Exploring Colombia

This year's second presenter in the Multicultural Community series is Andrea Jaramillo-Serna, East Wood's Lower School Spanish teacher. She brings her students a vibrant and enriching perspective, drawing from her Colombian roots. From Colombia's dynamic and culturally diverse country, Andrea is passionate about sharing her homeland's traditions, history, and unique characteristics. Colombia, located in the northwest corner of South America, is renowned for its stunning biodiversity, world-famous coffee, and its title as the country with the most remarkable bird diversity worldwide.

Andrea emphasizes the importance of understanding and celebrating Colombia's cultural and natural wealth. With a population of 53 million and a landscape ranging from the Andean peaks to the Caribbean coast, Colombia offers a unique tapestry of experiences. Its capital, Bogotá, is one of the highest-altitude capitals in the world, blending modernity with rich history. Colombia is recognized as the leading emeralds producer, known for their quality and distinctive color. Fun facts about Colombia—like its status as the second-largest flower exporter and producer of the mildest coffee—offer a window into its global significance.

The Caño Cristales River, often called the "River of Five Colors" or the "Liquid Rainbow," is one of Colombia's most stunning natural wonders. Located in the Serranía de la Macarena National Park, this river is famous for its vibrant hues, ranging from red and yellow to green, blue, and black. These striking colors are caused by aquatic plants that thrive during specific times of the year between the rainy and dry seasons. 

Colombian cuisine is as diverse and flavorful as the country itself, reflecting a blend of indigenous, African, and Spanish influences. The national dish, bandeja paisa, is a hearty meal that includes beans, rice, ground beef, plantain, chorizo, arepa, avocado, and a fried egg. Another dish is tamal, wrapped in plantain leaves and filled with corn-based dough and various ingredients, which vary by region. Colombia's tropical climate also provides an abundance of fresh fruits and vegetables. 

Colombia has a claim to some of the world's most influential artists and performers, whose works have resonated across generations and continents. Gabriel García Márquez, known as Gabo, from Aracataca-Magdalena, is a  Nobel Prize winner whose magical realism defined Colombian storytelling. Fernando Botero, known for his unique style of exaggerated proportions, is from Medellín and has left an indelible mark on the art world. Music, too, thrives in Colombian culture, with global icons like Shakira, from Barranquilla, and Karol G, also from Medellín, bringing the rhythms and sounds of Colombia to the world stage. Each artist reflects a piece of Colombia's vibrant spirit.