Colombia is a country that is located in South America along the coastlines of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Much of the culture practiced in this country can be traced back to Spain following the Spanish invasion during the colonial times. It is for this reason that the national language of this country is Spanish, and their religious affiliation is Roman Catholic. Its capital city is Bogota. Even so, there are a few indigenous languages spoken by indigenous people found around the Amazonian basin, but English is also used in the major cities. Culture here is rich and diverse because much of the population is consisting of a mixed Spanish and native South American ancestry, a small percentage of unmixed European descent, a mixed black and white ancestry, blacks, native Americans and others of mixed race (Stressguth 2004). The country has a very rich culture and proud itself as the home of a rich past that has brought together people from all other continents.
There are several aspects of Colombian culture, and one of them is art. Colombian art is made up of sculptures, paintings, modern- day theater and film and many other art forms. In the past, art was determined by raw materials that are used. But of importance is that stonework and pottery from a fundamental part of Colombian sculpture. Paintings, on the other hand, have been profoundly influenced by the colonial and Baroque eras. To this day, Colombian art forms that were influenced by the medieval and renaissance times are used, and they always feature emotionalism and broad gestures (Cathey 2011). Colombian literature can be traced to the arrival of the Spanish it has an enormous European influence. But all the same, just like every other form of art Colombian literature reflects an enormous cultural influence from the locals
When it comes to etiquette, the culture of the Colombian people has to reflect everything people do from greetings to gift giving. For instance, when men shake hands, they hold a direct eye contact, but when it is between a man and a woman, he woman will not look at the man in the eyes. And, there are different greetings that are said depending on the time of the day. For example, in the afternoon the greeting is “buenas tarde” and in the evening they say Buernas noches” (Williams 1999). When people are close to each other, men can embrace each other and tap the upper part of the back. Women on the other hand kiss each other once on the cheek. They give each other gifts that may be considered weird in mainstream society. For instance, when visiting a Colombian home for the first time, one has to bring with them a fruit, potted plant and chocolates (Cathey 2011).
Colombians celebrate a wide range of celebrations and carnivals that are normally accompanied by music. Any culture in existence uses music as a way of expressing its beauty. In Colombia, there are different genres of music that have been influenced by the rich cultural heritage of the Colombian people. Normally, there are special events, carnivals and fairs such as Cali Fair that is held in December, the flower parade as well as black and white fiestas. Legendary creatureS also parade at these celebrations. No celebration of such festival will go down without songs that form part of the celebrations. Traditional folk tales are also told orally from one generation to another.
The Colombian cuisine is a reflection of European styles of cooking that as primarily Spanish. The most favorite dish loved by many across the country is comprised of grilled beef and chicken, sausages with potatoes. The staple food comes from tubers and meat. In as much as there are regional differences when it comes to food, much of the influence when it comes to eating comes from the economic standings of every family. During holidays and celebrations, specialties such as ajiaco, pasteles, arepa, sancocho and aguardiente are prepared (Buttner de Baquero 2000).
In as much as Colombians have stuck to their traditions and culture, there is an enormous influence from the outside world that is mainly attributed to media. For instance, the younger generation is getting more exposed to popular culture through social media. Young people have a tendency of copying things they see and deem good (Stressguth 2004). It is not any different in Colombia, because as time goes by, more and more people get exposed to things happening around the world and copy them. Change is inevitable, and it is not surprising that some cultural customs of the Colombians will be long gone. The power of media has made the people see what is going on around the world and more so popular culture that are taking up the whole world every other day. Nevertheless, it is evident that Colombia is one country that is diverse and has people from all races living there. As seen in their different cultural practices that define the country, the people still hold on to their establishing customs that they have practiced for the longest time
References
Buttner de Baquero, I. (2000). Colombia, Economy, Culture, Science, Environment. 4/e. London: Bancoldex . Print
Cathey, K. (2011). Colombia- Culture Smart!: The essential Guide to Customs and Culture. London: Kuperard Publishers
Stressguth, T. (2004). Colombia in Pictures. Minneapolis: Twenty- First Century Books. Print
Williams, R. (1999). Culture and Customs of Colombia. Santa Barbara: Greenwood Press. Print
