Local progress and challenges
Over the last few years Colombia has witnessed a transformation at the political, social, cultural and economic levels. Despite its dark past where drug trafficking and internal conflict were protagonists, the country has managed to position itself as a reference of peace, forgiveness and transition towards a better future. However, there is still a long road ahead.
On the political front, the left-wing coalition succeeded in positioning Colombia for the 2022 presidential elections. This was generally seen as a step towards social justice, change for women and equality for Colombia’s current situation. The current president of Colombia is Gustavo Petro belonging to the political party Pacto Histórico.
After the Covid-19 pandemic, the Colombian economy faced a significant deterioration, as poverty levels increased by 40% due to the health emergency. However, in Colombia’s current situation, the reactivation of sectors such as tourism has been key to stabilize some of the challenges faced by the country. According to the newspaper La República, the year 2023 has witnessed a 36.7% growth in visitors compared to 2022 and 20% growth compared to 2019.
Culture is a protagonist in Colombia’s current situation.
Culturally Colombia is home to human diversity and artistic wealth. According to Semana Magazine, Colombia has managed to position itself as a leading country in the cultural and creative industries in Latin America. According to the latest census, there are 378 museums in service in Colombia and 35 in the process of being created, including the Gold Museum, the Botero Museum and the National Museum.
The current situation of Colombia in cultural terms is admirable, many of the artistic demonstrations are the result of resilience and reconciliation. An example of this is the Ciudad Bolivar neighborhood located in the south of Bogota. This has been a neighborhood that has faced significant socioeconomic and security challenges, but now, after years of work and reincorporation of the locals, it has become an artistic complex where music and dance are the focus. The community has taken it upon itself to promote hip-hop and has supported different local talents through artistic collectives.
Graffiti has also been key to the cultural scene around Colombia. In Bogotá, graffiti has become a form of expression for young people, representing their concerns and aspirations through street art. In fact, La Candelaria, a neighborhood located in the historic center of the city, has been named the “Graffiti District”. In Medellin, the graffiti of the Comuna 13 are the representation of the social and cultural transformation of the area which was known as one of the most dangerous places in Medellin. Now, its streets feature murals that preserve their experiences and teachings. Finally, in Cartagena, the graffiti culture has gained strength in recent years. Their representations highlight elements of Afro-Colombian culture and bring vitality to the city, which is now a mixture of colonial and modern art,
One of the most emblematic cultural events in Colombia is the Barranquilla Carnival. This celebration is known for showing the richness and cultural diversity of the Caribbean. During the event the streets of Barranquilla are flooded with typical dances, unique costumes, comparsas and lots of joy represented in art. Another of the most important carnivals is the Negros y Blancos Carnival in Pasto. It honors Colombia’s Afro-descendant and indigenous heritage. During the Carnival the city becomes a unique space for fun where participants paint their faces black and white in representation of equality and the fusion of races. The event highlights the parades and comparsas, which compete in a contest of creativity and originality.
Another cultural attraction in Colombia is its musical richness distinguished by the variety of genres and styles that reflect the roots of the locals. Colombian music is a fusion of indigenous, African and European influences. The best known genres worldwide are salsa, champeta, cumbia and vallenato. The latter has been declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. These genres have been represented by internationally known Colombian artists such as Shakira, Carlos Vives and Juanes.
See Colombia’s current situation for yourself
The country has experienced great challenges due to the violence of the last century. Despite this, it has made great progress in recent decades. Visiting Colombia can be a unique experience for several reasons.
1- Incredible natural beauty such as plazas, mountains, snow-capped mountains, rainforests, paramos, deserts and much more.
2 – Cultural diversity reflected in its music, gastronomy, festivals and unforgettable cultural exchanges.
3 – The hospitality of the locals is known worldwide.
4 – Its history and heritage are reflected in its architecture, museums and historical sites throughout the country.
5 – Sustainable tourism contributes to the economic development of local communities and natural conservation.