One of the main reasons why most people visit Colombia is to see and enjoy the beaches, the mountains, the incredible landscapes and everything that it has to offer throughout its country, such as the natural attractions. However, this is not the only thing that Colombia offers you. There are things that are less obvious but that are just as real as is its wonderful culture, its people and the Colombian customs
When you travel to Colombia you will find customs in society, where the local way of life is familiar, refreshing, different ... and where you will feel as if you were at home in any of its corners. Although this may shock a bit considering the many contradictions that you can also find in your local society.
Today I want to talk to you about Colombian customs and traditions of Colombia, so that you can get a better idea of how they live and thus, if you decide to visit this wonderful country, you can enjoy even more everything they have to offer. In knowledge is understanding.
An optimistic place
One of the first customs in Colombia that you should keep in mind is that Colombian people are open and outgoing people, much more than European or North American people. As a result, they are fun loving people who they are kind and even a little carefree when compared to other types of thinking.
Colombia is one of the happiest and most optimistic countries in the world. The enjoyment of life is easily seen thanks to dancing, partying or whatever they do at any time. The nightlife defines them as well as the parties of any social celebration.
National positivity
Another of the Colombian customs that you can see is that there is a widespread and intense patriotism among the Colombian population. There is a general rule, where in most places they prefer to avoid conversations about negative aspects of their politics and society. They prefer to focus on the more cheerful aspects of the environment.
In addition, they are people who are very proud of their gastronomy, their climate, music, culture and places of tourist interest. Colombians often tell how even the language they speak is the finest in the world and are very proud of it.
Such is the level of Colombian pride that many people feel a certain rivalry between cities and regions of Colombia over which is the area of the country where the best food is, where there is a more pleasant climate or where people are more friendly. This can be somewhat shocking in a country where patriotism is so high.
Family and family life
Although in many parts of the country they are increasingly modern, the national culture preserves many traditional elements. One of the main areas where this is true is particularly in the strength of family ties and the persistence of traditional household roles. Throughout the country, the central bloc of society continues to be the family, both in its immediate and extended form.
For Colombians, the best way to live everyday life is by interacting with their relatives. Family gatherings and social events are regular, and will always prioritize family over friends. This can be difficult for foreign people who want to integrate into Colombian life.
The strength of family ties means that younger generations tend to continue living in the family home until they are married and will always spend their free time with their parents and relatives.
As social structures change, There has been little change in the traditional roles assumed by men and women in Colombian households. For them, the normal thing is that the man works and earns money to cover the family's expenses and that the woman takes care of the housework and childcare, financially dependent on her husband. It is not difficult to find men who barely know how to cook or who are not able to complete a weekly shopping without help.
Religion in Colombia
Along with family values, there is another very important influence on Colombian culture and that is religion. According to the surveys, 98% of the Colombian population believes in God, and two thirds identify as Catholic.
Religion is reflected in its language in Colombian customs and in everyday life. If you travel to Colombia you will be able to hear phrases like: 'If God wants', 'May God bless you', 'Thank God', etc.
But despite having a strong link with religion and Christian morality, at the same time you can meet people who are not faithful to their women or who have vices. There are people who find in religious practice a form of control over their regrets.
Other Colombian customs
Way of being
There is a magnificent historical and cultural heritage of Colombia that will attract tourists from all over the world. Many travel agencies offer cheap returns to Bogotá among other cities in the country. Tourists usually say that Colombian people are happy, that they like to talk and that they are not usually punctual as they are carefree. It depends on the areas of the country, you can also find more reserved people than others.
Gastronomy
If we talk about Colombian customs in the culinary field, the typical gastronomy of the country is based on the agricultural products of its lands, highlighting especially tamales, rice, fruits and other food products. If you want to learn more about typical dishes of the Andean region, click on the link that we just left you.
Party and events
Colombians, as I said above, really like to party and dance. The Colombian cumbia is very famous and plays a leading role in most family parties, where the ultimate purpose is to have fun and enjoy. The typical Colombian costume it is also worthy of admiration.
If you travel to Colombia, travelers will be able to acquire many varieties of imitations and replicas of indigenous figures that are part of its rich historical heritage. In the smaller towns you can find interesting pottery, goldsmith, basketry and also wonderful and unique handicrafts.
Did you know all these Colombian customs? Is there any other Colombian custom that you want to add to what we have already discussed? Tell us about your experience.