Colombia: Here Are 5 Aspects of Colombian Culture That We Love

Colombia may be the second-largest Spanish-speaking country in the world, but it's also a melting pot of Ethnic, Latin American, European, and African cultures.

Its diversity adds to its uniqueness in Latin America, with a rich tradition that stems from the varied backgrounds of the people living there.

The country welcomes the new yet also still embraces old traditions. According to Don Quijote, like most of South America, it's largely Catholic, with 90% of the population identifying themselves as such.

This also plays a huge role in its culture, as many customs are built around Catholic traditions. Many of its holidays are also religious, and of course, Colombia has its unique Christmas tradition like many Latin countries.

Colombia: 5 Colombian Cultural Aspects That We Love

Let's take a look at five of Colombia's many cultural aspects that have made itself known to the world.

Cultural Diversity

Colombia is a melting pot. All the diverse cultures and people that make up the country have learned to co-exist and cross-pollinated with one another. According to Every Culture, when Spain colonized the country, like most South American nations, Colombians embraced Spanish culture and made it their own.

But rather than having one common culture, the country's different regions have developed their own distinct regional cultures. With the slave trade and the arrival of foreigners such as Europeans, Indians, and people from the Caribbean, more and more influences intermingle with an already unique culture.

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Colombian Coffee

Saying Colombian coffee is legendary would be an understatement. The country is one of the biggest coffee producers on Earth, and Colombian coffee is known as one of the best.

In fact, UNESCO describes that coffee has affected the country's cultural landscape. It says Colombia is an "exceptional example of a sustainable and productive cultural landscape that is unique and representative of a tradition that is a strong symbol for coffee growing areas worldwide."

Colombian Food

Of course, there is also Colombian food. Because the country is a melting pot of diverse cultures, it has made Colombian food unique in Latin America.

From their world-famous empanadas and arepas to beloved desserts like chocolate santafereño and natilla, Colombian cuisine is a great way to enjoy the country's culture.

El Paseo de Olla

El Paseo de Olla, or pot gathering, is an important custom or tradition in Colombian culture, according to Colombia.co. It is a social affair, as families gather beside a local river to cook and eat the traditional Colombian dish: sancocho.

Sancocho is a stew with a variety of meat like pork, chicken, and beef, as well as vegetables, potatoes, and spices. It is usually served with rice and avocado.

Colombians usually do this as part of celebrations, special occasions, or any excuse to gather and eat a warm, delicious stew on top of the fire.

Colombian Music

Like its culture, Colombian music takes influences from Africa, Spain, and other parts of Latin America. The country itself is a musical powerhouse and has produced some of the most unique music on Earth.

Cumbia has gained worldwide popularity as a music style, and it originated in Colombia. Its musical culture has even gained acclaimed overseas, with the Latin Grammy Award that Cumbia, along with fellow-Colombian music genre Vallenato, have their own categories.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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