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Colombia is rich with cultural traditions related to its native Indian populations, Spanish explorers, and the African slaves the Europeans brought with them.
Music, in particular, plays a big role in Colombian life. You’re likely to hear the enthusiastic vallenato music played with an accordion, often accompanying salsa dancing in the Pacific region. On the Carribbean coast, you’re more likely to hear Cumbia (derived from the African word, Cumbe, which means celebration).
Dance is also very important to Colombians. The two most popular are salsa and a traditional Colombian dance known as El Mapale, which is named after a fish said to resemble the fast twitching movements of the dance. El Mapale was originated by slaves who were brought to the shores of Colombia by settlers. In Cartagena, you might see a loose circle of fast-moving El Mapale dancers shuddering to rhythmic drums, clapping their hands and chanting energetically.
Phrases
If you sponsor a child in Colombia, you might have occasion to use the following phrases:
“Hola” – (Hello)
“Gracias” – (Thank you)
“De nada” – (You’re welcome)
“Chao” – (Bye)
“Feliz cumpleaños” – (Happy birthday)
“Feliz Navidad” – (Merry Christmas)
Did you know?
- Colombia is the beauty contest capital of the world, holding more than 100 such contests each year.
- Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez was born on the Atlantic coast of Colombia and lived for a time in Cartagena’s old city.
- NASCAR star and former Formula 1 driver Juan Pablo Montoya is Colombian and works with Children International on several charitable projects.
- Although Spanish is the official language of Colombia, there are five distinct dialects of the language, depending on geography.
- Carnival de Barranquilla, a four-day celebration prior to Ash Wednesday, is said to be second only to Rio’s Carnival in size. Street dances, musical parades and costumed revelers bring Barranquilla to a happy and festive standstill.
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