Colombia is a beautiful country filled with scenic sights, exquisite food, and a rich and deep culture. Many see the tropical country as an oasis enriched with a colorful ambience. Below you will find an insight on Colombia’s culture and how modern day technology has advanced its life.
As cities expand more and more, means of transportation are needed for its populace. One of the major means of transportation in Pereira, Colombia is the MegaBus. This form is made up of several routes, the main ones being buses numbered 1 (takes you along the main highway), 2 (city center), and 3 (nearby city); however there are many more that are referred to as “feeder routes” which go into specific neighborhoods or areas. To use the buses you must pay with a bus card or a bank card affiliate.
In Spanish cultures food is seen as a way of connecting with family, especially during festivities such as Christmas. In Colombia you will barbecue for more special celebrations such as parties or weddings. In the month of December barbecuing is quite popular as everybody is celebrating the family get together and, of course, Christmas. In our barbecues we typically include arepas which are thicker corn tortillas and plantains.
A very typical food is beans. You can find a plate of beans at just about any restaurant. Other traditional foods are Bueñuelos which is a cheesy dough that is then fried. Empanadas are also extremely popular, however they are seen as more of a snack rather than a meal. Alongside streets you will often find many food carts selling typical foods such as empanadas, arepas, and many drinks, especially fruity ones. However, the most traditional item might be coffee. In Colombia there are many coffee plantations which grow the actual coffee bean. Coffee has been a part of our gastronomic culture for many years and influences many factors.
Christmas in Colombia has its own set of traditions which consists of Pesebres and Novenas among many others. A Pesebre is a nativity scene that you’ll find in most houses and malls. As each day passes and you get closer to Christmas, Mary and Joseph take a “step” closer to Bethlehem. Novenas are a set of prayers and songs that you sing/read every night starting 12 days before Christmas. Novenas are usually read as a family and you will typically play a game or have a meal afterwards. Lastly, one of the most common differences is when you open gifts. Here in America you open them the morning of the 25th, however in Colombia it’s common practice to open them the 24th at midnight since that’s when Jesus was born.
In Colombia very traditional homes are oftentimes extremely colorful and are adorned by many plants, and by intricate wood moldings.
Street vendors are essential to the culture and the ambience. You’ll often find them selling snacks, fresh fruits, vegetables, books, umbrellas and many other miscellaneous items. The produce is most times organically grown in the gardens of the sellers.
