FOLKLORE OF THE INSULAR REGION OF COLOMBIA - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The folklore of the insular region of Colombia refers to the traditions, customs, beliefs and all means of cultural expression that distinguish it from other regions.

The Colombian insular region is made up of oceanic islands (Pacific Ocean) and continental islands (Caribbean Sea). The oceanic type islands are the island of Gorgona, Gorgonilla and the volcanic island of Malpelo.

Typical musical group of the Insular region

The continental ones are those belonging to the archipelago of San Andrés, Santa Catalina and Providencia.

Folklore of the insular region of Colombia

The region in general has common folk elements such as: its beliefs and legends, gastronomy, festivities, traditional music and typical dances.

However, due to the diversity of cultures that have influenced them throughout their history, each subregion has its own characteristics.

The oceanic islands have been marked by Afro-Colombian cultural influence, while the continental islands by the Antillean and Jamaican cultures.

Beliefs and legends

The inhabitants of the Colombian insular region have deep-rooted beliefs related to mysterious things or beings, which are an important part of their folk heritage:

-The Rolling Calf: a mythological diabolical animal that, enveloped in flames and giving off the smell of sulfur, roams the island streets.

- Buoca: is the word with which children are frightened, alluding to a mysterious and dark being.

- Duppy: it is the spirit of the dead, which is believed to appear at night, in dreams and in lonely places.

Gastronomy

The typical dishes of the region are made from fish, shellfish and mollusks, which are served with coconut, bananas and yucca.

The most representative dish is the rondón, a pan of fish and snails that is prepared in coconut milk and served with yucca.

Other dishes use ingredients typical of the region such as avocado, mango and yams.

Festivities

Some of the main festivities are:

- The Green Moon Festival

In this recent festival, the history of the islands belonging to the San Andres region is represented.

Walking the streets of the island, the dealers pay homage to the indigenous people who inhabited it.

They also commemorate the colonization that brought with it the presence of Africans in their plantations.

- The coconut carnival

From November 27 to 30, the coconut carnival takes place in the celebration of the Saint Andrew's day.

During the festival the reign of the coconut takes place, a contest in which other neighboring islands and countries on the Atlantic coast participate.

Music

Traditional island music is one of the folklore features that show the marked cultural syncretism of the region.

As a result of the appearance of the Caribbean brushstroke, the Antillean rhythms were incorporated which, fused to the originals, gave rise to a very characteristic and own style.

This style includes the mixing of rhythms such as polka, waltz, mazurka, fox trot, ragga, socca, calypso, schottische, corridor, and mentó.

The island's musical richness is complemented by religious music, which is performed on the organ and sung out loud.

Costume

The typical insular female costume is very showy and colorful. It consists of a white blouse with long sleeves and a high neck, a long red skirt and handkerchiefs of various colors adorning the hairstyle.

The men's suit is more conservative, it is made up of a white shirt, long gray, cream or black pants and black shoes.

References

1. Cathey, K. (2011). Colombia - Culture Smart! The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture. Kuperard.
2. Gutierrez, H. (nd). Island region. Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from: jimcontent.com.
3. Mow, J. (sf) The Potentialities of the Native Culture of San Andrés, Old Providence and Santa Catalina to Contribute to the Development of the Insular and Colombian Society.
4. Ocampo, J. (1985). The festivals and folklore in Colombia. El Áncora Editores.
5. Island region. (sf). Retrieved on December 19, 2017 from: colombiapatrimoniocultural.wordpress.com.