Colombian Culture, Colombia Adoption and Raising Colombian Kids

Every year, on one weekend in the month of either May or June, the native Wayúu people in the department of La Guajira hold a celebration of their culture. This year the event will be held this upcoming weekend -- June 3, 4, 5. It is held mainly in Uribia -- the place that is home to the largest gathering of Wayúu in Colombia. The festival began in 1985, and in 2006 it was declared Cultural Heritage of Colombia. The event includes Wayúu: artesanías (handicrafts), food, plays, dances and competitions -- including a story telling competition.

This weekend there is a special celebration to be held in Sibundoy, Putumayo, one that will be declared part of Colombia's national cultural heritage this next year. It is known as the Carnaval del Perdon (Indigenous Carnaval of Forgiveness). The Carnaval includes a parade where the leaders of the tribe are dressed in the traditional poncho called the kusma (or cusma), black pants (traditional) or jeans (modern) and a crown of feathers. The women are dressed in a skirt and blouse made of linen, dyed with a seed called the curiguasca . The blouse is tied at the waist with a large band of colors. All of these clothing items are hand woven by the Kamsá. They, both the men and the women, will also wear numerous necklaces of bright vibrant colors, called chaquiras . Some will also paint their faces with red dots or lines. The parade will also include music made from traditional pan flutes and other instruments, as well as sightings of some of the famous wooden masks made in th...

This comes from my better late than never file. Last week, I forgot to post about an event that is considered an official part of Colombia's Cultural Heritage -- the Corralejas de Sincelejo. For those of you who don't know, Sincelejo is the Capital of the Department of Sucre in the Caribbean region of Colombia. However, don't let the word Caribbean confuse you. Sincelejo is NOT on the Coast. It is located in the interior of the Department on the sweltering plains of Sucre. This part of Colombia is well-known for its cattle. Which leads us nicely, to the Corralejas. The word Corraleja comes from the word Corral -- yep, the round fenced in place where you keep cattle. In this case, it is a round fenced in place with make shift bleachers for the crowd that is going to watch the main event. And what is that event, wait hold on a second, you need some more background. In most of the Spanish speaking world, a Corrida de Toros (Bullfights) is held in a nice stadium with mor...

Last week, Bogotá hosted its 27th annual film festival. It is held around the 1 week of October every year. The competition's main prize is the Círculo Precolombino de Oro . This year, it was awarded to the Colombian film: Retratos en un mar de mentiras (Pictures in a Sea of Lies) by Carlos Gaviria. Having seen the trailer, it looks like a heavy movie with plenty of violence. It is probably not family friendly. However, there are other prizes including prizes for films in 3 different documentary categories: Social issues, Environmental Issues and Art. There is also an award, called the Premio Alexis , for the best Colombian Short film and the best production by someone under 18 years of age. In other Colombian film news, the movie "Vuelco del Cangrejo" was selected as the Colombian entry in the Oscar competition. Here is the trailer once again:

Every year in June, the town of Calarcá, Quindío, hosts the annual YIPAO parade and festival. The term Yipao is actually derived from the English word for JEEP, as the festival pays homeage to the American made Jeep Willys that have become a symbol of the coffee growing region. In the mid 1940's, the first jeeps began to arrive in the region. Originally, they were imported by the Colombian Ministry of Defense, but soon the farmers in the coffee growing region began to purchase them because of the ease with which they traversed the difficult roads in the area. Soon, they were the main source of transportation for all sorts of agricultural products. The festival last for 5 days and culminates in a parade of Willys and a competition. The parade has beeen listed in Guinness as the longest Jeep parade. The competition has several categories and prizes are awarded for: 1. The best transporation of agricultural products. In this category you will see Jeeps loaded with such items as coffe...

Yesterday, the Cartagena Film Festival ( Festival de Cine de Cartagena ) began. This year organizers are celebrating the 50 th anniversary of the Festival, which makes it the oldest continuous festival of its kind in Latin America. * In the 1960's, the Festival was in competition with the festival in Havana. In the 1970's, it hosted many up and coming names and faces. The 1980's proved to be its Golden Years. Unfortunately, the 1990's brought decline to the event and up until 2 years ago, the Festival seemed to be on its last legs, losing prestige to other international and Latino film festivals. Skeptics and critics alike had all but written of the event. However, new leadership is bringing about a change. The movies being shown are now award contenders. Additionally, many homegrown Colombian movies are getting a showing at the Festival. You can read about one here: http://www.eltiempo.com/vidadehoy/ARTICULO-WEB-PLANTILLA_NOTA_INTERIOR-7300044.html For more...

You can read more here in English: http://raisingcolombiankids.blogspot.com/2009/02/carnaval-de-barranquilla.html And here is Spanish: http://www.semana.com/multimedia-vida-moderna/carnaval-infantil-barranquilleros/3036.aspx http://www.eltiempo.com/viajes/colombia/desde-el-sabado-se-prende-la-rumba-en-el-carnaval-de-barranquilla-_7174187-1 http://www.eltiempo.com/carnaval-barranquilla-2010/carnaval-de-barranquilla_7170809-1

What Colombian Feria would be complete without a beauty contest??? NONE!!! So, the Feria of Manizales hosts the International Coffee Queen Competition. The pageant began in 1957 and hosts beauties from many different coffee growing countries. Winners have come from Colombia (of course), as well as Brasil, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Honduras, Costa Rica, amongst others. There are also special invitations for non coffee growing countries, this year Poland and Canada sent contestants. In the past, Germany has sent a contestant and she even won the competition. Here is a link to this year's competition info and winner pictures: http://www.feriademanizales.gov.co/pages/reinadoaldia.aspx Also a link to a News report of the event (in Spanish): http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_c7e20E1i0g Clip art: http://classroomclipart.com/cgi-bin/kids/imageFolio.cgi?search=crown&img=12&cat=&bool=phrase

Okay, so this is yet another late post, but think of all you have to look forward to next January! You could actually make plans to go to Manizales and experience first hand the Feria. In 1951, after the 400th anniversary of the founding of the city, a parade of antique handcarts and several bullfights were organized. It became a popular annual event. Then in 1954, after having seen the Feria in Seville, Spain, Osacar Hoyos Botero decided to try to create something similar in his hometown of Manizales. So, in 1955, the Feria de Manizales as a city sponsored activity was organized. It main feature was and is the the traditional Bullfights. Maestro Bullfighters come from all over America and Spain to participate. There is also a large horse parade (Cabalgata), a traditional Manola, folkloric dancing, fireworks, musical presentations, a trova competition, and of course, a beauty contest. The Feria de Manizales in the 2nd largest celebration in Colombia -- behind the Carnaval de Baranquil...

Okay, so I really meant to post this the first week of January, as the event is held from January 1-6 every year, but the move really threw me for a loop. So, now that this event is over, I'll give you a run down so you can look forward to it for next year. On the Pacific coast of Colombia, there is a unique tradition popular among Afrocolombians. It is called the Balseadas de Santos . The Balseada is actually a procession of canoes, accompanied by a chorus of drums. In the procession, the canoes carry the statues of Catholic saints down the river to where a village or city is located. Then, the canoes come to shore and the statue is carried to the home of a family that has been chosen to sponsor the "partying" all year long. The party then begins. There is marimba music and the woman at the head of the household will begin singing and dancing. The festivities last for several days. These balseadas are held on the Sanquianga river in the cities of Bocas de Satinga, Mulato...

The festival is also known as the Carnaval del Diablo (the Devil's Carnival). It takes place in what today is known as Rio Sucio (Caldas). Originally the area that is now known as Río Sucio was divided into 2 communities -- La Montaña & Quiebralomo. The two communities were strong rivals. They each had their own park, church and priests. The priests were tired of the constant fighting between the two groups and formulated a plan to get the people to be more united. They announced that the Devil would punish anyone who did not join together in unity. Then, they had a large party on Three Kings Day (Reyes Magos). The people did join together and the party proved to be a great success. In time (by 1915), the city adopted the symbol of the Devil as the focus of the festival. The Devil is used to remind the people of the threats made by the priests if community union is broken.

In Wales, there is an annual event which Bill Clinton called the, "Woodstock of the mind." The event is called the Hay Festival of Arts and Letters, established in 1988. Five years ago, Colombia decided to copy the idea and now sponsor the Mapfre Hay Festival in Cartagena. This year the event will be held from January 28-31. Authors from Spain, Colombia and other Spanish speaking countries will present workshop and lectures on all sorts of topics. There are even many workshops for children 8-15 years of age. If you will be in Bogota, you can catch the British author Ian McEwan, in Bogota on Wednesday, January 27th. For tickets, go here: http://www.reservasgematours.com/eventos.php?id=5&categoria=4 http://www.hayfestival.com/cartagena/en-index.aspx?skinid=5

Every year since 1957, Cali has celebrated the Feria de Cana (the Sugar Cane festival) from December 25-30th. The celebrations kick off on Christmas Day with an official parade that starts at 2 pm and runs down the Autopista Sur. Part of the parade includes the Salsodromo, like the Sambadromo of Rio de Janeiro, the Salsodromo is an opportunity for the different Salsa schools to show off their fancy moves. Following the parade, there is a kick off concert (free to the public) where you will hear - what else?? -- SALSA!!! Cali considers itself the World Capital of Salsa!!! This year the concert features Hermes Manyoma. If you won't be able to make the concert, enjoy some of the sounds by clicking here: http://video.aol.co.uk/video-detail/creyendo-en-ti-hermes-manyoma/717232774 The following day, there is a horse parade (cabalgata) and yet another free concert. The next day a parade and concerts. In essence the week is full of dancing and music, parades, bullfights, and competitions. ...

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 22 nd 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 au...

El Festival de la Luna Verde or the Green Moon Festival got its start in 1988, with the 1st annual festival. The Festival was designed to celebrate the Affro Caribbean roots of the islands (San Andres, Santa Catalina and Providencia ). According to an article I read in El Tiempo , the festival is unfortunately no longer held. However, here is what it was like. The party would begin with a parade to all parts of the island, following the roads, accompanied by music. There were marches and dances hearkening back to dances from Ghana and other African places. At night there were music competitions from groups representing European folkloric music like polka and chottis that has influenced the people of the islands. There were also presentations paying homage to the population's African roots. These groups used drums, shells and other native African instruments -- they called this the Congo Meeting. The festival also included musicians from all quarters of the Cari...

In 1790, the governor of the area that is now Huila , declared a special fiesta in Honor of the King of Spain. These fiestas or "La Jura " was required to demonstrate obedience and respect to the King. Originally, the fiestas were to be held for 10 days in the month of June and corresponded with the Día de San Juan (Day of Saint John -- June 24) and that of San Pedro (Saint Peter -- June 29). In centuries past, the Día de San Juan was more celebrated by those in rural areas and the Día de San Pedro by those in the cities. In 1956, the first parade, where people dressed in traditional clothing, was organized. A few years later, in 1960, the first annual Festival Folclorico y Reinado del Bambuco was declared by a city ordinance. The festival includes competitions and prizes for the best musical groups, the best dancers, and the best floats. Of course, as with almost any Colombian festival, there is a beauty pageant where the contestants are each required to dance a ...

In 1648, a group of Franciscan missionaries arrived to the area of what is now Quibdó , Chocó . With them they brought a large statue of San Francisco de Asís . Their mission was to 'civilize' the natives of the region and build new routes for the Gold from Chocó to get to the capitals of the Nuevo Reino de Granada. Shortly after their arrival, they organized a floating parade. A long line of canoes was headed by a canoe bearing the statue of San Francisco de Asís . By 1684, the natives had become restless with the new religion and killed off the missionaries. This might have been the end of the encroachment on the natives for a while, had it not been for the Spanish conquistadors that had moved into the area in 1670, bringing with them a large groups of African slaves who worked to take gold out of the rivers and hills in Chocó . The African slaves in the area took San Francisco de Asís as their patron saint, and he was eventually named the patron saint of Qui...

In 1959, the first Festival Folclorico Colombiano was organized and held in Ibagué, Tolima. The festival is always held in Ibagué in June. This year it celebrated its 50th anniversary. The festival highlights folkloric music, dance, and food from almost every department in Colombia. In adddition, there is a beauty contest. During the week long celebration, there is the Festival de Festivales where a number of folkloric groups display their talents the field of music and dance. The groups invited to present in this mini-festival are typically the most well-known and successful groups in Colombia. Another important feature of the festival is the Desfile de San Juan (Saint John Parade). In the parade there are floats, bands, beauty queens, and the dancing folkloric groups. In addition, there are people dressed as mythical and legendary characters in Colombian history. There is also a Tamal Day (Día del Tamal) where people can try Tamales Tolimenses and any number of native Colombian food...

If you check any Traveller's Guide to Colombia, you will find Villa De Leyva high on the list of NOT TO MISS excursions. Located about 3-4 hours North of Bogotá in the Department of Boyacá , Villa de Leyva is an impressively preserved Spanish Colonial village. The buildings -- mostly over 400 years old -- are immaculately preserved , and as a result, it has been declared a United Nations World Heritage site. Villa de Leyva caters to the tourist. Every time we have visited (4 times) we hear German, French, English, Italian, Swedish and other European and Asian languages being spoken -- not to mention Spanish and Argentine accents. There are beautiful Colonial Hotels and Farms where you can stay and be pampered -- they even have SPAS. Shops with all sorts of art and artisan works line the streets. There are some amazing restaurants and bread stores!!! Even if you don't speak Spanish, check out the pictures of the hotels and farms ( fincas ) on this website -- gives the be...

Perhaps the biggest Semana Santa celebration is in Popayán. Popayán is one of the oldest cities in Colombia, founded in 1537 by Sebastián Belalcázar. Its name, comes from the indigenous words for Two Straw Villages . It referred to the two villages with houses having straw roofs. However, today, it is known as the White City , because of its beautiful white colonial houses. For over 400 years, Popayán has held processions during Holy Week. They are similar to processions held in Spain. These celebrations start on Palm Sunday with a procession that starts at the Basilica de Belén. People participating in the procession carry Palms, white handkerchiefs and flags proclaiming the royalty of Jesus Christ. On Martes Santo (Holy Tuesday), there is another procession where the effigy bearers carry four images from the church of Saint Augustine to the center of the city. Accompanying the procession are the sounds of a solemn requiem. They are met at the church by red-robed men carrying incense...