After many cultural studies, it's shocking that I have yet to make one regarding my heritage country of Colombia. It maybe cause I already know so much about it, just like American or Venezuelan culture. It's part of my upbringing and has always been a part of our family gatherings. But to be quite honest aside from the food, the language, and the soccer team there is still so much to learn about the history and culture of Colombia. I've made a few posts regarding Colombia's Soccer team, Colombian Soccer and Simon Bolivar Spanish Wars of Independence), however not a proper study on their culture and history. The country often gets a bad reputation for it's drug cartels, crime, and political insurgency. However it is also rich with culture and passion, devout Catholicism, unique diversity of mixed races, great coffee and great cuisine.
I've always intended to make this cultural study, but I guess I've been waiting for something to inspire me. Well that time has finally come as I read the iconic work of literature by Gabriel Garcia Marquez,
100 Years of Solitude. I decided to take on this book, a few months ago during my Euro Trip in Stavanger, Norway. One night at a bar I had a long conversation with an American who would not stop raving about the writings of Marquez. So after finishing a few other books I bought both of his most famous novels,
100 Years of Solitude and
Love in a Time of Cholera. I'm about half way thru the book and can honestly say I have mixed feelings but will later share a full review in a separate post. I first stumbled upon the significance of Gabriel Garcia Marquez when I went thru a literature phase in 2019. I discovered that his two books are considered among the greatest works of literature. Having won the Noble Prize he is truly the pride of Colombia and often considered the greatest Latin American author aside Pablo Neruda or Jorge Luis Borges.
In 100 Years of Solitude, Marquez has clearly captured the essence of Colombian culture. I've come to understand that Colombia culture is quite similar to Venezuelan culture. My grandma was born in Colombia and my mom was born in Colombia, and she later moved to Venezuela as a young kid. I visited Venezuela a few times as a kid, the last time being in 1999 and had a very good time but have still yet to visit Colombia. I am a huge fan of their soccer team, the coffee, the food, the beautiful women, the climate, and the geography. But I still have so much to learn regarding their history, art, architecture, and other cultural items. So here I will finally make a full study of Colombian culture, a nation that is very much on my bucket list.
Colombian History
It is believed that present day Colombia was inhabited by indigenous people as far back as 15,000 years ago. This is many thousands of years after North America and Central America considering they journeyed southward from the Beringia bridge (Russia and Canada). The land of Colombia was essentially the doorway into the bulk of land that would become known as South America. The region of Colombia was inhabited along the Magdalena River by many various indigenous tribes such as the Muisca, Tibito, Wayuu, and Zenu. By around 10,000 BC the location of present day Bogota became a busy region of trade and civilization.
From 5000-1000 BC these tribes spread throughout the land of Colombia improving their tools, hunting, farming, and political systems. One of the most organized tribes of this time was the Muisca Confederation, who had a tribe that rivaled the system of the Incas. However there never was a military dominant power in the Colombian Region such as the Incas of Peru or the Aztecs and Mayans in Mexico. For the most part there were 87 indigenous tribes in Colombia that lived rather peacefully until the Spanish discovery in 1499.
Just like the Native Americans were conquered in the north it was the same scenario for the Central and Southern ingenious tribes. The British in North America were at least a bit more civil than the Spanish conquistadors of Latin America. The most significant Spanish conquest of the pre-Colombian age occurred in 1538 where Gonzalo de Quesada conquered the Muisca warriors of Tisquesusa. From this point on the capital city of Bogota was founded by the Spanish and they became obsessed with legends of a golden city known as El Dorado. From this point on Colombia became a colony of the Spanish Empire, just as most of South America was. from 1717-1822, they were a part of the Viceroyalty of New Granada which included Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama.
Following in the footsteps of the United States, the South American fight for independence officially began with a declaration of independence in 1810. The revolution was led by Simon Bolivar who initiated military campaigns all throughout the region of New Granada. His first major victory came at the Battle of Boyaca in 1819, where he was able to liberate the Colombian region. He then led successful campaigns in Venezuela, Panama, Bolivia, Ecuador, and Peru. By defeating the Spanish Empire he established a new state known as Gran Colombia in 1821.
The region of Gran Colombia quickly became a rising world power however did not last long due to differences between revolutionary leaders Bolivar and Francisco de Paula Santander. By 1831 the state broke up into smaller states, Venezuela, Ecuador, and Colombia and Panama became the Republic of New Granada. Santander known as the "Man of the Laws" was the nation's first president from 1832-1837. Following the deaths of Bolivar and Santander, Colombia became divided by their political ideologies. Bolivar's party were known as the Conservatives and favored a centralized government in accordance with the Catholic Church. While Santander's party was the liberals which wanted a smaller government and seperated from the church.
After years of civil dispute, in 1863 the Republic of New Granada restructured it's government to become known as the United States of Colombia. This was later replaced in 1886 to it's present day Republic of Colombia. However the civil conflict continued to escalate and reached a boiling point during the Thousand Years War from 1899-1902 (between the Conservatives and the Liberals). It was the bloodiest war in Colombian history, resulting in over 150,000 deaths. The Conservatives managed to sustain their control of the government, however the civil war led to great economic losses for Colombia as well as the separation of Panama.
Despite the conservative victory, the political tension resumed well into the 20th century. After the assassination of prominent liberal leader Jorge Eliecer Gaitan in 1948 a new civil war ensued known as La Violencia. The led to rioting in the streets of Bogota, as well as a ten year long conflict that resulted in 200,000 Colombian deaths. By 1956 a truce was agreed upon by both sides and they established the National Front as a way to rotate the presidency every four years. This system lasted for four presidencies from 1958-1974, however continued Communist insurgency led to it's demise. Supported by Cuba and Russia many Colombian guerilla organizations were established during the 70s such as the 19th of April Movement, the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), and the National Liberation Army (ELN).
Aside from it's ongoing guerilla movements, Colombia suffered another major problem in the 1970s with the boom of drug trafficking. Drug cartels had established all throughout Colombia to produce, distribute, and sell illegal drugs such as marijuana and cocaine. These drug lords became very powerful throughout Colombia, and used violence and terrorism as a means to push back against the government. One of the most famous of these drug lords was Pablo Escobar, who had become one of the richest men in the world from the 1980s-1990s thru his Medellin Cartel. By the 2000s the drug lords and the guerilla organizations had lost much of their influence, however they still remain in tact to this day. Colombia currently has a functioning democratic government, but is still a work in progress amidst much political tension and crime.
Colombian Folklore
I believe a culture is best understood thru it's folklore whether that be an ancient myth, song, tale, or legend. The folklore of Colombia is shared with much of the upper region of South America as well as Latin America. For me the first one that jumps out is the tale of El Dorado. This legend of a city of gold and treasure first emerged from the Muisca tribes near Bogota. The Spanish conquistadors went on many missions in search for this lost city of gold. The tale expanded from a king, to a city, to a lost empire and it's location was searched all throughout Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, and Guyana. The mysterious treasure was of course never found after countless expeditions.
There are many Colombian spirits and creatures in their folklore such as the mysterious vampire-like Tunda or the Patasola who seduce and kill men voyaging thru the jungles. Other monstrous creatures include the borano (the pale one), el pollo maligno (the evil chicken), or the hombre caiman (alligator-man). Other spirits include the Moan (that dwells in the forest), La Mojana (shapeshifting mother of the water), and the Madremonte (mother of nature) with her glowing eyes and plants as hair. Many of these creatures and legends are best demonstrated in Colombia's largest festival, the Carnival de Barranquilla.
Colombian Literature
The inspiration of Colombian culture for me was derived from reading the works of Gabriel Garcia Marquez. He is without question the most famous Colombian author as well as the most famous Latin American author. His two greatest works are 100 Years of Solitude and Love in a Time of Cholera that later garnished him with a Nobel Prize in 1982. He incorporated an original style of magical-realism, which had a real setting with subtle magical elements. Much of his inspiration came from his home town of Aracataca, which was the basis of his fictional town known as Maconda. Marquez embraced the leftist/anti-imperial views of the 1950s/1960s while also embracing Colombia's history, culture, and it's geography. Some common themes in his books are that of isolation, violence (as demonstrated in Colombia's civil wars), and the imaginary location of Maconda.
Colombian Architecture and Sites
There aren't too many architectural sites that jump out at me for Colombia, aside from one; Las Lajas Shrine. I've often seen this beautiful cathedral in pictures and it appears like something right out of a fairy tale. It's built on a mountain and a bridge, sitting in a canyon that is overlooking a river. It was completed in 1949 and remains one of Colombia's most iconic Catholic churches. Another iconic church with quite unique architecture is the Jesus of Nazareth Church in Medellin. The cities of Cartagena and Medillin are loaded with old cultural architecture. Famous geographical sites include the colorful Cano Cristales, La Tatacoa Desert, and the underground Salt Cathedral of Zipaquira located in the mines.
Colombian Art
One of the most famous Colombian artists is Fernando Botero. He has a trademark style in his paintings and sculptors which often depict human figures in an obese form. This is often done as a humorous satirical sense or sometimes a critical sense. His painting that I am most familiar is the assassination of Pablo Escobar. He is many art and sculptors located in his hometown of Medellin, as wall as all around the world in prominent plazas in Paris, Barcelona, and New York City. Another significant painter who arose during Colmbia's artistic renaissance in the 1950s was Alejandro Obregon. He was a painter, muralist, engraver, sculptor known for his abstract/cubism style often depicting the cruel violence of the civil wars. Many of his murals are scattered throughout Colombia, notably in the city of Baranquilla.
Colombia Sports
I became a huge fun of Colombia's soccer team at the 2014 World Cup, where James Rodriguez carried them into the quarterfinals. With the support of other stars like Radamel Falcao, Juan Cuadrado, and David Ospina they have recently become a were rounded team. They made it to the Round of 16 at the 2018 World Cup but lost to England. Unfortaunyl they just missed qualifications for the 2022 World Cup. One of their most iconic soccer stars is Carlos Valderamma, well known for his large blonde afro. While soccer is by far their most popular sport they've also had some global success in the sports of cycling and boxing. One of their best Olympic performers is triple-jumper Caterine Ibarguen who won gold at the Rio Olympics in 2016 and silver at the London Olympics 2012.
Colombian Music
Just like most of South America Colombia is well known for their rhythmic salsa, merengue, and cumbia music. This is dance music carried by heavy drums and elements of jazz and mambo. Another popular genre is the folk music born in the valleys known as Vallento, which has heavy accordion elements. The caja is a popular instrument which is essentially a drum that people sit on while they play. Colombia also has a wide array of modern popular genres such as rock, jazz, classical, and pop. One of the most famous musicians to come from Colombia, is the pop/rock artist Shakira. With her catchy Latin tunes and hip shaking she has established a very original and popular style. She has many hits including several World Cup songs and even performed at the Super Bowl a few years ago.
Colombian Cuisine
Having grown up in a Latin house hould I am quite familiar with the common Colombia dishes which are similar to the Venezuelan ones. Some of the staples include arepas, fried plantains (called platanos), empanadas, carne asada, with rice and beans as typical sides. The arepa is like a sandwich in south America made up of maize dough, and served with many varieties of meats, cheese, or veggies. Some common Colombian dishes include carne con coco, arroz con pollo, Bandeja Paisa, mondongo soup, and sancocho soup. Popular desserts include arroz con leche, pan con guava, flan, and majarete. They are of course best known for their rich coffee (and are 3rd in the world in production behind Brazil and Vietnam). The region of Paisa is the center of coffee production often symbolized with their iconic character of Juan Valdez. Other popular drinks include the hard liquor Aguardiente, cholado (fruit and condensed milk), and champus (maize, fruits, and cane sugar).
Movies set in Colombia
- Encanto (2021): It tells the story of a magical family set in a small village of Colombia. Produced by Walt Disney is has groundbreaking animation with many catchy songs. The film was a huge success and won the Oscar for best animated picture. Upon reading Gabriel Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude, I now believe his book was very much the influence of this film. It pertains to family, culture, yet also written with Marquez's style of magical-realism. It's one of the few popular movies to portray Colombia in a positive light.
- Maria Full of Grace (2004): Tells the story of a young 17 year old woman who traffics drugs from Bogota to New York City by swallowing wrapped pellets. The lead actress Catalina Sandino Moreno was nominated for an Oscar.
- Romancing the Stone (1984): An American movie directed by Robert Zemeckis starring Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. The story is an adventure film, where a woman journeys to Colombia to save her sister prom a group of pirates searching for treasure. I thought the film was rather dull, however it holds a high approval rating and was even nominated for an Oscar in editing. The film's success opened the door for Zemeckis to take on his even more ambitious project of Back to the Future.
- Blow (2001): Starring Johnny Depp and Penelope Cruz, the story takes place in 1980s America. It is based on the true story of George Jung who becomes a wealthy drug dealer and trafficker. He journeys to Colombia various times to establish a solid smuggling partnership where he eventually meets Pablo Escobar. The film received mixed reviews but I enjoyed it.
- Colombiana (2011): Starring the sexy Zoe Saldana it pertains to an assassin seeking revenge for the murder of her family. At the young age of nine she witnesses her family killed in Bogota, Colombia then escapes to hide in America. She becomes a deadly killer often leaving a signature orchid at the scene of her crimes. I enjoyed this action film, mostly because of Zoe Saldana, however it is yet again another violence portrayal of Colombia.
- Loving Pablo (2017): Starring Javier Bardem as Pablo Escobar and Penelope Cruz as the TV journalist Virginia Vallejo. The movie pertains to the romantic relationship the two had during the 1980s. I have yet to see the film, but enjoy both actors and they obviously have a great screen dynamic since they are married in real life.
- Escobar: Paradise Lost (2014): This time Benecio del Toro portrays the iconic drug lord Pablo Escobar. The film pertains to young romance and the complications that arise to association with Escobar. I saw this film and can honestly say I was not very drawn in by it.
- Narcos (2015-2017): Without question the penultimate portrayal of Pablo Escobar and his Medellin Cartel. Produced by Netflix, the drama series consists of three seasons and 30 episodes. It was a very well done show, mostly set in Colombia with great writing and acting. The lead role of Escobar was played by Wagner Moura, who was nominated for a Golden Globe for his portrayal.
