Internationally, perhaps one of the most widely recognized symbols of Colombia is the Sombrero Vueltiao. It was also declared a National Symbol of Colombia in 2004. This beautiful piece of wearable art comes from the Caribbean coast, specifically from the departments of Sucre and Córdoba with its origins in the Zenú Indian culture. This hat is made from the leaves of the palm tree called caña flecha, it grows on the edges of the rivers and swamps on the Atlantic coast. The leaves are dried in the sun. A process that changes the colour from green to a light tan colour and some leaves even change to near white.
The quality of the hat is determined by the number of pairs of fibers braided together and its bending flexibility. The more flexible the hat is, the higher is the quality. Since the pre-Hispanic, the aborigines used the hat for sun protection during the corn crop. Is probably that the hat can be part of the hierarchy ritual of the tribe and it had also powerful fertilization beliefs.
The sombrero vueltiao is no longer just for Colombian peasants, as its popularity has risen a lot. It also has become a work of art admired and appreciated by the Colombians and foreigners like me.
This is just a tiny bit of what I have learned on my last winter holidays in Colombia. Over 2 weeks sightseeing, enjoying the moments and pretty much relaxing with my family. I spent most of the time in Bogota visiting pretty cool places like Usaquen. A hotspot in the capital full of trendy and varied restaurants, cafes and chic cocktail bars. At Sundays we also visited El Mercado de Las Pulgas featuring street musicians, gourmet food stands and plenty stalls selling handmade pieces like jewellery, toys or homeware.
La Candelaria is one of my favorite places. The vibrant heart of the capital with landmarks like the colonial-era cathedral and neoclassical Capitol flanking Bolivar Plaza. Narrow streets lined with shops selling emeralds and handicrafts, lead to cultural hotspots like the Gold Museum and Museo Botero, showing international art in a colonial mansion. Monserrate it’s a must place to visit. A mountain that dominates the city center of Bogotá that rises to 3,152 metres above the sea level, where you can find a church with a shrine, devoted to El Señor Caído.
And not far from the city it’s The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. An underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground in a halite mountain. With no doubt, one of the most impressive places and human works that I’ve ever seen. We also had the chance to enjoy few days in a magnificent house 3 hours far from the city. An idyllic place with bright and warm sunshine, pure nature and tranquility where the only thing we did was resting. Besides we spent long hours playing in the swimming pool, ate delicious traditional food and played many board games.
The quality of the hat is determined by the number of pairs of fibers braided together and its bending flexibility. The more flexible the hat is, the higher is the quality. Since the pre-Hispanic, the aborigines used the hat for sun protection during the corn crop. Is probably that the hat can be part of the hierarchy ritual of the tribe and it had also powerful fertilization beliefs.
The sombrero vueltiao is no longer just for Colombian peasants, as its popularity has risen a lot. It also has become a work of art admired and appreciated by the Colombians and foreigners like me.
This is just a tiny bit of what I have learned on my last winter holidays in Colombia. Over 2 weeks sightseeing, enjoying the moments and pretty much relaxing with my family. I spent most of the time in Bogota visiting pretty cool places like Usaquen. A hotspot in the capital full of trendy and varied restaurants, cafes and chic cocktail bars. At Sundays we also visited El Mercado de Las Pulgas featuring street musicians, gourmet food stands and plenty stalls selling handmade pieces like jewellery, toys or homeware.
La Candelaria is one of my favorite places. The vibrant heart of the capital with landmarks like the colonial-era cathedral and neoclassical Capitol flanking Bolivar Plaza. Narrow streets lined with shops selling emeralds and handicrafts, lead to cultural hotspots like the Gold Museum and Museo Botero, showing international art in a colonial mansion. Monserrate it’s a must place to visit. A mountain that dominates the city center of Bogotá that rises to 3,152 metres above the sea level, where you can find a church with a shrine, devoted to El Señor Caído.
And not far from the city it’s The Salt Cathedral of Zipaquirá. An underground Roman Catholic church built within the tunnels of a salt mine 200 metres underground in a halite mountain. With no doubt, one of the most impressive places and human works that I’ve ever seen. We also had the chance to enjoy few days in a magnificent house 3 hours far from the city. An idyllic place with bright and warm sunshine, pure nature and tranquility where the only thing we did was resting. Besides we spent long hours playing in the swimming pool, ate delicious traditional food and played many board games.
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