THE TYPICAL COSTUMES OF THE INSULAR REGION (MEN AND WOMEN) - CULTURE VOCABULARY - 2025

The typical costumes of the insular region of Colombia are those that are traditionally worn in the group of marine islands located on the Caribbean Sea and the Pacific Ocean. These islands include San Andrés y Providencia, the Rosario Islands, and the San Bernardo del Viento Islands in the Caribbean. In the Pacific Ocean are Malpelo and Gorgona Island.

Unlike other regions of Colombia, the insular region does not have a strong cultural tradition. This is due to the multiple cultural mixes and changes that each of the islands has undergone throughout history. In this way, it is unusual to find island inhabitants who have been on them for more than a century.

Typical dance of San Andrés.

Thus, determining a typical costume type for this region can be confusing. However, there is a broad cultural influence of the inhabitants of the Caribbean and Pacific Regions of Colombia, along with cultural traditions derived from the Netherlands Antilles and some groups of Anglo-Saxon tradition.

The insular region of Colombia is the one that occupies the smallest extension of land within the country, however, it is one of those that boasts the greatest cultural diversity thanks to its vast history.

In the same way, it is characterized by having fresh typical costumes, defined by the warm climatic conditions of the region with some rainy seasons.

The typical costumes of the insular region of Colombia are usually worn by its inhabitants during special dates and celebrations. Its history dates back to the beginning of the last century and since then, its use has become customary for social, public or religious events.

Clothing in the Insular Region for Women

In general, the typical costume of the women who live in the insular region of Colombia is characterized by having a white blouse, high neck and long sleeves.

This blouse can be trimmed or trimmed to match a traditional skirt that is worn at the waist and covers the hips and legs to the ankles.

Head accessories such as scarves or ribbons are commonly added to this outfit. It is important to note that, despite the blouse being white, the rest of the clothing is usually colorful, striking and made of light textiles.

Caribbean Islands

In the islands located in the Caribbean Sea of ​​Colombia, such as San Andrés and Providencia, San Bernardo del Viento, the Rosario Islands and Santa Catalina Island, it is common to see that the typical costume worn by women consists of a blouse White with three-quarter length sleeves, with a high neck and loaded with decorative lace.

On the other hand, they wear a wide skirt that goes down to the ankle, with a slightly more subtle color and silk ties or ribbons that allow it to be tied at the waist.

Under the skirts, the women wear petticoats that are in turn decorated with lace, ribbons, and ornaments.

These wide petticoats cover trouser-type breeches that go down to the middle of the leg. The shoes are closed and have a small heel, in most cases, black.

Hairstyles

Although it is not considered a garment, the hairstyle is a highly important element that accompanies the typical costumes of women in the island region.

This is because most of the population in this region is Afro-descendant and has cultural traditions highly influenced by North American fashion from the mid-20th century, and by Jamaican and Panamanian trends.

The hairstyle, within the Colombian island culture, speaks of personal presentation. Therefore, within the higher social circles of this region of the country, it is not uncommon to find women who wear their hair in a bun or "bun" to attend certain religious celebrations or social events.

Many of the names and styles of these hairstyles are derived from the Creole or Creole tradition of the region.

Clothing in the Caribbean Region for Men

In general terms, the typical costume that men wear in the insular region of Colombia also consists of a white shirt, which contrasts with pants that are generally gray, cream or black, and are accompanied by black closed shoes.

The typical costume of men and women in this region is strongly influenced by Dutch, British and African American cultures.

It can also be defined many times in relation to different popular dances, so it must be cool and comfortable.

Caribbean Islands

The men who inhabit the islands located in the Caribbean Sea of ​​Colombia wear a typical suit of a muted and neutral color. They wear more elegant clothes that match a tradition alien to the usual Caribbean folklore.

Therefore, it is common to see that for special celebrations, social events and religious festivals, men wear a black tail coat.

Similarly, they wear a bowtie, a jacket, straps or suspenders, a white shirt that contrasts with the black jacket, and black, gray or in some cases, cream pants.

Men's shoes, like women's shoes, are closed and black.

Pacific islands

The typical costumes of the islands located in the Pacific Ocean of Colombia are highly influenced by the climate and history of the area. Many immigrants from Africa came to these islands and created their communities.

Therefore, the folklore and typical costumes found on these islands are usually made of natural materials and colorful textiles, printed with patterns and flowers.

Men usually wear light clothing and sandals with soles made of natural fibers. The women have bows, and decorative elements that go with the other garments of their suit.

The skirts worn by women, like the Caribbean islands, range from the waist to the ankle. Here it is usual to see men wearing hats.

References

1. (2017). Every Culture. Obtained from Colombia: everyculture.com.
2. (March 31, 2015). Colombia.co. Obtained from Get to know Colombia's beautiful and varied traditional clothing: colombia.co.
3. Condra, J. (2013). Encyclopedia of National Dress: Traditional Clothing Around the World. Santa Barbara: ABC Clio.
4. Fernández, S. (2017). Jet trip. Obtained from Typical Costumes of the Caribbean Region (Colombia): viajejet.com.
5. National Clothing. (March 9, 2016). Obtained from Traditional clothing of Colombia. Diverse climate conditions influence the fashion: nationalclothing.org.
6. (2017). SINIC. Obtained from Costume - ARCHIPIÉLAGO DE SAN ANDRÉS, PROVIDENCIA AND SANTA CATALINA: sinic.gov.co.