Meetings: Don’t be surprised if your business meeting starts 30 minutes later than scheduled.

Social Gatherings: Arriving right on time might mean you are the first one there, with others streaming in much later.

Public Events: Concerts and public speeches often kick off well past the expected start time.

The Love for Aguardiente

Aguardiente, translating to “fiery water,” is Colombia’s national spirit. This anise-flavored liquor is a staple at nearly every Colombian celebration. Surprisingly, despite its strong taste and high alcohol content, it’s not uncommon to see Colombians drinking it straight from shot glasses at room temperature, often cheerfully encouraging others to join in.

Popularity: It’s the go-to drink for celebrations, particularly during festivals like Feria de Cali.

Custom: Offering a shot of Aguardiente is a sign of friendship and hospitality.

Fun Fact: Many locals claim that Aguardiente helps to keep them warm, especially in the Andean regions.

Christmas Celebrations Start in Early December

Colombians take Christmas seriously, and the festive season starts with the Day of the Little Candles (Día de las Velitas) on December 7th. Streets, homes, and public spaces are decorated with candles and lanterns, illuminating cities in a beautiful glow. This marks the beginning of nearly a month of celebration, leading up to Christmas and beyond.

Elaborate Decorations: Homes are often decked out with elaborate nativity scenes, called ‘pesebres.’

Music and Dancing: Festivities are filled with traditional music, dancing, and, of course, more Aguardiente.

Long Festivities: Celebrations continue until Epiphany on January 6, known as ‘Reyes Magos.’

The Unofficial Sport: Tejo

Tejo, an explosive Colombian sport, combines elements of horseshoes and bowling but with a unique, fiery twist. Players throw metal discs (tejos) at a clay board embedded with small packets of gunpowder, aiming to strike them to create a loud bang and earn points.

Popularity: It’s commonly played in rural areas and is gaining popularity in urban settings.

Competitive Spirit: Tournaments and casual games are often accompanied by a festive atmosphere, with food, music, and drinks.

Cultural Significance: The game is considered a cultural heritage and a symbol of Colombian festivity.

The Obsession with Telenovelas

Colombians have a deep love for their telenovelas (soap operas). These drama-filled series are watched fervently and are a topic of daily conversation among friends and family. It’s not just a leisure activity; for many, it’s a daily ritual.

Prime Time: The prime-time slot for these shows is fiercely competitive among local networks.

Impact on Daily Life: Plot twists and character developments in telenovelas can influence public mood and social conversations.

Exports: Successful Colombian telenovelas often find audiences internationally, enhancing the country’s cultural footprint.

Colombian Slang: A Language of its Own

Colombian Spanish is peppered with unique slang that can be utterly baffling to outsiders. This distinctive lingo adds color and flavor to everyday conversations and often reflects the humor and warmth of the Colombian spirit.

Parce or Parcero: A widely used term in Colombia, roughly equivalent to ‘dude’ or ‘mate.’

Chevere: Means ‘cool’ or ‘awesome’ and is a versatile term used to describe almost anything positive.

Bacano: Similar to ‘chevere,’ this word is used to express approval or that something is well-liked.

It’s Not All About Coffee

While Colombia is famous worldwide for its high-quality coffee, you might be surprised to find that many locals prefer drinking tinto—an inexpensive, simple black coffee served in small cups. Tinto stands as a testament to the everyday coffee culture, distinctly different from the gourmet coffee beans that are exported globally.

Ubiquity: Tinto vendors can be found on almost every street corner, serving up this beloved brew throughout the day.

Cultural Experience: Sharing a tinto is seen as an act of communal connection and is often accompanied by lively conversation.

Contrast: Despite Colombia’s reputation as a coffee powerhouse, the average local consumption is relatively low compared to other countries.

Colombia, with its vibrant culture, unique traditions, and warm people, offers an array of experiences that often come with humorous and surprising twists. These funny facts not only reflect the joyous spirit of Colombians but also highlight the idiosyncrasies that make living in Colombia a truly unique experience.