Colors of Cartagena - traditions, festivals, mentality and lifestyle

Colombians are a nation of contrasts. Openness, smiles, and kindness coexist with serene irresponsibility. All the things will be done but tomorrow. The crime rate is one of the highest in the world. If you are going to visit Cartagena, it is worth remembering that you should not walk through the dark streets alone in the evenings here, especially if you have a huge amount of money, expensive equipment or jewelry. You should not forget about caution despite the fact that it is much quieter here than in other cities in the country. Colombians are extremely peaceful. However, they can instantly go into the state of an angry Berserker, protecting their family or their land. Perhaps this is the reason for the civil war that has been going on in the country with alternating success for more than a dozen years.

There are many tourists from all over the world in Cartagena. So there is a chance that you will be able to communicate with someone from the local, accustomed to foreigners, in English. But in general, knowing English will not help you much in the city. Everyone speaks Spanish here. Don't be surprised that locals always treat each other with respect and without familiarity, even among close friends or relatives. Also, do not be surprised when the question "How to get to the beach?" you will be told, "Daughter, turn left and go three districts straight." Local residents call any interlocutor, even a complete stranger, the words daughter, mother, father or other related designations.

Do not worry about the fact that some of the local residents did not fulfill their obligations. Do not worry if some of your plans will not be implemented because someone from the locals did not provide the necessary information or did not come to the meeting. Don't worry about anything at all. Colombians are smiling, polite, happy to invite you to a cafe, offer their recommendations, and mention assistance in employment. But they won't actually do anything. In general, you should also do the same. Smile, say compliments, offer your help and try to appear kind and polite person. But you don't have to do anything. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

"Manyana" is a favorite word of every Colombian. It means "Yes, of course, sometime later." Delays and failures of any deadlines are common here. The concept of a deadline is not familiar to the locals at all. They prefer to enjoy life, admire the sea, and relax on the coastal sand but not to work tirelessly. There are no severe colds here. So perhaps it was the eternal summer that gave rise to the reluctance to make any plans. Tomorrow, everything will be done tomorrow.

It is interesting that the idea of a strong friendship is not very popular among Colombians. A girl can tell her friend about her experiences after parting with her boyfriend and then steal her boyfriend. Residents of Cartagena believe that blood relatives are the closest people. A brother or cousin will always be closer in a difficult situation than someone not related to his family. However, the citizens are friendly, smiling, and do not mind communicating with foreigners. They are always interested in the customs and traditions of the homeland of their city’s guests. If a Colombian meets a friend, he will say Hello and ask about him and his family even if he's late for a meeting or a plane.

Anti-tobacco ideas have been increasing among citizens in recent years. So if you decide to smoke in a public place, make sure that there is no sign of a smoking ban anywhere. You should not smoke if there is a woman nearby. Women don't mind cigarettes. But sometimes men are too zealous to protect their women from any discomfort. If you are a girl, you will regularly hear a lot of compliments in Cartagena. There are no ambiguities, just locals are sure that it is necessary to behave with women only in this way.

The vast majority of citizens are Catholics. Churches are crowded on religious holidays. Visits of the temple by a person are one of the main characteristics by which local residents get an idea of its moral appearance. Holidays such as Easter, Christmas, Epiphany, as well as celebrations in honor of various saints are celebrated on a large scale here.

The Latin American Theater Festival and the Caribbean Music Festival are held in the city in March. You can visit the International Regatta in June. The National Beauty Pageant is held in Cartagena in November. February is Carnival time. Almost all citizens participate in it. Bullfighting takes place in January. The International Film Festival is also held in the city.