Easter customs in Colombia. Carolina Buitrago interview

Carolina Buitrago, Export Specialist in Brand Distribution Group

The thing I like the most about local Easter:

The possibility of meeting with our family and the people we love the most to celebrate this special date.

The main difference between Polish and Columbian tradition is:

The main difference is that in Colombia and in many other Latin American countries, the most “special-sacred” days of reflection are Thursday and Good Friday (those days are bank holidays). The tradition is focused around commemorating the days of suffering of Jesus. Although people go to church for the celebration of his resurrection, it is not the same as here in Poland.

Easter menu can’t do without:

Traditions related to this date do not include a family meal. Celebration is on the church or on the streets, not at home.

I was most surprised here by:

In Poland I was generally surprised by the whole celebration that goes around Easter. How important it is, for the family to meet around the table, eat delicious food and celebrate. Also, by how Easter tradition involves the whole community and not just people close to the church. In Latin America, people involved in these traditions are the most religious. Those who are a little further from the religion do not get involved and take this break more as an opportunity to rest or vacation. How it really looks like? Probably one of my clients can tell you best.

In Colombia in general these dates are not that exceptional as in Poland. I however live in a place near the city of Popayan, which is a very famous place for the celebrations at Easter. The tradition is framed by a series of processions that go through the main streets of the city and visit the main churches as well. “The porters” carry wooden bases on their shoulders with images of saints which represent scenes narrated from the Gospel (for example when Christ was on the cross or when he was walking towards it). They walk accompanied by the faithful, who sing and pray during the processions.

In general, these religious traditions are not celebrated in the same way throughout the country. They are ingrained customs mainly in many inhabitants of smaller cities and towns. However, many people don’t get involved in those celebrations. In big cities there may be some small processions, but the most usual activity is to visit different churches during the night on those holly days. Churches then are specially decorated and open for Christians who want to visit and pray. Visiting different churches at night during the days of Holy Week is something that has become traditional. Due to the current situation, this year I will stay at home and watch religious and artistic broadcasts either on TV or online.