flute is made from a corazon de cardon ( a plant that is hollow when dry), beeswax, and duck feathers.

Originally, the gaita was used in indigenous religious celebrations where the sound of the gaita imitated the sounds of the birds. But, with the cultural mixing of both the Spanish -- and particularly the African peoples, the sounds of the gaita have become an integral part of the culture of the Colombian Caribbean. The gaita plays a critical role in several musical genres including CUMBIA (see tomorrow's post).

Watch a Gaita performance:
http://www.vimeo.com/4081760

Guess what? You and/or your little one can learn to play the gaita. There is a FREE virtual music teaching program available for download -- online.

http://gaitazo.com/?page_id=21

You can also buy a gaita online -- if you didn't pick one up while in Colombia:

http://gaitazo.com/talleres/

Independence of Cartagena

On November 11, 1811, the city of Cartagena de Indias, declared itself independent from Spain. It was the first city, in what is today Colombia, to do so. It was the second city in South America (Caracas was first).

The city remained independent until Spain sent Pablo Morillo to retake the city in 1815. Morillo surrounded the city and used a naval blockade to prevent supplies from entering the city. After 3 months, the patriots deserted the city without surrendering. The plan was to seek foreign help and then return to retake the city. Unfortunately, the patriots boarded ships captained by traitors to their cause. Most were taken prisoner and eventually died. Some did escape and joined Bolívar in Haiti and went on to help him commence the liberation of Venezuela.

When Morillo finally entered the city, he started a reign of terror. He wanted to teach the rebellious city a lesson. Many of the people of Bocachica were assassinated without trial. There were also mass executions in the Plaza de la Merced, while others were sent to jail.

On February 19, 1816, 9 men were sentenced to die for their participation in the rebellion --Manuel del Castillo y Rada, Martín Amador, Pantaleón Germán Ribón, Santiago Stuart, Antonio José de Ayos, José María García de Toledo and Miguel Díaz Granados, Don Manuel Anguiano, and finally José María Portocarrero. On February 24, 1816, the sentence was carried out and the what are now known and the Nine Martyrs were buried in a common grave in Manga cemetery.

On the spot where the 9 were executed, there is now a monument known as the Paseo or Camellón de los Mártires.

It was because of this incident that Cartagena became known as the CIUDAD HERÓICA (the Heroic City).

On October 10, 1821, Cartagena was again conquered -- only this time by patriot forces. Never again would Spain have power over Cartagena.

In honor of what occurred in Cartagena, November 11, today, is a national holiday.

Photo:
http://www.camaralucida.com/galeria/details.php?image_id=40112&mode=search&sessionid=e564b4b32006ae0fcdc3c7ccd8021386

Miss Colombia -- Afrocolombiana

Yesterday, I got an question about whether or no there has ever been an Afrocolombian Miss Colombia. I am proud to say that YES there has been!

Her name is Vanessa Alexandra Mendoza Bustos. She was Miss Choco and won Miss Colombia 2001. She represented Colombia at the Miss Universe pageant and won the award for best native costume. You can see her in her costume in this video.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1pZcpYcs-Cc

Born in the small village of Ungia as one of 16 children. Her father died when she was young and she was raised by her mother.

Before becoming Miss Choco and then Miss Colombia, Mendoza was a model.

Photo:
http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:VanessaMendoza.jpg

Reinado de Belleza National -- Miss Colombia

I want to thank my husband for the following post:

One of the defining characteristics of mainstream Colombians is that we want to be recognized as being NOT a 3rd World Country. Part of our interpretation of being a developed country is being part of something important and recognized globally. We feel that our participation in the Olympics, the World Cup or the Miss Universe Pageant for example, shows that we have earned a spot on the global stage.

In the case of the Miss Universe or Miss World pageants, we feel that we are watching with the entire world. We assume that because the WORLD is represented in the pageant, that everyone around the world is as interested and consumed as we are by the event. This helps explain why our National Beauty Pageant is so important. It is about choosing the one person who will win it all at the global level -- bringing glory to the country.

It all begins with the selection of the regional contestants. In every department, there are numerous beauty contests -- these are truly about beauty -- not necessarily talent or intellect.
On occasion, the winner of the Bambuco, Cana, Local Feria, etc. etc. is selected to represent her department. Most frequently, however, the local queen is hand picked by someone with the right influence and connections.

The National Beauty Contest is held in Cartagena in November each year. A prominent part of the pageant is the bikini contest, where the contestants attempt to prove that they meet or exceed the required measurements --90cm 60cm 90 cm. We actually post these numbers right on the TV screen and in the newspaper for the entire country to read and judge.

The contestants accumulate points toward the crown for not only the swimsuit competition, but the traditional costume competition, and the evening gown competition, among others. At least one or two judges are typically foreigners that will have the right "eye" for choosing the girl that will best capture the interest of the foreign audience. I guess that we don't trust our own concept of beauty.

The coronation of Miss Colombia is broadcast live on TV with just about the entire nation glued to their TV sets. The winner will represent Colombia at the Miss Universe pageant and the runner up at the Miss World competition. This TV audience is only rivaled by the one watching the Miss Universe Pageant.

And here is where we fail to realize that with the exception of maybeVenezuela, we are the only country in the world that stays up until midnight or 2 in the morning to find out if we made it to the top five. Most of the time, we go to bed tired and disappointed but ready to try again next year to find the girl that will make the world notice what we have always known -- Colombianas are beautiful!!!

Check out some of the candidates for this year's competition here -- scroll down to vote for your favorite:

http://listas.20minutos.es/?do=show&id=109484

The Zenú (or Sinú) Indians

There are 2 different histories to the Zenú Indians. The first is the pre-hispanic history, which lasted from 300 B.C. to 1500 A.D. Then, there is the modern history and culture of the Zenú. Today, I wish to focus on the modern Zenú, a group of about 52,000 Indians, which lives in the department of Córdoba, along the Sinú river, on a Reservation known as San Andrés de Sotavento.

The history of the Reservation is an interesting one. It was created during the 1700's and in 1773 it was officially recognized by the King of Spain. However, in 1905, the National Constitutional Assembly dissolved it. In 1969, the Zenues began the fight to reestablish the reservation. In 1990, the Reservation was reestablished and then a few years later it was expanded. This, however, did not happen without the deaths of many Zenú leaders.

Now, with the reestablishment of the Reservations, the Zenues are struggling to recapture their native culture despite the loss of their native language about 200 years ago. They have established CABILDOS to rule the reservation.

They have turned to their artisans and most of the economy is based on their famed SOMBRERO VUELTIAO and other similar crafts made with caña flecha. Unfortunately, the over exploitation of the caña flecha is leaving many areas without the needed plant to increase the production of the artesanías.

Additionally, there is an agricultural base to their economy. With agricultural playing such an important roll, in October of 2005, the Zenú declared that their Reservation (where corn and cotton are grown) will be free of any genetically modified seeds. Their hope is maintain 27 species of native corn.

Here are a few videos about the Zenú and their artesanías (in Spanish) but you can see their homes and the countryside:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XznIP3wrgiI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mSo6G_5XmsA&feature=related

Sombrero Vueltiao

Internationally, perhaps one of the most widely recognized symbols of Colombia is the SOMBRERO VUELTIAO. It was also declared a National Symbol of Colombia by an act of Congress (Ley 908 of September 8, 2004).

This beautiful piece of wearable art comes from the Caribbean coast -- specifically the departments of Sucre (capital = Sincelejo) and Córdoba (capital = Montería).


With its origins in the Zenú Indian culture, this hat is made from the leaves of the palm tree called caña flecha. This palm tree grows on the edges of the rivers and swamps on the Atlantic coast. The leaves are dried in the sun -- a process that changes them from green to a light tan color -- and some even change to a near white color. Fibers from the plant are then sorted according to color. The darkest ones are then soaked in a black mud.

Once the fibers are ready, they are braided together using a Zenú technique that dates back more than 1,000 years and originally was used to represent the Zenú beliefs about the universe.

So, you want to buy a sombrero vuelitao, how do you decide which one?

There are different qualities of sombreros vueltiaos. The cheapest and most commonly available hat is the QUINCIANO or the 15. This hat is also considered of the lowest quality. It takes only 3 days to make these hats and they are loosely woven with only 15 double strands of caña flecha.

If you wish to purchase a higher quality hat, you an buy a 19, 21, 23, or 27. However, the hat that is considered of the highest daily use quality is the 21. It can be folded up and will quickly return to its original shape. This is the true test of quality. If you wish to purchase this higher quality hat, you will ask for a VEINTIUNO.

Learn how to make one on this video -- the process starts at about 3 minutes into the video:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ytHIU2YxNbo&feature=related

Photo:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/lastquest/2822905382/sizes/l/

La Familia López's Arroz con Coco

One of the first Colombian dishes I ever tried was Arroz con Coco. I actually tried this dish while living in Toronto, Canada -- five years before I even met my husband. I met a family from Cartagena and they invited me to dinner -- on the menu -- Arroz con Coco. I liked it so much I asked for the recipe. I will now share it with you.

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups of long grain white rice

1 cup of raisins

4 Tablespoons sugar

1 cup butter

Sal to taste

3 cups of coconut milk from a can

2 more cups coconut milk which should be from fresh coconuts that you grate, add a little water, and squeeze out the milk yourself through a strainer . This is called the PRIMERA LECHE.

Step #1

In a pot, put the PRIMERA LECHE and cook until it boils down and turns golden.

Step #2

Add raisins, sugar and a little butter. Mix and add the coconut milk.

Step #3

Bring to a boil and add rice and a pinch of salt. Let the mixture boil down until the grains of rice are just starting to be visible.

Step #4

Turn the heat to its lowest setting, add the rest of the butter to the top, and cover. In about 20 minutes, the rice will be ready. It may be sooner -- just look for it to be dry.

Step #5

EAT!!! YUM!!!

I found a great video showing the process:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=udTClOB9OJ4&feature=related


* Photo
http://www.flickr.com/photos/mewerts/3760021593/

Chicha Caribeña -- Not to Miss Cuisine

While on the Altiplano Cuniboyacense Chicha is a fermented drink, in Cartagena CHICHA is any fruit drink that is NOT fermented. These are like the Liquados of Mexico.

These drinks are available throughout the city and are made with any number of fresh fruits, which are blended with water and sugar. Here is a short list of some of the CHICHA you can try while in Cartagena.

Anón

Cerezas - Cherries

Corozo - a nut from a palm tree

Guanábana

Guyaba - Guava

Mamón or Mamóncillo

Mango

Marañón

Papaya

Piña - Pineapple

Tamarindo -- which is considered the best

Uvita de Playa -- Beach grapes

Zapote

And more

Many of the fruits of Colombia are virtually unknown in the rest of the world, and they are truly delicious. Giving them a whirl is well worth the money and you could try a new one every day!

El Caribe -- The Caribbean Coast

The Atlantic or Caribbean coast of Colombia is called the Caribe region of Colombia. It consists of the following departments: Atlantico, Bolivar, Cesar, Cordoba, Guajira, Magdalena, Sucre, and a small part of the departments of Choco and Antioquia.

The Caribbean is Tierra Caliente at its best. If you can't remember the post about Tierra Fria vs Tierra Caliente -- click here

http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/01/tierra-fra-or-tierra-caliente.html

Most of the stereotypes apply. The Costeños -- as they are called -- are just another word for happy, friendly, party-going people.

The Caribe is very hot and very humid. When picking up your child in this area -- no SUITS or PANTYHOSE are needed. Nice cotton -- docker -type pants and collared shirt for men, summer (modest -- don't wear strapless or spaghetti straps) dresses for women.

If you are in Barranquilla, there is a sight you will not want to miss -- the brand new PARQUE CULTURAL DEL CARIBE, which was inaugurated a little less than a year ago in December 2008 -- there are still phases to be built. Museo del Caribe

The idea for a park that celebrates the culture of Colombia's Atlantic coast was proposed by a few famous Colombians -- including the nobel prize winner Gabriel Garcia Marquez -- in 1998. The complex was designed to revitalize the historic part of Barranquilla. It includes the culture museum (Museo del Caribe), a children's library, a library dedicated to the works of Garica Marquez (Biblioteca Mediteca Macondo), and a public plaza (Plaza Mario Santo Domingo).

The Plaza Mario Santo Domingo has a wonderful play area for children -- perfect for adoptive families!! There are also mist sprayers to help beat the heat.

Eventually, after phase 2 is complete, there will be an art museum and a theater.

Photo:
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/a4/Barranquilla_-_Parque_Cultural_del_Caribe.jpg