#Colombian festivals and events

[lionheartlr]

Travel Guide: Exploring Colombia – A Diverse Paradise

Colombia is a vibrant and diverse country, offering stunning landscapes, rich history, and a mix of cultural influences. From the Caribbean coast to the Amazon rainforest, it’s an incredible destination for travelers. This guide will provide everything you need to know about exploring Colombia, including its history, visa requirements, top places to visit, and practical travel tips. 1. Brief…

[nancydrewwouldnever]

Cartier, Double Crocodile Necklace, 1975, emeralds, yellow diamonds, rubies, gold (Cartier Collection, Paris)

In 1975, the iconic Mexican actress Maria Felix walked into Cartier's Paris headquarters with an aquarium. The aquarium held her pet baby crocodile. She was there to commission a one-of-a-kind necklace from Cartier, and she wanted their jewelry designers to take inspiration from her real life pet. The result was a piece so unique that Cartier bought it back from Felix before her death.

Maria Felix had a penchant for dramatic jewelry, and a love of Cartier. She had already commissioned several different snake designs from them over the years before the making of the crocodile necklace.

All the emeralds used in the necklace are Colombian mined.

From time to time, Cartier does loan the necklace to be worn at large events. One such time was 2006, when Monica Bellucci wore it at the Cannes Film Festival.

[thatssosussex]

Colombia Day 3- The Duke and Duchess of Sussex visited, and took a stroll in the historic village of San Basilio de Palenque. They began their visit with a special tour of San Basilio de Palenque. Upon arrival, they were greeted by a performance of the Colombian national anthem by local students, followed by a series of speeches and performances by Palenque’s community leaders. Each speaker expressed their gratitude for the visit and highlighted the significance of preserving Palenquen culture and historical landmarks, which are vital to Colombia’s heritage. The visit continued with a stroll through the town, where locals cheered, children danced, and Prince Harry and Meghan explored the vibrant street market. (8/17/24)

⁣The history of San Basilio de Palenque:⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣The village San Basilio de Palenque, with a population of about 3,500 inhabitants, is located in the foothills of the Montes de María, southeast of the regional capital, Cartagena. San Basilio de Palenque was one of the walled communities called palenques, which were founded by escaped slaves as a refuge in the seventeenth century. Of the many palenques that existed in former times, only San Basilio has survived until the present day. It developed into a unique cultural space.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣The Cultural Space of San Basilio de Palenque encompasses social, medical and religious practices as well as musical and oral traditions, many of which have African roots. The social organization of the community is based on family networks and age groups called ma kuagro. The kuagro membership comes with a set of rights and duties towards other group members and entails strong internal solidarity. Daily work and special events are jointly undertaken by all kuagro members.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣The complex funeral rituals and medical practices are evidence of the distinct spiritual and cultural systems framing life and death in the Palenque community. Musical expressions such as the Bullernege sentado, Son palenquero or Son de negro accompany collective celebrations, such as baptisms, weddings and religious festivities as well as leisure activities.⁣⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣Central to the cultural space of San Basilio de Palenque is the palenquero language, the only creole language in Latin America with a lexical Spanish basis and grammatical characteristics of Bantu languages. The language constitutes a vital factor in reinforcing social cohesion among community members. ⁣⁣

⁣⁣⁣

[third-world-punks]

✦ THIRD-WORLD PUNKS ✦ INTRODUCTION

“Who are we? We are the global South, that large set of creations and creatures that has been sacrificed to the infinite voracity of capitalism, colonialism, patriarchy, and all their satellite-oppressions. We are present at every cardinal point because our geography is the geography of injustice and oppression. We are not everyone; we are those who do not resign themselves to sacrifice and therefore resist. We have dignity. We are all indigenous peoples because we are where we have always been, before we had owners, masters, or bosses, or because we are where we were taken against our will and where owners, masters, or bosses were imposed on us. They want to impose on us the fear of having a boss and the fear of not having a boss, so that we may not imagine ourselves without fear. We resist. We are widely diverse human beings united by the idea that the understanding of the world is much larger than the Western understanding of the world. We believe that the transformation of the world may also occur in ways not foreseen by the global North. We are animals and plants, biodiversity and water, earth and Pachamama, ancestors and future generations—whose suffering appears less in the news than the suffering of humans but is closely linked to theirs, even though they may be unaware of it.” — Boaventura de Sousa Santos, Epistemologies of the South: Justice Against Epistemicide.

We are THIRD-WORLD PUNKS, a blog devoted to cultivating a dark-academia aesthetic inspired by Latin America and the UK Punk Scene. I'm your host, PHILOSOPHIKA, a 33-year-old British and Colombian philosopher specialising in aesthetics (the branch of philosophy that studies concepts such as beauty and ugliness and investigates the nature of art and the senses) and anti-totalitarian ethics. Keep reading to learn more about the aesthetic's main goals, sources of inspiration, and suggested hashtags.

✦ OUR MISSION

To create a Latin American take on the 'dark academia' aesthetic from the perspective of the region's actual inhabitants. The T.W.P. aesthetic actively avoids depicting the region as a holiday destination (fruity drinks, trendy hotels, sexy pool boys, designer sunglasses, etc.) or representing the culture through a tourist's eyes (for example, as exclusively consisting of festivals or big public events). This aesthetic should provide the viewer with an intimate portrait of what it's actually like to call this region home. Images of local food, daily customs, traditional clothing, distinctive architecture, weather patterns, etc., are encouraged.

To provide a modern fusion between Latin American (principally Colombian) and UK culture that does not reproduce the aesthetics of British colonialism. To this end, the T.W.P. aesthetic steers clear of antique botanical prints, colonial uniforms, overly beige colour palettes, floral chintz wallpapers or decorative accents, leather trunks, and/or anything even faintly reminiscent of a plantation. Emphasis is placed instead on UK Punk fashion and culture (think Camden Market and Vivienne Westwood), extravagant and eclectic UK architecture and interior design.

To challenge what traditional academia looks and feels like, as well as its core tenets (eurocentrism, US-centrism, elitism, abelism, etc.). The T.W.P aesthetic celebrates and encourages out-of-the-box thinking, ethnic and racial diversity, neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ higher education experiences, as well as discussions of postcolonial, queer, and feminist theory, among others (think TWAIL: Third-World Approaches to International Law). Quotations, reading lists, book recommendations or reviews, and catchphrases along these lines are welcome.

✦ SOURCES OF INSPIRATION

— art deco/decopunk — art nouveau — solarpunk— steampunk — gutterpunk — latin american geography, flora & fauna — latin american culture — spanish colonial architecture — pre-columbian latin america — 70's & 80's uk punk scene — elements of cyberpunk — alternative fashion — maximalism — haute boheme aesthetic

✦ RELEVANT HASHTAGS

Do you want to tag something with this aesthetic on your blog? Check out the suggestions below:

#TWP —   #TWPs —   #TWP Aesthetic —   #TWPs Aesthetic | #Third-World Punks —  #Third World Punks —  #Third-World Punks Aesthetic —

[ingek73]

Prince Harry hits out at spread of disinformation via AI and social media

Duke speaks at summit on digital responsibility while on visit with Duchess of Sussex to Colombia

Caroline DaviesFri 16 Aug 2024 12.39 CESTS

The Duke of Sussex has hit out at online disinformation during a four-day visit to Colombia, warning: “What happens online within a matter of minutes transfers to the streets.”

Speaking in Bogotá at a summit on digital responsibility, Harry said of the spread of false information via artificial intelligence and social media: “People are acting on information that isn’t true.”

The warning, on the first day of the tour of Colombia by the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, did not name specific social media platforms, but Harry’s comments followed criticism of the tech billionaire and owner of X, Elon Musk, and social media platforms after the far-right riots in the UK.

Addressing experts at the summit, which was staged in part by Harry and Meghan’s Archewell Foundation, Harry said in comments reported by the BBC: “In an ideal world those with positions of influence would take more responsibility. We are no longer debating facts.

Meghan and Harry were welcomed to Colombia by its vice-president, Francia Márquez. Photograph: Darwin Torres/Colombian Vicepresidency/LongVisual/Zuma Press Wire/Rex/Shutterstock

The couple’s visit is at the invitation of Francia Márquez, Colombia’s vice-president, who told journalists she had been “deeply moved” by the Sussexes’ Netflix docuseries about their lives. “It motivated me to say [of Meghan], ‘this is a woman who deserves to visit our country and share her story’, and undoubtedly, her visit will strengthen so many women around the world,” said Márquez as she welcomed them to Bogotá.

Márquez said she had previously invited Meghan to get involved with a “day of Afro-descendant women” which is commemorated annually on 25 July, but Meghan was unable to make it. “At that time, we sent her an invitation letter, and she responded saying that she couldn’t come but was very eager to visit and get to know our country,” Márquez said.

It has not been confirmed who is funding the trip to Colombia, but the couple have reportedly been given a full security detail, which they no longer receive in the UK after stepping down as working royals in 2020. During the visit, which appears to follow the format of official royal visits, they are expected to spend time in Cartagena and Cali and attend the Petronio Álvarez festival, a four-day event in celebration of Afro-Colombian music and culture.

Their first day was spent in the capital, Bogotá, where they visited a school to meet teenagers at a session on online safety, watched a cultural showcase in which they joined in with the dancing, and attended the digital summit looking at the urgent need to tackle the harmful aspects of technology and digital platforms.

It is the Sussexes’ third trip this year after a three-day visit to Nigeria in May and a visit to Jamaica in January.

[sussex-newswire]

"Petronio has gained a higher international profile with each year; city government organizers estimated the 2024 festival would draw up to a half-million attendees, after beginning in 1997 with only five thousand locals in the stands. And this year, a visit from Prince Harry and Meghan...who both spoke from the stage as guests of Colombian vice president Francia Marquez — the country’s first Black vice president — put new eyes on the event.

[Meghan] spoke in perfect Spanish from the stage and the royal couple not only danced to and heard music from the Pacific coast, but also attended events focused on challenges facing the people of the historically-marginalized region."

[the-empress-7]

It looks like they made it to music festival. To be clear, this is an annual FREE event that draws a huge crowd. These people did not show up for the grifters.

[frankyfk13]

The Devil game chap 13

Tomorrow chap14!!

Chapter 13 Cabaret

Lucifer looked towards the stage and asked for 'a rhythmic waltz' to the musicians.

He turned to Alastor and held out his hand.

'I think some people didn't understand that you were in my company, I'm sorry for this misadventure.'

The music started playing again, a rather cheerful rhythm of music reminiscent of a Colombian waltz. Charlie and Vaggie looked at each other worriedly, but the rest of the room resumed its activities as if nothing had happened.

Alastor accepted Lucifer's hand, the first steps then propelled them onto the dance floor, and soon, their bodies aligned in perfect harmony.

Lucifer, with surprising lightness, led Alastor in a series of graceful movements, each twirl and move made with precision and elegance.

Their legs cross, their arms extended, their hands in each other. They let themselves be carried away by the dance, forgetting everything, even this altercation that had just happened. Turning the room upside down in a festive atmosphere, the king was smiling, his anger had subsided, no one had to fear a disastrous sequel.

Their steps became more and more daring, they improvised figures, playing in space. The two dancers are experienced, the audience notices. Alastor understands the king's reference, if dancing with him is so exhilarating...

At the end of this playful waltz, they stop, panting, but delighted, their faces illuminated by the experience.

'I confirm that you are an excellent dancer, Your Majesty.'

Lucifer looks at the deer for a moment, this dance was thrilling...

'I regret not having chosen a Tango' Laugh the king as he turned to go to their table.

'Come on,' said the king, leading him by the hand to their table.

He tried very hard not to remember this conversation about Tango... A little red appeared on his face, but he managed to come to his senses before he found himself back at their table.

'I'm sorry Al!' Charlie had been worried about the situation.

Lucifer let go of his hand as soon as they arrived in front of the room, the king had taken his seat again to continue drinking his glass.

'Don't be, Charlotte... I'm not used to being approached like that, that's all.' Alastor was a little embarrassed by the reminder of the event.

"People in this realm are pretty open about this kind of thing, compared to Pentagram City. I warned that those who were with me today should not be disturbed. I don't think she'll have the right to set foot here again soon.' The king added, drinking.

'I see...' Alastor returned to sit down beside the king.

The king followed him with his eyes, examining his every gesture and smiling at him.

This evening is... emotionally demanding!

How could he resist the look the king gave him?

[the-weirdos-mind]

Maraposas & Milagros

Summary:

In the Land of Miracles there’s a special ceremony taken place to honor the woman who founded their homeland and her family by lighting butterfly shaped candles and setting them free into the night sky. The time leading up to the event is a big community party in the town’s center.

Cards: Regalo Ruana

This limited time card selection is inspired by traditional Colombian clothing. Each card gets a ruana with either a dress or shirt and pants. Everyone in the card holds their butterfly candle

SSR: Oscar, Maya, Renata, Estella, Isabelle, Freya, and Lilia

SR: Minako, Ophelia, Riddle, Jade, Drew, Juno, Marian, and Darling

R: Marrin, Jack, Phillipa, Lily, and Ayumu

Tags: @adrianasunderworld @mangacupcake @writing-heiress @marrondrawsalot @anxious-twisted-vampire @abyssthing198 @achy-boo

Concept:

It all starts when Oscar gets a call from one of his sisters reminding him of the festival that’s happening tomorrow. He promised his sisters that he would bring a few friends since they worry about him at NRC. After hanging up he goes to Ramshackle to invite the Prefects. Estella finds him at the door and lets him in. He sees the Prefects sitting down in the lounge and asks them, and Grim, if they would like to visit his home. He goes into further details about the festival, Oruguita Liberta, in which everyone in his town honors the founding woman and her family by lighting candles that turn into butterflies and flutter around in the air. He then asks if they’re willing to go, to which they say yes. He thanks them and goes on to invite Marrin, Riddle, Jade, Jack, and Lilia.

The next day they arrived at the Mirror Chamber and are taken to the Land of Miracles. The town square, Famila Center, is decorated with many butterfly themed decorations and vendors selling their goods. They meet Maya and Reneta, with their friends. After greetings were exchanged the triplets take them to their house so they can put their bags down and get changed into their attire. Grim even gets a bow that’s decorated with butterflies. After they get changed they meet their mom, Alana Maldición. She welcomes her children home and their friends. She tells them they’re free to explore the square for the day but reminds them to be back before sundown. Before they depart, she serves some snacks for her guests as hospitality is very important in the home.

Lily asks why they need to meet back and Reneta explains that they’ll be getting their candles for later. They depart from the house and head back to the square. The triplets take them to a group of statues with a fountain surrounding them. They tell them it’s the Gifted Family, the family who first settled in the area. One by one the triplets go through the family:

The Founder (Alma Madrigal)

The Healing Cook (Julieta Madrigal)

The Concerning Father (Agustin Madrigal)

The Botanical Keeper (Isabela Madrigal)

The Pressure Reliever (Luisa Madrigal)

The Magicless Savior (Maribel Madrigal)

The Tamer of the Weather (Pepa Madrigal)

The Energetic Father (Félix Madrigal)

The Hearer of Secrets (Dolores Madrigal)

The Master of Shifting (Camilo Madrigal)

The Father of Beastaming (Antino Madrigal)

The Seer of the Future (Bruno Madrigal)

As they talk about the family, Oscar mentions that there isn’t much about the Seer of the Future as at one point, people didn’t talk about him for some reason. When asked why, they said that they didn’t know why. After the history lesson, they head to a vendor and try the variety of arepas, a staple food in their home. It’s said that recipe was crafted by the Healing Cook but only her cooking had the power to heal whoever ate it. After she died, the dish was passed down to honor her. Oscar gets a few of them for himself as they’re his favorite food. They also get coffee to drink.

Minako notices the kids drinking the coffee and asks if it’s normal. Maya confirms that it is, but it’s best not to give them too much. After eating they go exploring around the other stands. Grim comes across a puzzle where by connecting the pieces it’ll reveal a secret picture. He gives it a go and the picture is of the Botanical Keeper and Magicless Savior hugging. As they continue roaming around, they find souvenirs for their friends back at school. Riddle is intrigued by the many toys that were based on animals that were with the Father of Beastaming. Lilia is fond of a cloak that can temporarily change your looks to whoever pops into mind. Jack likes the weights with donkeys on them. Jade is fond of the many mushrooms in their terrariums, some said to have been crafted by the Botanical Keeper. Estella likes the butterfly handkerchief she found, and a plush donkey. They also try more local food like coco rice and patacones.

Then they come across a little stage where a variety of creatures very performing shows. Anyone can enter if they wish and Oscar decides to enter and use the rats to put on a telenovela. While he plots out the story the rest of the group goes and captures rats (Twistune here) Once the rats were gathered he rehearses the plot and the show is on. The group were confused by the plot but everyone else loves it. Once sundown hits they all head to the triplets home and get their candles. She also hands them a match saying that turns the candle’s shape into a butterfly.

Alana leads the group to the edge of a river, one that’s incredibly beautiful. They all wade into the shallows and watch the sun fall. Once the moonlight is shining every strikes their match and lights their candles. After a few moments of waiting, and complaining from Grim, they all watch in awe as the candle glows from the inside and transforms into a butterfly. The butterflies take off flying in a circle around everyone in town. As they stand there and watch for a moment they start to hear music. Alana says that part of the tradition is to dance underneath the lights and that’s what they all do. (Twistune here)

[joemuggs]

DÍA

Soooo I wrote this review for A Big Title in January but it ended up falling foul of some kind of scheduling clash… I got my kill fee and I was going to just leave it, but you know what? I can’t stop listening to this record! I think you deserve to hear about it! It’s fantastic! I’d already been listening to it for a long time before I reviewed it - I got it when I interviewed Ela Minus live at Amsterdam Dance Event back in October. I wasn’t bored of it by January, I carried on listening to it after I had to, and I’m not bored of it now. I’m starting to think it might be a bit of a classic. So here you go:

Ela Minus means business. Of course she does: this is the Colombian singer-songwriter-producer-performer’s second album for Domino, home of the likes of Arctic Monkeys and Blood Orange, she's got millions of streams under her belt, and she shares management with Richie Hawtin–she's certainly not here to be more underground than thou.

Her first LP Acts of Rebellion had her vocals pushed back in the mix, the half-whispered chanting woven in to her production which retooled Italo disco and other 80s Euro-style motifs for modern soundsystems to sultry but direct effect. It was definitely cool. On DÍA, though, her voice is front and centre, demonstrating impressive dexterity in easy switching from a conversational low register to piercing choruses, delivering punchy one-liners with instantly explosive melodies. There are some fairly heavy nods to familiar sounds: to Björk at her least esoteric, to the wide-skies sweep of Jon Hopkins, to Floating Points's recent turn for the doof-doof, and to a deep strain of gothy alt-pop that runs through CHVRCHES all the way back to the likes of Dead Can Dance. It is purpose built for big festival crowds, and could easily drift by in the background on daytime BBC 6 Music with a sense of familiarity. It is pop. u. list. and proud.

For all that familiarity, though, it feels spontaneous. Ela Minus, a Black Flag-loving punk drummer from childhood, was on the touring circuit throughout her teens. When she made her way into the electronic music world, she insisted on only playing live at events, rather than DJing. She hasn't let go of that—as soon as you get up close to the sounds on DIA, you can hear that they're visceral and bodily right from the long swirling drone that opens "ABRIR MONTE." This is the kind of thing that only someone who takes great pleasure in hitting keys, moving sliders and twisting knobs—hearing the immediate results, finding the “biting point” in a sound as the resonance shifts and dancing around it—can do. She’s having as much fun with her voice, too, for example on the threatening groan that makes up the chorus to the grinding midtempo “IDOLS”: you can hear she’s really feeling the breath and its soundmaking power. Although harmonically and melodically there's enough slickness and accomplishment to sound radio friendly, the sound of this album really is still punk: more so, significantly, than its predecessor.

Ela Minus writes like she’s using a pen to dig into the raw spots of her psyche. Not in an emo, confessional or self-abasing way, but to get in among the nuts and bolts of the self to find the place where things are painful but full of intrigue, where pushing through fear or bending things til they break releases something vivid and alive. There's a running Beckettian theme throughout about striving, failing, striving and failing again. On "I WANT TO BE BETTER," she bitterly intones "I thought I was better / but I just seem to keep acting like a little kid." This never-resolved battle between forging forwards and failure isn’t just personal either, it’s expanded to the wider sense of conflict of wanting to exist and thrive while living in a burning world: "That this is the end of times / and if we are going to give up / I rather it just ends here" she sings on “QQQQ” – the most physically surging song on the album where rough and raw cymbals splash off cascading arpeggios like froth in a river’s rapids and her vocals at their most distorted fight for air.

The result is a huge leap forward in both energy levels and distinctive character from Acts of Rebellion, ambitious precisely in that very personal creative purity just as much as it is in its obvious commercial aspirations. It’s punk in the truest sense: not a learned set of chords or vocal styles, but in that honing in on the grit and rawness of the simplest tones, textures and short punchy phrases for their instant but deep impact – and of finding your own demented hope in rage and pain. And if the personal and commercial ambitions mesh as they should, then seeing large crowds singing along to "I'd love to save you / but I've got to save myself / first" over the churning swamp of bass and igniting gas bubble analogue whoops of “UPWARDS” or “I set myself on fire / just to see” with the grime-like single piercing tones and warbles of “ONWARDS” will be a real joy.

Here’s the record:

[demodeaudiovideo]

Drifter 08 | Jack Young | Sound Mag | Leeds UK | THE FIRST PART (01/03)

Founder and Creator of Sound Mag, Founder of Rebel Spirit Sound System, Founder of Run the Dub Leeds, Director of Unity Day Leeds, Sound Man Apprentice at Iration Steppas

1. Can you tell us about your journey in creating Sound Mag? What inspired you to start this project?

Growing up in Leeds, subdub and sound system culture was huge. I also had a deep interest in DIY culture, even though I didn’t know how to define it as DIY culture at the time. I just loved 35mm photography, building sound systems, and graffiti. Anything creative where people just go and do it with attitude. Zine culture is one of those and when I met Dave at a party, we connected on all these passions. He had loads of photography from sessions all over the UK and even European festivals, and I was inside the culture as a boxman from Iration Steppas. So, the two of us joined made for a great opportunity to promote sound system culture in that zine format.

2. What role do you believe reggae and sound system culture play in uniting people worldwide?

Everyone loves reggae. Those who don’t have a weird chip on their shoulder. On a basic level, it is easy and people can connect to it with a positive mindset. Everyone knows Bob Marley and that he stood for peace so people can resonate with that. On a deeper level, reggae is militant and it stands for the unrepresented or the poor and needy. The lyrical content of old reggae is extremely powerful and direct. It states what is wrong and what needs to happen and people can unite over those opinions in hard times. More recently reggae has become a bit washed out though, and a bit meaningless. Less clever or powerful lyrically. I think Grime now holds that responsibility. People don’t appreciate how much they’re affected by sound systems. Everyone loves music and music has been shaped by the technological advances of sound systems, and sound system culture, where people back in Jamaica, and even with the Colombian and Mexican equivalents of the sound system culture, all competed to be the best, so they paid money to do science musically. So we are all united in the fact that we listen to music through speakers, inspired by the culture. And most of it is inspired by dub and reggae. Particularly bass-driven music.

3. How do you approach covering such a diverse and global movement in Sound Mag?

For a while there was a very well connected global network of sound systems online, on forums or social media. It feels like social media has become more Instagram or Tik Tok focused now, which harness more private conversations which is means less community. Because of this it is harder to identify who is popping off around the world, but I just try and keep communication with those who are travelling most such as Iration Steppas and OBF. In regards to documenting the culture in those place, I try keep it informal and have conversations about the culture and eventually send them some questions.

4. Are there any key trends or shifts in reggae and sound system culture you've observed in recent years?

I have noticed that sound system, or underground music has become more commodified in recent years. In the UK there is a lot less events than there was. When travelling through Europe it seems a lot of sound systems have experienced similar and believe since lockdown, numbers of attendees has reduced. I have noticed sound systems and reggae artists becoming more fluid in their styles. I suppose this is needed to widen the horizon of reggae and sound systems future. Events are becoming more multi-genre too.

Continue In The Next Post -> -> ->

FULL GREEK VERSION AT KICKIT.GR

[mysunshinetravels]

Discover the Hidden Gem of Cali Colombia on Day of the Candles

Join me as I explore the enchanting Day of the Candles (Día de las Velitas) in Cali, Colombia! This magical tradition marks the beginning of the Christmas season in Colombia, where streets, parks, and homes are lit up with countless candles and lanterns, creating a breathtaking atmosphere of warmth and community.

In Cali, the Day of the Candles is celebrated with vibrant gatherings, beautiful light displays, and a festive spirit that brings families and neighbors together. You'll see people lighting candles in honor of the Virgin Mary, enjoying traditional Colombian foods, and celebrating with music and laughter.

Walk with me through this captivating event as we experience the joy, beauty, and cultural richness of one of Colombia's most beloved celebrations. Don't miss this heartwarming glimpse into Colombian holiday traditions!

[pataconesjournal]

Preserving the Charm of Cartagena: Should Tourism Be Limited?

Cartagena de Indias, with its vibrant streets, colonial architecture, and rich history, is a jewel of Colombia and the Caribbean. However, the booming tourism industry has sparked a heated debate: is it time to limit tourism to protect the city’s cultural heritage? While tourism brings undeniable economic benefits, it also poses significant risks to Cartagena’s identity and local life.

The Good Side of Tourism

Cartagena is a touristic city, so the economy is driven by tourism. Hotel, restaurants, tour operators generate thousands of jobs for the locals, reducing the unemployment rate in the city.

Tourism shines an international spotlight on Cartagena, promoting Colombian culture, rich in their afro heritage, and history to the world, changing the bad perception of the country overseas.

Events like weddings and international festivals, hosted in iconic locations like the Ciudad Amurallada, highlight Cartagena’s beauty and bring additional income.

Murallas Sector El Cabrero

The Dark Side of Tourism: The Hidden Costs

The influx of visitors have led to the overcrowding of historic sites, causing wear and tear on Cartagena's valuable colonial architecture.

Locals, specially those who live in historical neighborhoods like Getsemaní, are being pushed out of the city center as property prices and taxes skyrocket due to the gentrification of the city.

The traditional lifestyle is being disrupted, with noise, pollution, and commercialization altering the charm of downtown neighborhoods.

Cartagena’s charm lies in its ability to blend history and cultural Tourism has the power to enhance this magic, but only if managed wisely. Limiting tourism may seem like the quickest solution, but sustainable practices offer a more balanced approach, preserving Cartagena’s heritage for generations to come while maintaining its position as a top destination in the world.

[diegomh2002]

BeVoila — Hotel Voila Cartagena

If you’re planning a getaway to the magical city of Cartagena, you can’t help but consider us as your accommodation option. This charming hotel not only offers comfort, but also immerses you in the rich Caribbean culture from the moment you walk through its doors.

Ideal location

Location is key when it comes to making the most of a historic city like Cartagena, and we’ve got you covered. Situated in a strategic area, the hotel puts you just a few steps away from major tourist attractions, such as the Walled City, where you can lose yourself among cobblestone streets full of history.

Access and transportation Getting to our location is an easy walk thanks to the multiple transportation options available. From taxis to ride-sharing services, or even renting a bike, you’ll have everything at your fingertips to explore every corner of this beautiful city.

Design and comfort Once inside, you’ll be greeted by a design that combines the modern with the traditional, creating a welcoming atmosphere that invites you to relax after a day of exploring the city.

Included Services

The hotel makes sure your stay is as pleasant as possible, offering services such as free Wi-Fi, air conditioning, and a well-stocked minibar in each room. In addition, the staff is always ready to help you with any need you may have.

Hotel Experiences A stay at our hotel goes beyond just accommodation; here you will find multiple experiences designed to make your visit unforgettable.

Gastronomy The gastronomic offer is another strong point of the hotel. Its restaurant stands out for offering typical Colombian and international dishes made with fresh, local ingredients. You cannot leave without trying the famous sancocho or a delicious fried fish accompanied by patacones.

Cultural Activities Cartagena is a cultural hotbed, and BeVoila puts you close to vibrant events that you will not want to miss. From music festivals to art exhibitions, there is always something that will catch your interest.

Comparison with other hotels

When comparing us to other options in Cartagena, it is clear that our focus on customer experience makes us stand out from the competition. The perfect combination of price, quality and location is hard to find.

Booking Tips If you decide to stay at BeVoila, here are some helpful tips to ensure a smooth experience:

Best Times to Visit The best time to visit Cartagena is during the dry season, especially between December and April, when the weather is ideal for enjoying both the sea and outdoor cultural activities.

Special Promotions Before making your reservation, be sure to check out the special promotions the hotel may offer. They often have attractive discounts that can make your stay even more affordable.

With our attention to detail, exceptional services and proximity to major tourist attractions, your stay will be memorable. Make your reservation today and get ready to enjoy everything this wonderful hotel has to offer!

Botanika — Serena del Mar — Apartment Cartagena Colombia

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Cartagena’s Coastal Wonders: Colombia’s Jewel on the Caribbean

Nestled on Colombia’s northern coast, Cartagena is a dazzling city where the azure waters of the Caribbean meet the charm of a storied past. This vibrant destination seamlessly blends colonial history, stunning beaches, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit for travelers looking for a mix of history and relaxation. Let’s explore what makes Cartagena so enchanting.

Start your journey in Ciudad Amurallada (The Walled City), the heart of Cartagena’s historical charm. Surrounded by towering stone walls built in the 16th century to protect the city from pirates, this UNESCO World Heritage site is home to brightly colored colonial buildings, lively plazas, and cobblestone streets. A stroll through the Plaza de los Coches and Plaza Santo Domingo will transport you back in time, while the stunning Iglesia de San Pedro Claver, named after the patron saint of slaves, stands as a testament to the city’s spiritual history.

No visit to Cartagena is complete without exploring the Castillo San Felipe de Barajas, an imposing fortress that dominates the skyline. Built by the Spanish to defend against attacks, this massive structure offers panoramic views of the city and coast. Be sure to explore the labyrinth of tunnels beneath the fortress, where Cartagena’s military past comes to life.

For a taste of local culture, head to Getsemaní, a vibrant neighborhood just outside the Walled City. Once a working-class district, Getsemaní has blossomed into a hub of art, music, and street life. Its colorful murals, lively cafés, and buzzing nightlife make it the perfect place to immerse yourself in Cartagena’s contemporary culture. Stop by Plaza de la Trinidad, the neighborhood’s social heart, where locals and travelers gather to enjoy live music, street performances, and a welcoming atmosphere.

After exploring the city’s historic streets, take a break on one of Cartagena’s nearby beaches. Just a short boat ride away, the Islas del Rosario offer crystal-clear waters, white sandy beaches, and vibrant coral reefs, perfect for a day of relaxation or snorkeling. Playa Blanca on the Isla Barú is another popular spot, with its powdery white sand and turquoise waters providing an idyllic escape from the city’s hustle and bustle.

For those looking to indulge in Cartagena’s culinary scene, the city offers a delicious array of flavors. From fresh seafood dishes like ceviche and fried fish to traditional Colombian favorites like arepas and patacones, there’s something to satisfy every palate. For a memorable dining experience, head to La Cevichería, a renowned seafood restaurant offering an authentic taste of the Caribbean coast.

Cartagena is also home to vibrant festivals and celebrations. If you’re lucky, your visit might coincide with events like the Hay Festival Cartagena, which draws international writers, thinkers, and artists, or the Cartagena International Music Festival, where classical music fills the city’s historic streets and plazas.

Whether you’re exploring the historic Walled City, relaxing on pristine beaches, or diving into the city’s vibrant culture, Cartagena offers something for every type of traveler. For those planning a trip, travel agencies such as Roomchai Limited, Cartagena Explorer, or Colombia Eco Travel can help organize tailored tours and ensure you experience the best of this Caribbean gem.

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The interconnectivity of my places

These places have a large cultural melting pot, with Vancouver being the most multicultural. Thanks to that multiculturalism, we can find that the economic links start setting up, with many people importing goods from both of these places, as to grow their own jobs, but also to bring their people a taste of home. The particular tastes of home can be seen with the creation of festivals, as wells as the creation of events where their communities can find themselves and meet more people from their home countries.

These places also have an interconnectivity based, as aforementioned in spatial interactions, we can find large migration patterns between these countries; Canadian and Colombians move to the Dominican Republic to enjoy sunny weather and sandy white beaches. Dominicans and Colombians move to Canada as a way to find better education, jobs, and over all way of living, as to give their families the best opportunities or send money home to help their families in need. And finally, Dominicans and Canadians move to Colombia to enjoy the culture and richness of quality manufacturing, as well as having better cost of living