Submitted by Lilian Zamora
Colombia is a country where you can experience different Folkloric Traditions throughout every state. Growing up in Colombia, I had the opportunity to travel with my family to experience these traditions, eat a variety of food, and enjoy them. Additionally, I was part of the dance team in school, which is where I gained knowledge in folkloric traditions and participated in dance and costume contests. I am proud to say, I always got complimented on dresses that my mother designed for me. For that reason, I fell in love with Colombian Folklore traditions, and I want to share the one that I have experienced the most.
Once a year, between June 24th and the 29th, there is a Folkloric Festival in the southern region of Colombia called Huila, which consists of several activities throughout the week. There is a dance competition (the Sanjuanero), a pageant, parades with floral and musicians playing authentic instruments, cultural events, horseback riding, and authentic food.
At the dance competition, each contestant needs to perform a dance that has specific dance movements. The dance itself has its own purpose, which is for the female to get the male dancer's approval. While the female is dancing, she flirts and smiles with her partner, and at the end of the dance, if the partner likes the way she danced, they will then have a romantic relationship. Also, the contestant who gets the standing ovation from the crowd is the favorite to win the contest. The dance competition involves not only the dancing, but the amazing costumes that female dancers wear. The dresses are very elaborate with colors, flowers, sequins and delicate fabrics which make the dresses come out to be very expensive. Sometimes just as much as a wedding dress.
The food is very important because families get together to prepare, cook and bake special and typical goodies in an authentic wood fired brick oven. People spend the whole day
around the oven waiting for the food while they are singing, dancing and drinking. Pork is the main specialty, seasoned with sour oranges and authentic spices that brings its own flavor.
The competition includes contestants from all over Colombia and some international. The last main event of the Festival is the crowning of the best dancer of The Sanjuanero dance. The person who is crowned, gains the title as the Queen of the Bambuco Festival, and keeps the title throughout the year. The Queen participates in various traditional events and community services.
This Festival is important to me because growing up, I always wanted to attend the festival. Every year I would tell myself, “next year I will go to the Festival”. But it didn’t actually happen until I met my husband. Huila, is his hometown and his culture. Since we met, I have been able to enjoy it with him and my children as often as we can.