Colombia | As A Little Girl Growing Up In

In Colombia, music and dance are not just pastimes; they are essential expressions of life. It is not uncommon for a little girl to be twirling to the upbeat tempos of cumbia , vallenato , or salsa before she can even tie her own shoes.

. While individual experiences vary significantly between urban centers like Bogotá and rural areas, several core themes define a Colombian girlhood. 1. Family and Community Ties

Let me walk you through one Sunday.

I dream of my grandmother’s kitchen floor. I dream of the ants marching toward the mango. I dream of my father’s shoulders, broad as a continent. I dream of the hummingbird in the bougainvillea, its wings beating so fast they disappear.

Christmas was a special time in our household. We'd decorate our home with colorful lights, flowers, and a giant nativity scene. My siblings and I would help my mom prepare traditional Colombian dishes like lechona (roasted pork stuffed with rice, peas, and spices) and natilla (a creamy dessert made with milk, sugar, and cinnamon). On Christmas Eve, we'd attend midnight mass, followed by a festive dinner with our extended family. as a little girl growing up in colombia

: A pivotal transition from childhood to womanhood. Girls often wear pastel or light-colored evening gowns, tiaras, and jewels for a grand celebration that includes a formal waltz with fathers and godparents, followed by a lively "hora loca" (crazy hour) with masks and fast-tempo music.

A typical Sunday often involves the whole family gathering to make sancocho , a rich, hearty soup cooked over a wood fire, fostering a sense of unity and patience. Traditions, Magic, and Celebrations

Colombians are known for their ability to find happiness and celebrate life, even in challenging times. A little girl learns that laughter is a powerful tool.

The experience teaches the importance of education, family, and hard work as pathways to a better future. In Colombia, music and dance are not just

Growing up in Colombia meant my world was painted in the brightest colors and soundtracked by the constant hum of life.

: From a young age, girls are often expected to help with household chores and care for younger siblings before socializing. There is a strong emphasis on being well-groomed, with attention paid to perfect nails, clean shoes, and a pleasant scent. Cultural Traditions and Daily Life

: Colombian children quickly learn the concept of verraquera —a local term for grit, drive, and ultimate resilience. Facing economic shifts or historical social unrest, girls watch their parents navigate hardships with a smile and an unwavering determination to move forward.

Traditions and faith also play a significant role in childhood development. Major milestones, particularly religious ones like primera comunión (First Communion), are treated as grand, joyous family affairs, marked by traditional dresses, family feasts, and heartfelt blessings. I dream of my grandmother’s kitchen floor

There was a peculiar shift that happened when foreign media arrived. I didn’t realize I was supposed to be scared of my own shadow until I saw an American movie about Escobar . It was jarring. In our reality, danger wasn't a dramatic shootout; it was the quiet curfew. It was the father who checked under the car for bombs every morning—not with panic, but with the same routine rhythm as brushing his teeth.

Silence was suspicious. Silence meant someone was sick, or the power was out, or—worst of all—that the coffee had run out.

Growing up as a little girl in Colombia is a formative experience that instills a deep love for culture, family, and community—a foundation that shapes a vibrant, resilient, and loving perspective on the world. If you’d like to explore this topic further, I can share: Specific played in Colombian neighborhoods.