The typical costumes of the Orinoquía region of Colombia mark a strong sense of belonging of its inhabitants, both to the place and to its tradition. The Orinoquia region, located in the area known as the Eastern Plains of Colombia in the vicinity of the Orinoco River, is made up of wide plains and savannas.
In general, traditional Colombian clothing is very diverse, bright, and eccentric. And it is considered iconic for all of Latin America. Also, the locals keep their traditions and wear popular dresses in everyday life.
The traditional costumes of Colombia are as varied as its climate. Therefore, the locals have their own clothing traditions that suit their surroundings. Those who live on the coast often wear light colorful fabrics, hats, and a large amount of jewelry made from natural materials.
Mountain dwellers prefer ponchos, wide-brimmed hats, and floral motifs on fabrics. People who live in the jungles wear very small garments such as loins and small caps; they also wear jewelry made from available materials.
In this article we will refer to the Orinoquia region, which comprises the eastern region of the country and includes the departments of Arauca, Casanare, Meta and Vichada.
Costumes of the Orinoquía region
This area of Colombia is characterized by the occupation of the locals. Here, people mostly earn their living from livestock.
The work activity conditions the typical clothing of this area, which necessarily becomes simple, convenient and is designed to facilitate tasks but without forgetting aesthetics.
In addition to work garments, there are trappings used by folk dancers, celebrations, and special ceremonies.
Arauca
In this department, as in other parts of Colombia, a daily outfit is usually used for work and another for holidays or rest days. These are called the Sunday suit.
One of those special moments is the joropo dance, in which women wear flowers in their attire and its aroma is of natural fragrances, such as jasmine and basil, among others.
Ribbons, combs, special hairstyles with floral decorations, a tray neck blouse, rings and pendants, complete the ideal outfit for this type of ceremony. On the feet, the typical espadrilles fit the ladies.
Another typical costume of this region is that of the llanero. With light colors, a wide-brimmed hat and a wide sash at the waist, gentlemen attend the celebrations.
The hat is the star garment, some men wear it tied with a scarf around their neck, while women wear it only to travel. The hat makes the ranger.
The Liquiliqui is another typical garment of the area, it is an open shirt in the form of a long-sleeved jacket, with large yellow buttons and pockets at the bottom. It is rectangular in shape and is lined inside with the best possible silk.
Casanare
As in Arauca, this department of the Orinoquia region has its typical costumes with the particularity that they make simplicity their style.
For women, the loose, light-colored robe, adorned with small flowers, is one of the most common options for celebrations.
Some ladies prefer a two-part dress: with skirts and blouse, always loose, in light colors and short sleeves. Espadrilles and jewelry also complete the wardrobe.
In men, the labor need prevails over taste but the Cachicamita is the typical garment. It is a wide shirt, always in light tones, which is combined with a pair of shabby green cloth shorts.
Goal
A very particular outfit appears in this area: the whole dress in brown velvet embroidered with beads, with an otter fur hat and a silk scarf, which is often made by itself.
Although this garment is typical among its inhabitants, many women still prefer the shirt with laces and gold simil buttons, the pants open on the sides and the blue and red bayetón. Flowers on the head adorn the hairstyle.
A similar suit is worn by men, to which they add a silk scarf on the head, and with the difference that the pants are closed but short up to the middle of the leg.
Vichada
In this department the climate conditions clothing. The intense sun in summer and the copious rains in winter require the strict use of a hat.
The men are identified by the use of the wide-brimmed, fine felt hat with an inner band that serves as a hidden pocket.
For work, they wear rolled-up pants and long-sleeved shirts, which protect the skin, and give comfort and freshness.
On the feet, espadrilles always set the trend, but for special parties each worker takes out their carefully polished boots or shoes from the closet.
Among women, colored skirts and blouses with short sleeves, a tray neck and soft tones, are the typical garments. Since they do not wear a hat, they adorn their hairstyle with flowers and ribbons.
In this department, the indigenous people also set clothing trends with the guayuco, which covers them completely. Its peculiarity is that they are made with material that is extracted from a tree called matapalo.