COLOMBIAN TRADITIONS

Valeria Ospina SánchezTenth English2014Celestin Freinet

TYPICAL TRADITIONS OF COLOMBIA

Folklore is the compendium of all the manifestations of popular culture and therefore includes, legends, stories, dances, traditions, music and many different artistic expressions.

Colombia is known for having a rich culture, because in their regions have five distinct sub-cultures crossbred, 87 indigenous ethnic groups that still exist and African descent; among these, the community of San Basilio de Palenque, pure descendant of Africans. There are also Arabs, Jews and Gypsies. In addition to Spanish, 64 indigenous languages are spoken in Colombia, a black tongue (Palenquero) and "Bande", a Creole language derived from English are spoken.

The Colombian folklore is numerous and varied in its manifestations, to the point that each region of the country, has its own folk characteristics.

INTRODUCTION

LOCAL FESTIVALS

 Fairs and carnivals are a long tradition among Colombians (there are over 3,000 festivals).

The most important of these is the Carnival of Barranquilla, which was declared as "Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity" in 2003.

Other notable festivals are the "Carnival of Blacks and Whites," the Manizales fair" the "Flower Fair", the "Folk Festival", "Vallenato Festival" and "Cali´s fair“

There are over a thousand beauty pageants in the country.

India Catalina Awards for film and television is also highlighted.

CRAFTSThe key figure in this field is the "vueltiao hat", which is currently produced in the surrounding towns to Sinu River.

It also highlights the "Hammocks San Jacinto", produced in Bolivar since time immemorial.

Pottery is an ancient practice in Ráquira, Boyacá, and the fabric is typical Nobsa ruanas.

"Molas" are textile art made by the Kuna Indians. The Arhuaca backpacks, Wayuu and Kogi are beautiful handicrafts, also developed by Indians.

GASTRONOMY

As already have mentioned, and as in many other aspects, agricultural production and the food in Colombia vary by region. The typical dish of the capital is "Ajiaco". They are also very traditional in the country "Bandeja Paisa", "Mute", "Pepitoria", "Lechona Tolimense", "Mondongo", "Veal plains", "Mammon", "Cuy" and various preparations of "Sancocho ". Besides coffee, which is the national drink. Colombia is the largest exporter of coffee in the world, and second in terms of quality.

RELIGIOUS TRADITIONS The country is mostly Catholic. In 16

days holidays are celebrated, 12 of which are religious.

The most important events are the celebration of Holy Week and the Feast of San Francisco in the Chocó.

Christmas is lived intensely with the prayer of the advent prayers and the game of "bonuses", accompanied by intense festivities throughout the month of December, as well as lighting candles on December 8 as the day of the Immaculate Conception.

Interestingly, also takes place in Colombia "Carnaval del Diablo" in Riosucio, Caldas.

CONCLUSIONS

Colombia is characterized by an immense cultural diversity, full of festivals, fairs, carnivals, etc.. With which each region has to represent its oldest traditions.

Colombians are people characterized by their kindness and cheerful and party spirit; They are known for their creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Religion is a very influenciante factor in the customs of the country, with large and numerous Catholic feasts throughout the year.