Road to Independence
The story began with Bogota’s uprising on July 20th, 1810 which marked the start of the country’s movement towards independence from Spain after more than 300 years of Spanish rule. Indigenous groups like the Muisca and Tairona were conquered, and many were killed or forced to do hard labour for the Spanish. The country officially gained their independence in 1819, before The United States of America recognized Colombia in 1822, back when President Monroe welcomed a Colombian diplomat in Washington, D.C.
During that time, Colombia included what is present day Colombia, Ecuador, Venezuela, and Panama. However, in 1830, Ecuador and Venezuela left the federation, but the U.S. continued their connections with Colombia. Things then changed from 1830 to 1856, as the country was now called New Granada. From 1856 to 1863, it was changed once again to Grenadine Confederation. After that, it became the United States of Colombia until 1886, when it changed its name to the Republic of Colombia. Lastly, Panama separated from Colombia in 1903.
10 Famous National Dishes
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1. Arepa con Huevo Revuelto (Flat Corn Patty with Scrambled Eggs)
Arepa con huevo revuelto is a thin corn cake patty that is toasted on a parilla topped with scrambled eggs and/or a slice of quesito (Colombian cheese). The corn cake can be made with a specific dough (masa de arepas), and the eggs can have diced tomatoes, scallions, onions, or even sausages. This dish is popular on the Caribbean coast of Colombia, especially in Cartagena. It’s usually eaten for breakfast and can served with a cup of hot chocolate.
Pronunciation: ah-REH-pah kon WEH-voh reh-BWEHL-toh
2. Buñuelos Colombianos (Colombian Cheese Fritters)
Buñuelos are round, cheesy dough balls that are fried until golden and crispy on the outside, commonly made in Antioquia. They are often eaten during Christmas or breakfast, made with cheese, corn starch, Buñuelina, and flour.
Pronunciation: boon-YWEH-lohs
3. Bandeja Paisa (Dish from the Antioquia Region)
The Bandeja Paisa is a large meal from Antioquia, especially around Medellín, with beans, rice, beef, fried pork, chorizo, plantain, avocado, egg, morcilla, and more! It’s usually eaten for lunch because it’s very filling.
Pronunciation: bahn-DEH-hah PIE-sah
4. Pan de bono (Colombian Cheese Bread)
Pan de bono is a soft, cheesy bread roll from the Valle del Cauca region, especially popular in Cali. It’s eaten for breakfast or as a snack, made with cheese, yuca flour, and eggs.
Pronunciation: pahn deh BOH-noh
5. Ají Picante (Colombian Hot Sauce)
Ají is a spicy sauce made with chili peppers, cilantro, tomato, onion, and lime, commonly eaten across Colombia, especially in the Andean region. It’s served with many foods like empanadas, soups, or grilled meats.
Pronunciation: ah-HEE pee-KAHN-teh
6. Salchipapas (French Fries with Pan-Fried Hot Dogs)
Salchipapas is a street food made with sliced sausage and fries, popular in Bogotá and many urban areas. It’s usually eaten as a snack or late-night food, topped with ketchup and mayonnaise or other similar condiments.
Pronunciation: sahl-chee-PAH-pahs
7. Colombian Empanadas
Empanadas are fried dough filled with meat, potatoes, or cheese, enjoyed all over Colombia, especially in Boyacá and Antioquia. They are eaten as a snack or lunch, often served with ají sauce.
Pronunciation: ehm-pah-NAH-dahs
8. Colombian Morcilla (Pork Blood Sausage)
Morcilla is a sausage made from pork blood, rice, onions, and spices. It’s commonly eaten in the Antioquia region and the Caribbean coast, often served in a Bandeja Paisa.
Pronunciation: mor-SEE-yah
9. Sopa de Lentejas Colombiana (Colombian Lentil Soup)
Sopa de Lentejas is a soup made with lentils, potatoes, carrots, and sometimes some sort of meat in small chunks. It’s a dish that is enjoyed throughout Colombia.
Pronunciation: SOH-pah deh len-TEH-hahs
10. Frijoles Negros Colombianos (Colombian Black Bean Soup)
Frijoles Negros is a soup made from black beans, garlic, onions, and sometimes small chunks of meat, similar to the previous soup. This dish is eaten commonly in the Carribean region and often served with a side of rice and fried plantains.
Pronunciation: free-HOH-les NEH-gros
Tradition Clothing
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Sombrero Vueltiao
The Vueltiao sombrero is a traditional Colombian hat made from woven cane fibers. It was originally created by the Zenú indigenous people. It mainly comes from the Caribbean region of Colombia, especially in areas like Córdoba and Sucre. The hat’s main cultural significance is to represent the country itself, personal identity, craftsmanship, and heritage. The hat can also come in several other colors besides white and black, such as yellow, blue, and red.
Ruana
The ruana is a traditional Colombian wool poncho that originated from the Andes, specifically the Boyacá and Cundinamarca regions. It is commonly worn in the cooler mountainous areas of Colombia to keep warm. The ruana is an important symbol of Colombian heritage, rural life, and indigenous craftsmanship.
La Pollera Colora
Colombia’s traditional women’s dress for fiestas features a brightly colored skirt called a pollera colora, paired with an off-shoulder, ruffled blouse often decorated with lace and vivid patterns. Women wear these wide, flowing skirts and accessorize with flowers, earrings, and necklaces while dancing barefoot with expressive movements. The basic cumbia dance step reflects historical influences, originating from the restrained movements of enslaved Africans who were chained by one foot during the colonial period.
Carriel
The carriel is a traditional leather bag from Colombia that originated in the Antioquia region. It’s commonly used by people in the Andean areas, especially farmers and llaneros, the cowboys of Colombia. The carriel is an important cultural symbol that represents hard work, work, rural life, and Antioquian heritage.
Music Genres
Cumbia
Cumbia blends Indigenous flutes, African drums, and Spanish melodies to create a hypnotic rhythm perfect for dancing. Traditional versions often feature gaitas (flutes), tamboras (drums), and maracas.
Vallenato
Vallenato is Colombia’s folk storytelling music, led by the accordion, caja vallenata (small drum), and guacharaca (scraper). It’s emotional, poetic, and often tells stories of love, heartbreak, and daily life.
Salsa Colombiana
Colombian salsa is a faster, more percussive take on classic salsa, fueled by brass sections, congas, and timbales. It’s a dancefloor favorite, especially in Cali—the world capital of salsa.
Guaracha (Colombian EDM)
Guaracha is an energetic electronic genre that evolved in Medellín, mixing traditional rhythms with synths, drum machines, and fast-paced beats. It’s built for clubs, festivals, and viral dance videos.
Would you consider purchasing a carriel now? Or are you planning to prepare a delicious arepa con huevo for breakfast tomorrow? Interested in learning new Colombian instruments or jams? Share your thoughts in the comments section by clicking the button on the right-hand side. Stay tuned – more articles are coming soon…
**Sources include image source links attached on image captions throughout galleries, google AI search responses.
![[Left] Adriana Smith next to her seven-year-old son. [Right] | Image source: April Newkirk/gofundme | Thumbnail edited on Canva.](https://dmhsherald.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/HH-Thumnail-100-1200x777.png)
