Arts

Colombia’s artistic heritage is diverse. Music, dance, carnivals and festivals are an essential part of the vibrant cultural landscape of Colombia.

The music of Colombia is heard around the world. Cumbia, the native rhythm of Colombia, and its most famous musical genre, has its essence in African percussion. It is both music and dance. Cumbia is sensuous and subtle: its sound invites romance and seduction. Cumbia originated in the 1820’s during Colombia’s struggle for independence and was sung and danced in the streets. It is a seductive dance, where the men circle the women, who hold candles. Two musical rhythms that are related to cumbia are puya and porro.

Vallenato is unique kind of Colombian music. Vallenato music has echoes of African, European, and Colombian rhythm and folkloric sounds. The instruments that are used in this kind of music include the button accordion, bass, a caja, which is a hand drum, a guiro, and often a cowbell. The song lyrics focus on romance and love. Vallento music has a percussive quality. There are four basic rhythms in vallenato music: son, paseo, merengue, and puya.

Currulao music reflects African culture. It is a purely African rhythm. Many Colombians were exposed to this music from the western regions of Colombia through the radio. It has come to be known around the world as dance music.

Still Life with Mandoline, 1998
Fernando Botero

The Carnival of Barranquilla represents the blending of different cultures of Colombia. Since Barranquilla is located along the Caribbean coast, like many ports, it has an extremely diverse historical mix of people. The carnival, which takes place for four days preceding Ash Wednesday, highlights elements of indigenous, European and African traditions. This can be seen in dances such as the mico y micas from the Americas, the African congo and the paloteo of Spanish origin, the sounds of cumbia, and the varied folk instruments such as the tambora and alegre drums, maraca, and claves. The carnival has a theatrical feel, and artists portray historical and current events, often laced with satire. Colors, sounds, and movement flow in an extravagant tribute to the joyous nature of the Colombian people. The Carnival of Barranquilla was proclaimed by UNESCO, in November of 2003, as one of the Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.

Each year, in Medellín, “The City of Eternal Spring,” there is a flower festival. The festival lasts for two weeks, and the highlight is the Flower Parade. The Flower Parade is one of the largest horticultural events in the world. The parade participants carry huge floral arrangements called silletas on their backs. The silletas can weigh over 100 kilograms, and  feature beautiful floral patterns. The parade is a huge source of pride for Colombia’s flower growers.

Scenes of silletas from "Mi Colombia"