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Colombia has never had such a tough call when trying to choose the appropriate movie to represent the country in international film festivals. Discover the best Colombian movies of the previous year.
Some of the best Colombian movies that were considered or preselected for the country’s bid in the Oscars 2020 for the International Feature category were: “El Piedra”, “Litigante”, “Monos”, and “Los días de la ballena”.
The Colombian Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, or ACACC (its Spanish acronym), decided to place all bids in Alejandro Landes’ recent film: Monos. According to the association, this is one of the best Colombian movies of the year. Hence, this is the film that has all that it takes to get a nomination as one of the Best International Features in international film festivals. It also represented Colombia in the Spanish Goya Awards. It may come as a surprise that Alejandro Landes, writer and director of the film was not a regular in the Colombian film industry. He actually has a bachelor’s degree in Political Economy from Brown University. His innate curiosity then led him into journalism, and from there, cinema was a natural progression.
As a Colombian survival thriller, this movie focuses around a rebel group of young soldiers that include Rambo, Wolf, Lady, Boom-Boom, Smurf, and Bigfoot. The squadron works for a group known as “The Organization,” and is located atop a remote mountain where they train, watch over a prisoner (an American Engineer named Doctora), and look after a conscripted milk cow. Everything unravels when the group is attacked. They are forced to leave their base, go into the jungle, and make sure that the American woman is protected while the child soldiers face the enemy. Monos is considered one of the best Colombian movies of the year because it captivates the hearts of the audience with its ornate aesthetic, mystical setting, and clever reframing of the war film genre.
To create Monos and establish it as one of best Colombian movies was quite a challenge. From casting natural underage actors to including real animals in the film, and shooting in locations with uncontrollable weather, the movie is Landes’ toughest production yet. Casting the crew of “The Organization” concluded after a first audition call that started with 800 candidates. The group was then narrowed down to 30, and finally to the 8 that were selected. However, professional actors were also cast, like Moisés Arias, a former Disney Channel actor from Hannah Montana and recent films such as Ender's Game.
Monos had quite the turnout. After premiering in over 30 countries including, Spain, Uruguay, and Curacao, this Colombian film dazzled audiences at festivals such as Sundance, where it won the World Cinema Dramatic Special Jury Award, Romania, and Ukraine among others.
Many of the factors that influenced the film’s consideration as one of the best Colombian films of the year had to do with its successful journey in festivals around the world.
- Odessa International Film Festival 2019 - Newport Beach Film Festival 2019 - Santiago International Film Festival (SANFIC) 2019 This Colombian movie also received acknowledgements for Best Film in: - Newport Beach Film Festival 2019 - Transilvania International Film Festival - Slovakia Art Film Fest 2019 - Jameson CineFest- Miskolc International Film Festival - Ljubljana International Film Festival - San Sebastián International Film Festival 2019 - Viña del Mar Film Festival
Some of the festivals where this Colombian film screened and also, got some nominations were: - Berlin International Film Festival, BAFICI - Buenos Aires International Festival of Independent Cinema - Ghent International Film Festival - Ljubljana International Film Festival - Montreal Festival of New Cinema - Stockholm Film Festival -Sydney Film Festival
This film by Colombian writer-director Catalina Arroyave is set in Medellin, Colombia. The city is the home to two young graffiti artists, Christina and Simon, who exhibit their talent on the walls of the local streets. The two friends defy a criminal gang when they paint a whale over a threat. This story revolves around the artists and their restless spirit to challenge fear, violence and the struggles of growing up. Days of the Whale allows us to understand the world of urban art in Medellin, as well as young love and true friendships that evolve in the midst of fighting for what you believe in.
Inspired by the stories of people close to her, Catalina investigated the dynamics between street gangs and the invisible frontiers within certain neighborhoods in Medellin, especially those between street artists like graffiti and muralists. At the time, she felt a lot like the main character of the movie, Christina a strong-minded person who wants to speak her opinion loudly without thinking about the consequences. It is a movie that talks about the courage of youth in facing unfair realities. Furthermore, the idea was to integrate all middle-class voices, not only segregated ones, with an empowered female voice navigating through all of the spaces within one city.
Finding the main actors of this film, Laura Tobón and David Escallón, was quite the challenge. Arroyave started casting for natural actors who were related somehow to street art. However, when her art director read the script, she said: “I know this guy, I know who is Simon for real, he already exists “. They even made a teaser with him, and thanks to that, they raised the funds to produce the movie. At first, the director discarded him because he was not an actor, nor was he a graffiti artist. In her journey of finding Cristina, she talked to fellow director Laura Mora (known for “Matar a Jesús”), who suggested an actress that had been casted for her movie. So, she sent Laura Tobón in and Arroyave found her to be perfect for the part and invited her to audition. On the day of the calling, she arrived on a bicycle with David. As it turned out, they not only knew each other but also were best friends in real life. It was then that the director understood what she was really looking for it was the complicity between two people instead of their street art expertise. That is when she decided she was going to teach them how to act and also help them develop graffiti and street art skills.
The movie premiered at South By Southwest Film Festival with a great response from the audience. As such, Catalina Arroyave won the CherryPicks Female First Feature Award. Also, at the New York Colombian Film Festival, the movie was granted with the Audience Award. In Estonia, at the Black Nights Film Festival 2019 “Los Días de La Ballena” won the Work in Progress Award. This Colombian movie was also nominated in several international festivals in countries such as Argentina, Brasil, Spain, Australia, and Switzerland among others. Other festivals this Colombian film has screened and had nominations for are:
-Cartagena Film Festival (FICCI) - Best Colombian movies - Latin America FILMAR Festival - Trieste Latin Festival 2019 - Monterrey International Film Festival - Malmo Latin American Fokus Colombian films are being noticed internationally. From nominations and acknowledgments to screenings worldwide, we hope you get a chance to see some of the best Colombian movies of the previous year. Don’t miss #TheBestOfColombia and enjoy this great selection of our cinema. Related articles: Colombia, Magia Salvaje: the biggest box office hit in Colombian cinema Yes we Cannes: Colombia’s talented movie directors Colombia, destination for shooting of foreign films
The cultural heritage sites of Colombia are a true testament to the history and identity. This places will always be a part of the country, and will help it build a bright future.
Get to know the places to visit in Colombia where true architectural jewels have been restored to beautify their cities and revitalize culture, making Colombians proud.
The cultural heritage sites of Colombia are a true testament to the history and identity. This places will always be a part of the country, and will help it build a bright future. Get to know the places to visit in Colombia where true architectural jewels have been restored to beautify their cities and revitalize culture, making Colombians proud.
The Columbus Theater in Bogotá is one of them. Is being enlarged following the restorations and pedestrianization of the street that links it to Bolivar Square. Its imposing Neoclassical style will be complemented by a modern cultural center. It will render it one of the main arts and culture hubs in the country.
Is located in the historic downtown of Bogota. This early-20th Century building replaced the cloister of the church of San Francisco to become the campus of the Governorship of Cundinamarca. This important landmark is part of the various heritage façades that were recovered thanks to the District Institute of Cultural Heritage’s program: “Heritage Stands Out.”
The neoclassical palace has been classified as a National Monument of Cultural Interest. Along with the church of San Francisco – the oldest in Bogota, built during the mid-16th Century – it is considered one of the capital’s most important icons. Its restoration earlier this year has now made it one of the ideal places to visit in the country.
Another design by Colombian-based French architect, Gaston Lelarge, this emblematic building also benefited from the “Heritage Stands Out” program. This large building stands along the entire west side of Bolivar Square and, although having been subject to modifications over the 20th Century. Its French Renaissance architectural style is of great historical value to the capital. It currently acts as the city hall of Bogota.
This palm tree-lined promenade that passes next to Medellin’s iconic Coltejer building is one of the most traditional and representative pedestrian streets in the city. Here, you can feel both classic and modern Medellin ambiances blend as you stroll through flower shops, restaurants and various stores.
The façades of 27 emblematic buildings in the area were recently restored, a project that completely transformed and renewed the aesthetics of one of the downtown Medellin’s most important passages.
This architectural jewel, located at the heart of Cartagena’s Old Town laid virtually in ruins for years. The structure was renovated to avoid its collapse but preserved its enthralling aesthetic it will now host a modern cultural center for the development of art, culture and crafts of the Bolivar department. The new Palace of the Proclamation holds various rooms designed to promote cultural samples, events, festivals and university activities.
This is another excellent place to visit in Cartagena, located right outside the Walled City, next to Getsemani (the city’s bohemian and cultural neighborhood). This park founded in 1911 is among one of the most emblematic in Cartagena, and is visited by many tourists who wish to admire its gardens, fountains and iconic obelisk.
The capital of Valle del Cauca also joined in on heritage preservation efforts by giving a facelift to one of its traditional haciendas as the Cañasgordas estate. This place was declared a National Monument because of its archaeological, architectural and cultural potential. Most importantly, it holds one of the oldest colonial buildings in Colombia.
Bugalagrande is a historic municipality of the Valle del Cauca department located an hour-and-a-half away from Cali. An emblematic property of this proud town’s cultural heritage is its railway station. Until very recently was completely abandoned but has now been fully restored for the enjoyment of all of Bugalagrande inhabitants.
The Ministry of Culture is currently working on various other restoration projects that will be finished by the end of the year. Some of these include the Capilla de las Mercedes in Salamina and the stained-glass windows of the Manizales cathedral. Important cultural heritage landmarks of the Caldas department.
As you can see, there are plenty of ideal places to visit in the country for those who love architecture. The cultural heritage of this country can be admired in the façades and halls of its eclectic buildings. Also, felt by strolling the streets that thrive with the vibrant culture of Colombia’s present and centuries of history.
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The Colombian film industry has been changing over the past 16 years thanks to the creation of laws which main focus is to promote cinema production in the country.
In particular, through economic incentives for national and international production companies that decide to hold pre-production, production or post-production processes in Colombia.
The first one is the film law which was created in 2003 and its prime focus is to boost a more sustainable Colombian film industry. Proimágenes is the entity that foresees and manages this law that provides incentive grants through the film development fund. Consequently, the economic resources that finance the reserve are the result of the tax collection of movie distributors, exhibitors, and film producers. Especially, to maintain the financial aid for the creation of new short films, movies, and documentaries, among others.
The second one is the filming law cash rebate, created in 2012 as the result of the positive impact on the film law in the Colombian film industry. In particular, because this one offers a cash rebate up to 40% of some of the production expenses during the realization of a film in Colombia. Also, it offers 20% on the logistic services paid during the same process. Due to the creation of both laws, the Colombian film industry grew significantly. Over 200 Colombian films were produced in the country since. Some of them along with international production companies and others with just the local ones. In the same way, these policies were able to put Colombia’s workforce and talent to the global cinema service. Furthermore, under the world´s cinema production scope to be considered a great destination to shoot A-list audiovisual content. As a result, we would like to share some of the most recent and internationally acclaimed movies that the new Colombian film industry gave birth.
El Piedra tells the story of Reinaldo “El Piedra” (the stone) Salgado. Who is nicknamed like that due to the glorious past he experienced during the best days of his boxing career. However, a lot has changed since his nickname now refers to the fact that in the present, he makes a living as a “bait”. Fighting in setup encounters where he does not have the chance to win. One day, Breyder, a kid claiming to be his son, appears into his life with the hope to learn boxing from his estranged father. Both father and son will start a journey that will bond them in a relationship they didn't know they needed.
As the directorial debut of Rafael Martínez -who was born and raised in Cartagena- part of the main focus of the film is to showcase a side of the city that is unknown to the tourist barrier and even to the locals. On the other side, this Colombian film aims to share a father-son story while making visible the real-story of several former boxing champions through the life of the main character. Former legends of the golden boxing era in Cartagena make appearances in cameos during the movie. The film also won the FDC funds from Proimágenes Colombia as many other recent productions of the Colombian film industry.
Shot with natural Colombian actors who just followed the main guidelines of the script in each scene for more realness, this Colombian film has gained international attention as a result of the empathy they transmit to the audience. Especially, like the one experienced in Huelva, Spain during the screening of the movie that made them winners of the Prize ‘Key of freedom’, granted by the inmates of the Huelva Prison Center. Also, they won the prize for the Most Solidarity Film in the 44th edition of the Huelva Iberoamerican Film Festival. Currently, the actor that played the part of “El Piedra”, Manuel Álvarez, received his first nomination for best actor at the Macondo awards that grants and honors talent in the Colombian Film Industry. The nomination is the result of the voting process from fellow Colombian actors.
Colombian movie set in Medellín tells the story of Paula, a young undergraduate student whose father is murdered in front of her. After trying to seek justice with the local authorities without results and an accidental encounter with her dad’s assassin, Paula will start her own journey. Her desire for revenge will become her number one drive in the same way her own humanity will be tested.
As an autobiographical movie, director Laura Mora seeks to explore a cathartic expose from her personal story with a twist that found in dreams of her own. After her father's death, Laura decided to move to Australia and study film direction and production. One day, she dreamed that she was on a hill smoking with a guy who turned to her and said: “My name is Jesús and I killed your father”. From that day, she decided to keep a journal named “conversations with Jesus” that would later develop into the script of this very acclaimed Colombian movie. Both main characters were interpreted by natural Colombian actors Giovanny Rodríguez and Natasha Jaramillo. When Laura returned to the country, she was surprised to find the two laws that incentivizes movie production in the Colombian film industry. Hence, the movie was produced thanks to the beneficiary Film Development-FDC.
This Colombian movie has won over twelve awards in international festivals, without including special mentions in countries such as Cuba, Egipt, Mexico, Spain, and the U.S. Some of the categories include best new director, feature film debut, and best film. A great score for the Colombian film industry.
Some of the festivals where this Colombian movie premiered and screened are: - Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) in Canada. - Warsaw International Film Festival - Miami International Film Festival, in the U.S. - International Film Festivaland Forum on Human Rights, in Switzerland - Cinélatino Rencontres in Toulouse, France
- Chicago Latino Film Festival, U.S. - Colombian Film Festival in New York, U.S. - Dominican Global Film Festival, Dominican Republic. In Addition, this Colombian movie just entered in the official selection for a cinema festival in Germany to compete for the “Great talent award”. Furthermore, it will be airing at another festival in El Cairo, Egypt under the theme “International overview”. Although the movie didn't make the official selection for Venice and Busan International Film Festivals, the producers received a letter from the organizers highlighting the great work and complimenting how well received the movie was. Not only the movie was purchased by HBO to stream it in the U.S., Canada and Puerto Rico, but also LATAM airlines is airing it on its on air movie selection. Without a doubt, the Colombian Film Industry is in a great moment. Both, the film law and the filming law, are an invitation to all international producers to come to the country to produce more movies, generate jobs and showcase #TheBestOfColombia. Related articles: Must-See Colombian Movies Colombia, Magia Salvaje: the biggest box office hit in Colombian cinema Cartagena Film Festival: Films, culture and magical sabrosura
Have you ever bought Colombian mochila bag? If your answer was “not yet”, you will love the story inside handcrafts made by members of different indigenous communities in Colombia.
Indira Mendiola Montero is one of the 30.000 artisans of the mochila bag of the country. She lives in San Juan, an indigenous shelter just an hour away from Valledupar, in the region of Cesar. There, it’s located a small group of Colombian artisans of handcrafts (195 artisans in total), according to the last Statistical Information System of Crafts Activity. Artisans in Colombia
Department of Colombia | Artisans |
Boyacá | 1.988 |
Atlántico | 1.964 |
Bolívar | 1.825 |
Nariño | 1.750 |
Tolima | 1.588 |
*By Artesanías de Colombia San Juan, located on the eastern south side of The Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, is the home of the Kankuamos, the indigenous community which name means “guardians of the world’s balance”. Also, to the indigenous people that Indira, a creator of Colombian mochila bag, belongs to. Indira is married and has three children, all of them are men. Being a woman in the community has an important cultural activity value, as the authentic creator of the handcrafts. For 30 years she has been dedicated to this work, almost half of her life weaving the symbolism of the Kankuamos community.
First, you need to know that inside the community women and men have a different role referring to the mochila bag activity. Men help women in the first part of the handcrafts process, especially with the transformation of the raw material. In this case, the natural fiber that comes from the Maguey leaf, mostly known as “fique”. Every morning, before the sun starts to rise, they scrape the blade with a woody knife called “macana”. Then, a new part of the process starts. Already in the afternoon, women’s crafters begin to weave every thread creating backpacks according to Colombian culture and traditions, such as the “mochila bag”, one of Colombia’s most symbolic handcrafts. After this, there’s the final and the most inspirational part: spin the “fique” and create the design. Indira call this as the “dream behind the handcrafts” because it’s the moment when they transfer their cultural identity, knowledge, and personal thoughts.
Weaving is like a personal journal. Means a moment, a thought, a feeling, the female crafters energy.
Around 22 crafts activities and 50 artisanal techniques, such as: basket, weave, pottery, ceramics, leather goods, woodworking, garrison, binding, structured volumes, carpentry, cabinet, lutheria, work in glass, stonework, goldsmith, silverware, jewelry, work on nuts, work on seeds and beads, cerería and jabonería.
According to Artesanías de Colombia there are three types of crafts:
It is made by artisans specialized in the production of useful and decoration objects. This activity is a profession which has been transmitted from generation to generation.
It is considered as a material expression of culture within communities. They produce useful and decoration objects, that are also rituals.
It refers to innovative products resulting from the ability to transform raw materials and implement co-design processes with artisan communities. This is the mochila bag activity that Indira does with Colombian brands such as Mola Sasa.
Indira has been working with Mola Sasa for two years, creating unique handcrafted pieces and transferring their traditional art, symbols, and handcrafts into a variety of handmade accessories like Mola Sasa's Cylinder Bags and Maguey Earrings. “Working with Colombian artisans is an honor. We work with four indigenous communities of the country: Kuna, Afro communities, Kankuamo, and Zenú. We empower artisans, we love creating a relationship with them, building confidence and respect every day. Because we want to highlight their skills and their personal stories with every handcrafts collection”, mentioned Yasmin Sabet, the founder and designer of Mola Sasa. Discover #TheBestofColombia behind the stories of each craft, that vibrates with its colors, textures, and designs. It’s time to know the diversity of the Colombian culture. Related articles: Colombia’s most original gifts Five places to visit if you want to learn about Colombia’s indigenous culture Eight Colombian products that are setting trends across the globe
Eje o área de promoción
Five new technological innovations such as the oil of god, and a robot that detects illegal mining showcase #TheBestOfColombia.
Colombia is a country known for many things: salsa dancing, beautiful beaches, exotic fruit, and joyful people among others. However, Colombians are also great innovators for several causes. The following are some of the latest innovative technology projects that can help even from people with disabilities, to improve sustainable practices for the environment.
One of the most innovative technology projects the world is hearing of right now is called God Oil. An invention that won as the best entrepreneurship of Colombia at the 2019 Entrepreneurship World Cup. Created by twin sisters Tatiana y Natalia Solano, one an industrial engineer and the latter biologist and chemist, God Oil aims to recover the ecosystems affected by oil spills. God Oil is made with plant extracts and nano carbons, which is known for degrading oil because it breaks the chains of hydrocarbons, oxidizing faster. Consequently, it can rapidly decontaminate and recover areas affected by the substance such as water resources and soil contamination with oil and their derivatives. Hence, creating a top in innovative technology solution for a worldwide problem in this industry for over 50 years. As a result, the sisters created an inclusive entrepreneurship for innovative technology projects, reaching the people within the communities affected by this problem and hired them to rebuild their ecosystems. Consequently, it is a broad business model that aims for the well being of a community. Also, it is bringing a solution to all the countries that takes part in the oil industry and are trying to control the damage of oil spill issues.
For the creators of this incredible wheelchair, It all started in a class which purpose was to take advantage of all the technological innovations in order to improve the quality of life in elderly people. Indeed, they did more than that, creating an invention that people with physical disabilities can also use. After very long research about the electrooculography method used to measure the electrical potential between electrodes placed near to the skin- and commonly used to investigate human eye movements, Jorge Neira, Wálter Marín and Julián García, came up with the conclusion that eye movement can be used as a language. Especially in human-computer interaction. The user puts on a headband with electrodes located in some external points of the eye to detect the bio-electrical signals that are given by the movement of the eye muscle and that are emitted in millivolts. Once these are captured and filtered, they are amplified to volts, a measure that is easier to handle. As a result, the signals are sent to a microcontroller that identifies them and gives them a number according to the detected movement, such as: Top = 1 to move forward Down = 2 moves backward Left = 3 moves right Right = 4 moves left In addition, blinking is used to stop the chair (= 0). Furthermore, these numbers are transmitted wirelessly by the microcontroller, through a Bluetooth device connected to an electronic system that controls the motors of the chair so that they rotate according to the order. Today, the creators are looking for investors to improve the prototype and add more technological innovations to this creation.
Santiago Saavedra is a mathematician who studied during his doctoral thesis at Stanford University, the impact that mining has on people's health. Later, he found out that there is a great deal of illegal mining in the world that destroys the environment, including deforestation and contamination of rivers with hazardous chemical residues.Technological innovations for these circumstances were needed. During his research, he also discovered that locating illegal mining is a really difficult process which makes it harder to control. Then, when finding solutions for this matter, he thought about getting involved with machine learning practices. something he knew nothing about. After working for a long time, he created an algorithm that identifies the location of the illegal mines through NASA satellite images. It also uses artificial intelligence to predict patterns. Talk about technological innovations for the environment! So far the system has 79% of accuracy, taking into account it feeds with several pictures to recognize which areas might be intervened and which aren't. Hence, it is a very high rate for a program that is not finished yet. Google awarded the initiative and its currently financing its development.
Daniel Cuartas was only 27 when he received the Innovator of the Year award at the Em Tech (Emerging Technologies) Conference sponsored by MIT Technology Review Magazine for creating one of the best technological innovations for disabled people. Cuartas developed a technology called “the pupil tracker” that will allow people with physical disabilities and limited body movement, to control objects and basic functions of their spaces with their eyes only. Moreover, the device is so practical that responds appropriately to the pupil movement of the user. Hence, it even adjusts the lighting of what is needed. The device is a pair of glasses with an integrated electronic system unit that includes a camera with a wavelength regulator that protects the eye. Therefore, the emitted signals go to a tablet or computer that will analyze them to conclude the action that the person wants to achieve. As a result, this is connected to a control system that sends signals to each device. In addition, this invention is 90% cheaper than similar technological innovations in the market.
“The great Colombian inventor” is the name of the reality-contest that awards great technological inventions such as the aerial robot for landmine detection. Furthermore, its creator Rafael Vides stood out among the over 3.000 contestants that participated for the prize that includes financial aid to improve the technological innovations of the prototype and registration of the patent. The aerial robot is indeed an aerial drone able to locate due to its electronic nose, (capable of recognizing the basic compounds of explosive devices) anti-personnel landmines planted on the ground. Consequently, it analyzes the object and sends a counter load to detonate in a controlled manner without wires. Besides, the prototype is made with aluminum and carbon fiber. He mentioned:
This invention aims not only to deactivate all the landmines of affected communities but also to prevent environmental damage.
As a result of winning the prize, Rafael along with his partner Ferney López created a company named Integrated Robotic Solutions, and are now working with the military industry of Colombia. Other countries like Israel and Japan have shown interest in the device. Certainly, one of the best technological innovations to invest in shortly. So, next time people ask what Colombia is famous for you can take into account the previous technological inventions that showcase some of #TheBestOfColombia. You may also enjoy: 5 amazing green inventions made by colombians Made in Colombia: eco-friendly products to save the planet Eight Colombian products that are setting trends across the globe
Colombia offers a renewed natural experience and a different choice of coffee: organic tea and natural blended flavors with Colombian origin.
Colombian coffee is possibly the most traditional beverage in the country. Foreigners from around the world come to Colombia to get involved in the softness, taste, and quality of the coffee. However, due to a natural and wellness trendy lifestyle, people are moving towards more organic alternatives. Colombia is prepared to surprise everyone with a millennial beverage that brings a new tasting experience: organic tea blended with Colombian origin products.
The tea bags, usually bitter and reduced in quality, stayed behind. Nowadays, organic tea consumption has become a trend in Colombia,making it a pleasant and renewing experience. You have the opportunity to visit different tea rooms and find yourself in a millennial scenario: a great environment with music and lots of tea.
In Colombia, there is something that gives a unique flavor to this experience: the Colombian organic products.That way, people can drink pure and natural tea or choose a blended experience.
It means that fruits like papaya, papayuela, blackberries, strawberries, cocoa herbs like basil, lavender, marigold, moringa, flower of Jamaica, and spices like cardamom, cinnamon, fennel, anise and cloves, between many other Colombian products, are mixed with different types of tea like white, green, yellow, blue, red or black. As a result, magic happens! Then you can enjoy an incredibly flavorful experience when you drink a blended tea from this magic world.
Making tea is an excellent ability of tea blenders, the experts in the world of tea flavors. Other than discovering Colombia through its flavors, you can also find the best tea houses to have a delicious cup of organic tea
This tea house gathers the knowledge of Laura Cahnspeyer about tea properties and Colombian organic plants to bring a real tasting experience that also takes care of the wellness of customers.
Firstly, the products used in Taller de té, like coca leaves from the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta, the guayusa, pipilongo, and some aromatic herbs from Cundinamarca, the turmeric from Putumayo and fruits from Tolima, as many others, are cultivated by small Colombian farmers.
That way, here you can find more than 80 botanic blends for a good living, and they all belong to different Munay worlds according to a purpose: activate, strengthen, harmonize, purify, concentrate or relax. Moreover, you can also find ancestral teas that aren’t mixed, plus other organic teas (green and black) produced by Bitaco’s company in Valle del Cauca, Colombia.
On the other hand, you can find different chai and non-tea organic infusions, elaborated with herbs, dehydrated fruits, or some roses from Colombian lands. All this belongs to the magic Munay world, ‘the energy of life that moves everybody.’
Its name is a word game that recreates a harmonious place to know more about the tea world. Through a long tea bar, the owner, Ximena Garcia, wants to show her customers the magic of organic tea flavors and blends, and how they can enjoy a real tea tasting experience. Therefore, after being in Europe, she discovered that tea represents a meeting point for people, and that’s what she brought to Colombia.
Actually, at this tea room you’ll find a tea tender that will teach you about teas, the production process, and its favors. Also, you can find places to meet with friends, family, or partners and have a conversation. It is a place to relax and take time to have an organic tea experience because teas are prepared at the time and personalized according to your preferences.
Here you can find more than 60 organic tea references (including Bitaco’s Colombian organic tea), which can be delighted pure or blended with herbs, flowers, or fruit skins from organic markets in Colombia. Also, you can find organic infusions and kombuchas, cold fermented teas that are flavored with herbs and flowers, and have had outstanding approval between customers.
Finally, in Bogotá, you can find other places to get closer to this millennial experience with organic tea: Templo Té, ArtTé, The tea house, and Infinitea.
Consciousness, wellbeing, happiness. This is what the tea room promotes.
As a result, here you can find that all their products are designed to have an incredible experience around the tea that also makes you feel healthy. In that way, you can drink different types of organic tea with herbal blends, taking advantage of nature’s benefits.
Thus, in their portfolio you will taste different tea flavors to reach serenity, balance, energy, and peace. Also, you can find combinations of herbs, flowers, and species of the best quality, selected by an expert tea sommelier, that creates perfect blends to your senses and wellness. Here you can get relaxed, surrounded by a zen decoration.
This tea house teaches you about the different types of teas so you can choose the best one that fits according to your preferences. Here you can find blends, for example, green tea, gooseberry, and coca leaves or black tea with dehydrated coconut and pink pepper. All these creations come from two brothers, both experts from tea.
In Cali, you can have a similar experience with this tea room, a place to get delighted with its more than 100 tea varieties and blends from many parts of the world. Because of that, you will be guided by an expert so you can make the best tea choice. The place looks like a kind treehouse, very rustic and cozy to have a non-common experience.
After that, you already know another alternative to Colombian coffee to enjoy your visit to this country. Organic teas blended with #TheBestOfColombia products will make your stay a real flavor experience.
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The craft beer market in Colombia has been brewing for over a decade now. Nowadays, there are over 150 microbreweries in the country and the consumption is rising as well.
It is an industry that revolves around rethinking the practices built over drinking beer, to evolve them into something more conscious and intimate.
Working in this industry is a job for the passionate ones because making a craft beer is not an easy task. Patience, knowledge, and a true wit are required to create harmonious mixtures of aromas, flavors, and colors to brew new experiences.
Discover four of the best craft beer breweries in Colombia and the experiences they are brewing behind their most popular beers.
For the owners of this brewery, it all started casually and without looking for it. Non Grata is a way of seeing the world. It lives between the design and the beer. A vision that invites people to transcend over the conventions and norms conceived by society to trigger new ways of acting, drinking, and living.
Non Grata comes from the Latin that means “not welcomed”. The reason behind the name relies on the three facts that can be unwelcomed for someone when experiencing this craft beer for the first time. First, because is created to be a gastronomic experience, more than having just a beer moment, secondly, the non-traditional ingredients used such as bananas or mustard seeds, and third, the high level of alcohol in their recipes.
One of the stars of Non Grata, it is a beer conceived backwards. In the same way as a design project. The concept behind it, is looking to emulate the experience of having a hard drink. To take people out of what they usually expect when having a beer.
In this case, this hard liquor happened to be in a very specific time and place in England towards the end of the XIX century. Whitechapel district in London's East End, during Jack The Ripper, one of the most famous serial killers of the time. However, for Non Grata owners, Jack is not a murderer but a shadow within that joins you for a conversation when having this craft beer.
The result is a craft beer with an 8.8 % ABV (alcohol by volume) or degrees of alcohol, almost the double of a regular beer. It also has 6 different types of malt. This complex drink also has a deep brown mahogany shade with a woody aroma, due to the fact that it was aged in American Oak barrels that used to contain Jack Daniels Tennessee Whisky before.
Today, you can find Non Grata craft beers in over 50 bars and restaurants, and soon they will be opening their first Pub. Stay tuned!
La Milagrosa stands out as a meaning in Spanish for “the miraculous one”. It is an homage to all the grandmothers in Colombia who enjoy life to its fullest and always had the cure for everything with their miraculous recipes. It is dedicated to this important family figure in the Latino culture that inspires generations who looked back at them and said: “When I grow up, I want to be like her”.
The brewery itself is established in 2016, inspired by all the different grandmas whose characters are reflected in their beers. These craft beers are a tribute to the wonderful women who spoiled and nourished their grandchildren.
Although they have over four grandma profiles or main craft beers, the most famous one is their Indian Pale Ale. It is inspired by the grandma who preaches that happiness is also a taste to remember as the combination of a mysterious aroma with an intense flavor that even if it's bitter, it brings a sweet taste to life.
A grateful gesture to the strong personality women who taught them that greatness lies where dreams end. It is a copper-colored hopped beer with 7.1 % ABV with a strong bitter taste and well balanced body, a deep aroma and a flavor that resembles American hops.
Tres Cordilleras is a brewery with over ten years of expertise in the craft beer market in Colombia. The name is after the three main mountain ranges or cordilleras that cross the country and geographically stands out the most of the territory.
This entrepreneurship started when the owner met the craft beer market in the USA and had the opportunity to work for six years in SweetWater, a very well-known brewery in Atlanta at the time. After that, it was time to bring all the knowledge to create a new exciting concept behind the craft beer brewing culture in Colombia.
This craft beer brewery aims to find an audience willing to try beers full of new colors, aromas, and flavors.
Rosé is a term mostly used when referring to a type of wine that has a light pink color due to the little contact it has with grape skin. Hence, it is a spirited drink usually associated with women. However, in this craft beer, it is what comes as the result of finding malts and wheat that resembles mixed berries to recreate somewhat a sweet beer, a very uncommon end flavor in the craft beer market.
Inspired in a European craft beer recipe, this beer has a 3.8% AVB. Its fine aroma and the sweet and bubbly personality are what stand most out of it, with the complementary red fruits that provide a natural freshness. A perfect balance that ends with citrus touches. Although it gave the impression that was created to women, it is a craft beer popular between men as well.
This craft beer is created in Cali, the capital of the Valle del Cauca department and also from the Pacific Region. As a result of that, it is also referred to as “La Sultana del Valle” which stands out as a privileged position in the region.
It comes as a tribute to the world's salsa capital, one of the most colorful and joyful regions in the country, where its people are recognized for having a warm and welcoming personality. Behind this concept, the owner meant to give this city a beer from the caleños to the locals and to anyone who craves a good craft beer.
La Sultana brewery is also the result of the challenge looking to create high-quality craft beer, inspired in Belgium's best but with a Colombian touch.
The term Morronga is mostly used in the region to define a person who appears to be calmer than what it actually is. Someone who reveals its true personality once you get to know them, usually hiding a flirtatious and sassy persona that ends up captivating you.
This is the concept behind the main beer of La Sultana brewery, a very nice blonde with a captivating aroma that makes you feel good when you have it, and with each sip, a new layer of its personality is discovered. Suddenly without noticing you have already surrendered to her enchantments.
Morronga comes from a Belgian Blonde Ale recipe that was successful in the first preparation. It has a 5.5% AVB and a golden cloudy color. In addition to that, it has many citrus and herbs aromas, and a trace of moderate bitterness for a dry end.
Without a doubt, having a craft beer, more than a tasting, it's an experience. Whether you prefer a stout over a brown ale or a witbier, we invite you to build new memories over the experience of getting to know #TheBestOfColombia.
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Colombia is a country well renowned for its natural diversity, multiculturalism, tourist destinations, and it enjoys the benefit of having the same time zone everywhere. The national identity is actually a blend of numerous Amerindian, European and Afric
If you’ve ever heard of Colombia – the second most biodiverse country in the world – and would like to know more about this place, here we’ll tell you general info you should know before visiting.
Have you ever wondered “Where is Colombia?” Well, you can find it on the northernmost end of South America.
To the north, it borders Panama and the Caribbean Sea, Peru and Ecuador to the south, Venezuela and Brazil to the east, and its entire west coast meets the Pacific Ocean. It has an immensely privileged placement, not just because it’s the only country in South America with coasts on two oceans, but also because being right in the middle of the continent allows it to easily connect with all countries in the Americas.
Bogota is the capital of and largest city in Colombia. It’s located in the heart of one of the six natural regions – the Andean Region – which runs across the middle of the country from southwest to northeast. Bogota lies on a high plateau in the Andes mountains known as the Bogota savanna, at an altitude of over 2,600 meters above sea level.
This capital city is a meeting point of history, entertainment, local and international gastronomy, culture and business. It’s also a melting pot where people from all over the country come together, making it hugely diverse and multicultural. Bogota hosts the central offices of the Colombian government, as well as important universities and cultural centres such as theatres, libraries and museums.
The current population of Colombia is over 51 million people based on the latest report by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UNECLAC). This is equals around 0.65% of the total world population. The life expectancy in Colombia is 77 years for both men and women, and the median age is 31.
The entirety of Colombia lies within a single time zone, five hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (UTC-5). Due to its proximity to the Equator, there are no daylight savings or time changes during the year. Colombia shares the same time zone as Peru, Ecuador, Panama, Jamaica, Cuba and some cities of the eastern United States and Canada. Here you can check this in real time.
Colombia is one of the 13 countries that lie on the Equator. Thanks to this, Colombia has no seasons and doesn’t experience any extreme climate changes during the year. However, the country does have the privilege of enjoying a wide variety of climates thanks to its mountainous terrain. In Colombia it’s possible to go from summer-like temperatures to winter-like ones in little over an hour.
Colombia’s climates can be categorized as follows:
Warm: defined by high temperatures, regular rainfall, and humidity. The annual average always stays well over 24°C. Some of the products grown in this climate are cocoa, cotton, pineapple, and banana.
Mild: it changes the most throughout the year but remains within a very comfortable range. The average annual temperature is 20°C. Some of the products grown here are coffee, cereals, avocado, and flowers.
Cold: limited to high altitudes across the Andean mountain range, the annual average is around 14°C. Some of the products grown here are carrots, blackberries, curuba, potatoes and onions.
Moor: these are the highest habitable areas right before the snowy peaks, and are mostly rainy and extremely cold. The annual average is well below 10 °C.
The official language of Colombia, as well as the most spoken, is Spanish. The country is very ethnically and linguistically diverse, with nearly 70 native Amerindian tongues spoken in different regions of the country. English is spoken as a second language across the country, but native in the islands of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina.
On the other hand, Spanish slang varies enormously across Colombia. There are several accents commonly used and understood throughout the country. The mostly popular being: ‘Paisa’ from Medellin and the Coffee Cultural Landscape, ‘Caleño’ from the city of Cali, and ‘Rolo’ from the capital city of Colombia.
Colombia’s official currency is the Colombian peso. Currently there are five different peso coins in circulation: 50, 100, 200, 500 and 1,000. Also, you’ll find seven different banknotes: 1,000, 2,000, 5,000, 10,000, 20,000, 50,000 and 100,000.
One US dollar is approximately 3,500 Colombian pesos.
Did you know that… Colombia is the second most biodiverse country in the world?
Did you know that… the most humid place on Earth is in Colombia? It’s a small town in the sprawling Eastern Plains called Puerto López, in the department of Meta.
Did you know that… Colombia has the largest number of species per unit area on the planet?
Did you know that… in Colombia you can visit 9 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the historic centres of Cartagena and Mompox, and the San Agustín Archeological Park?
Did you know that… the Luis Ángel Arango Library in Bogota is the most visited in the world?
Now that you’ve soaked up this general info, you can visit the country without hesitation. Make the most of your adventure and learn more about its cultural variety, landscapes, and activities by visiting the official tourism guide of Colombia here.
Also, discover why you should invest in Colombia, a country with great benefits and why Colombian products are conquering the world! Remember: it’s not Columbia, it’s Colombia.
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Discover these 5 places to immerse yourself in Colombian culture
Colombian culture has a lot to offer. Get to know these 5 places you can visit during your stay in Colombia that will allow you to have a cultural exchange.
Tourism and the number of foreigners living in Colombia have increased considerably in the last years. Because of this, some cultural spaces have been enabled around the country. In these spaces, foreigners have been able to share with Colombians, in order to get to know in-depth different aspects of Colombian culture, such as music and dance.
There are different options to enjoy this cultural exchange. From sitting in a bar or coffee house to talk with people, to participating in festivals or parties organized by the citizens and the cultural entities of the country. So, if you want to come to Colombia and live this great experience, here are the 5 places you can’t miss.
Colombian culture is characterized for having a mix between the European legacy and the indigenous roots. This has been reflected in their customs, traditions and even in the way they relate to nature.
Colombia is a place with visitors from all around the world. This favors multiple languages to be spoken around the country. However, spaces have been enabled in the country’s major cities so that foreigners and Colombians can have a cultural exchange of language while they learn of the Colombian culture. Bogotá is one of the cities that has pioneered in offering this experience, it has several spaces that allow us to meet people from other countries and practice both native and international languages.
One of these places is the restaurant A Seis Manos. This cultural space, located in the Santa Fe neighborhood of Bogotá, has a daily schedule that includes different plans. Among them are the days where foreigners and locals meet to practice languages and exchange experiences from their own countries. If you want to learn or practice some language and have a good time, you can go to this nice place in Bogotá.
Dance: another aspect that stands out of Colombian culture. The dances have been known thanks to the different festivals that are held in the country, highlighting the typical costumes and uniques movements. With this, the cities offer the possibility for foreigners to get to know more about Colombia and at the same time they can take advantage of their visit to learn how to dance every rhythm.
Cali is the city where dancing is the protagonist of every day, and salsa is its main axis. Places such as La Topa Tolondra have been set up, so lovers of this genre can gather to enjoy great salsa nights. This space allows to know more about the Colombian culture because visitors can listen to national and international artists, and also, they can learn to dance salsa or perfect their style from schools and dance academies. Don’t miss this place and the others that this city offers.
www.instagram.com/la_topa_tolondra
Colombian music has stood out worldwide, as it is part of the culture and traditions that come from years ago. The variety of instruments of Colombia and the relationship they have with the genres is very special. Each region of the country has different festivals, in which its musical characteristics are reflected, allowing to have a space for cultural exchange.
Vallenato is one of the most important genres of the country and has managed to have its own space: The Vallenato Legend Festival. This festival, held in the city of Valledupar during April, recreates through music all the magic of the earth in which the lyrics and melodies are created. If you want to live the Colombian culture and learn more about Colombian music, you must attend this great event.
Colombian cuisine is very special, as there is a wide variety of dishes made for all tastes. It is common for each region to have its own characteristic products because they have a relationship with the conditions of the place. This is a thing that comes from the native communities because they use to feed on the fruits they collected from the ground. The typical dishes of each place have allowed Colombians and foreigners to enjoy the Colombian culture.
The Pacific region is one of the most important places for Colombian gastronomy. Its coasts and bays favor the production of dishes, mostly of seafood and fish. Also, they have delicious preparations for exotic juices, the result of the variety of fruits that the country has. Some of the characteristic ones are clam and crab soup, fish aborrajado, shrimp or prawns salad, among others. You can’t leave Colombia without trying these delicious dishes.
Art has been one of the best-known expressions in history. In Colombia, it has been present for centuries. The main cities have enabled different spaces –such as museums, houses, and the street itself– for Colombian culture learning throughout the art. Medellín is one of the scenarios of this mixture of culture, art, and fun, as it is in a process of artistic renewal.
You just have to take the subway and stop by the neighborhoods to see the artistic move of graffiti. This city offers a graffiti tour for foreigners and visitors in the well-known Comuna 13, a neighborhood that has been reinvented to demonstrate how urban art can transform communities. You will be able to see Colombian culture through the music and art that is lived on this tour. Get to know Medellín and Colombia through these cultural spaces made for all.
All these places are part of the great variety that Colombia has to offer, related to the Colombian culture and traditions. So, if you want to enjoy Colombian music and gastronomy, you must visit this magical place and discover #TheBestOfColombia.
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Eje o área de promoción
Cocoa is a product originated in América, an ancestral crop related to our culture.
Colombian Premium cocoa production, also classified as ‘Cacao Fino de Aroma’, grows in different regions, giving a unique sensorial profile to the exclusive chocolate tasting experience in the country.
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