Colombia is a mosaic of ethnicities, and this diversity is reflected in its culture, folklore, arts, and everyday traditions. The influences of Indigenous peoples, Spanish settlers, and African communities have blended over centuries, creating unique cultural expressions in crafts, sculpture, textiles, gastronomy, and especially music. Each region of the country preserves its own identity, shaped by geography, climate, and local history.
Throughout the Caribbean coast, African heritage is strongly present in rhythms such as cumbia, mapalé, and bullerengue, performed with drums, maracas, and call-and-response singing. In the Andean highlands, Indigenous traditions remain central, especially in weaving, ceramics, and festivals related to agricultural cycles. Spanish influence can be seen in colonial architecture, religious celebrations, baroque churches, and classical forms of dance and painting.
Colombian handicrafts are admired for their quality and symbolism. The Wayuu mochila bags from La Guajira, woven in vibrant geometric patterns, are internationally recognized. The Vueltiao hat, made from cane fiber in the Caribbean region, has become a national symbol. In the Amazon, Indigenous groups craft baskets, ceramics, and ornaments using natural dyes and forest materials, preserving ancestral techniques passed down through generations.
The official language is Spanish and, except for some remote Indian tribes, all Colombians speak it. There are also about 75 indigenous languages which are still used in the country. Although the education system includes teaching English, this language is still a language little known and poorly spoken.
Catholicism is the dominant religion, although more than three million people have left this belief to embrace other faiths (Anglican, Lutheran, Mormon, etc.) or various religious sects.
The Colombian cuisine is based mainly on chicken, pork, potatoes, rice, beans and soup. Among the most interesting regional dishes we find the “Ajiaco”, a soup of chicken and potatoes, especially from Bogota, the big ass ant, a very special dish, unique in Santander, based on fried ants, and the suckling pig, roast suckling pig stuffed with rice, specialty of Tolima. The variety of fruit is astounding, the coffee and beer are of high quality. ecuadorltm.com
Colombian society is also known for its hospitality and strong sense of community. Family gatherings, music festivals, and traditional markets remain essential parts of daily life. Major cultural events such as the Carnaval de Barranquilla, the Feria de las Flores in Medellín, and the Carnaval de Negros y Blancos in Pasto showcase the rich heritage and joy that characterize the country.
