Five Fun Facts About Colombia and Colombians

Colombia is a fascinating country, known for the diversity of its people, the richness of its nature and its incredible culture. As in all countries, Colombia also has its share of peculiarities and curiosities that can astonish visitors. Whether it’s about culture or history, here a five fun facts about Colombia and its people.

Colombia’s slang is full of imagery

When it comes to language, Colombians have developed a fascinating diversity and originality in expressions and words. Maybe because of the country’s incredibly rich biodiversity, nature is one of the primary sources of inspiration for Colombian expressions.

One of the most emblematic is to “Dar papaya”. Literally translated as “To give papaya’, it means putting oneself in a vulnerable, dangerous situation. As a tourist, you might often here Colombians telling you “No Dar Papaya” (Don’t give papaya), generally referring to avoiding showing off valuable objects like smartphones on the streets, something that might tempt thieves.

Another nature-related expression is the famous “Guayabo”, or hangover. It is a literal variation of the word guayaba, which means guava in Spanish. Similarly to someone having a hangover, a rotten guava will still look fine from the outside.

Other famous Colombian expressions include “Ponerse las pilas” (Put on the batteries), which means to get one’s act together, “Mono” (monkey) to refer to blond-haired people, ‘Llave’ (key) to designate one’s close friend, or ‘Filo’ (blade) to talk about hunger.

Colombians can greet in a very ‘romantic’ manner

Colombians might be the most warm, welcoming and friendly people on earth. The hospitality of Colombians has surprised many foreigners, including their very particular way of greeting.

In popular neighborhoods, market places or with street vendors, don’t be surprised if you are called “mi amor” (my love), “mi rey/mi reina” (my king/my queen), “mi vida” (my life). It is a local custom to make the client feel at ease and to create a warm environment.

While this is mostly true in the context of popular trade, in cities like Medellin, men and women commonly adress each other this way. Calling a person from the other gender “mor” (luv) or “bebe” (baby) is by no means seduction but rather a local idiomatic tradition.

In other contexts, all across Colombia, people can refer to each other with terms like papa (daddy) or mamita (mommy), a custom that really makes Colombia a special place.

Related: From Dating to Traveling: What Nobody Told You About Colombia

Christopher Columbus never visited Colombia

Despite Colombia being named after Christopher Columbus, the first traveler from the Old World to the Americas, the navigator in fact never set foot in, or sailed to, the country. Between 1492 and 1504, Colombus led four voyages from Spain to the Carribbean, successively discovering the Bahamas, Cuba, Hispaniola, the Lesser Antilles islands, Puerto Rico, and Jamaica.

During his third and fourth expeditions, he reached continental America, first at the Gulf of Paria, today shared between Venezuela and Trinidad island, and later Central America, along the Caribbean coast from present-day Honduras to Panama.

It was only in 1515 that Spanish conquerors would reach Colombia, with Alonso de Ojeda’s expedition to La Guajira Peninsula. Interestingly, Colombia only started to be referred to as such at the end of the 18th century, as a means to pay homage to Christopher Colombus, the discoverer of the Americas.

Most Colombian cities have intriguing nicknames

Like most cities in the world, Colombian towns have their own characteristic nicknames, each reflecting historical, cultural or even geographical features.

Bogota, the country’s capital, is known as the “Athens of South America”. This highlights Bogota’s significant political and intellectual activity, with its numerous events and conferences. Medellin, the country’s second-largest city, is nicknamed the “City of Eternal Spring” in reference to its cool and pleasant climate, which remains relatively stable throughout the year.

On the Caribbean coast, Barranquilla is known as the “Golden Gate of Colombia”, a reference to the city’s historical role in the industrial and technological development of the country. As the main port of Colombia, it would be the first to receive innovations from the US and Europe.

Cartagena’s nickname, on the other hand, pays homage to its historical role in Colombia’s independence. The “Heroic City” was baptized by Simon Bolivar, father of the country’s independence, as it decisively resisted a three-month Spanish siege.

Finally, one of the most iconic nicknames might be Cali’s, known as the “Branch of Heaven”. Unlike other nicknames, it simply highlights that life in the city is so good that it is literally a piece of heaven on earth.*

Related: Origins of Colombia’s City Names Reveal Nation’s Rich Past

Colombian cuisine has many uncommon dishes

As tasty as it can be, with dishes like empanadas or bandeja paisa, Colombian cuisine can also be extremely surprising. Living in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Colombians have developed many culinary traditions that might surprise visitors.

On the Caribbean Coast, during Lent before Holy Week, iguanas, capybara, white caimans and turtles become traditional and very sought-after dishes. While many of these species are protected, the traditions are hard to stop. In the Llanos region, some traditional dishes include armadillo and capybara meat, which can be served as any regular gathering.

Another unusual dish is the famous ‘Hormigas culonas‘ (Big Ass ants) from the Santander department. Originally a culinary tradition from local indigenous communities, it later gained success as a snack found in every major city. Similarly, in the Amazonas region, the indigenous communities are keen on mojojoy, beetle larvae.

Of course, most Colombians have never eaten these exotic animals, let alone the insects, but the existence of such culinary traditions reflects the diversity of the Colombian people.