The customs of the Insular Region of Colombia are all those habits acquired by its inhabitants, due to frequent practice. They come from each of your cultural roots.
Customs are forms of behavior that a community assumes and that differentiates it from other communities. Parties, dances, languages, food and crafts are the most common. They are transmitted from generation to generation until they become tradition.
The influence of traditions inherited from indigenous people, Africans, Spanish, English and from countries close to the Colombian insular region, give it its own very varied and rich culture.
5 typical customs of the Insular region of Colombia
The geographical location of the Insular region of Colombia, specifically of the most populated islands that are San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, has had an enormous influence on its culture and customs.
Its proximity to Jamaica, Trinidad and other islands of the Antilles, give it a cultural background that over the years they have adopted as their own. Among their customs are:
The Green Moon Festival
Also known as the Green Moon Festival, it is an annual celebration that takes place on the Island of San Andrés, between the months of September and October. Its duration is one week.
It is a festival in which the African and European ancestry and the influence of the Caribbean are revealed, which are mixed in the Insular region. Its objective is to enhance the native culture and seeks to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood.
Different types of activities are carried out during the day, both academic and sports competitions.
During the nights concerts are held with the most representative artists of the Caribbean traditions such as reggae, calypso, salsa, merengue, mazurka, among others.
Dance and music
The variety of influences and cultures that inhabit the insular region of Colombia, have popularized and taken as their own the calypso, music and dances typical of Jamaica and Trinidad, which came to the region to stay.
It is common to see and hear their music at popular festivals, nightspots, and cultural events.
The same happens with reggae, typical of Jamaica and the Antilles, salsa, merengue, vallenato, mazurka and other musical rhythms.
Languages
Despite the fact that the official language of Colombia is Spanish, on the island of San Andrés most of the population is trilingual.
Spanish is spoken as a native language, English is spoken due to British influence and Creole or Creole English from San Andrés is spoken.
Spanish - English bilingual education is provided in schools. So a tradition of the region is to learn the language to be able to communicate with tourists.
The Rondón
Also known by the English name of Rundown, it is a kind of soup or stew and is the typical dish of the island region, very appetizing and highly valued.
Various types of fish, snails, smoked pork, coconut, coconut milk, yucca, yam, among other ingredients are used for its preparation. It is cooked on a stove and in pots that give it its characteristic flavor.
Handicrafts
In the Insular region there is a typical handicraft, made with different materials such as coconut, totumo, different types of vegetable fibers with which woven vessels and hats are made, and also wood carving.
References
- Cathey, K. (2011). Colombia - Culture Smart !: The Essential Guide to Customs & Culture. Kuperard.
- Herrera-Sobek, M. (2012). Celebrating Latino Folklore: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions: An Encyclopedia of Cultural Traditions. ABC-CLIO.
- Ocampo López, J. (2006). Colombian folklore, customs and traditions. Plaza y Janes Editores Colombia sa
- ProColombia. (sf). FESTIVAL OF THE GREEN MOON, IN SAN ANDRÉS. Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from www.colombia.travel.es
- Wikispaces. (sf). INSULAR REGION CULTURE. Retrieved on October 30, 2017, from www.unidos-por-colombia.wikispaces.com