Culture & Customs
Greetings: The most common greeting is handshaking and it occurs frequently. It is the custom for men and women to shake hands with everyone when entering a home or a group gathering and also when leaving. Women often clasp forearms. Close male friends often express welcome by embracing each other; any close female or male-female friends may kiss each other. The usual male-to-male handshake is not vigorous. A person’s name should be preceded by their title (Often, people with only a college education are greeted as Doctor or Professor). In addition, greetings between the opposite sex, whether intimate or not, are often done by a slight kiss on the cheek. Often, no actual contact is made, but rather the action of kissing and the “noise” is made.
Visiting: Social politeness and proper etiquette are emphasized in Colombia. Even if tired or busy, Colombians always try to have a good word for strangers. It is very improper to put feet on the furniture. Going barefoot at any time is also insulting. Discussions about politics should be avoided when they involve negative comments about Colombia, at least until you have been here for a while and are able to see that not “everything up North” is always better. When visiting, be prepared to stay for a while to “chat.” The quick “pick-up” or “drop-off” at someone’s house just doesn’t work that way. Even in business situations, it’s not all business, and you should begin with a “Hello, how are you,” etc. before you get “down to business.” The practice of “business first, pleasure never” in North America makes one seem very rude in Colombia. The above also applies to phone conversations.
Eating: Courtesy and good manners in eating are paramount to a well-bred person in Colombia. Pleasant conversation at the table stimulates a feeling of goodwill and acceptance. When eating at someone’s house, it is not impolite to eat too much; however, leaving something on your plate can be considered a sign of politeness. Do not be surprised, however, by their offers of thirds, etc. You may be offered something that you do not really want to eat. Just like anywhere, it is usually polite to try at least a little bit. (This writer often proclaims varied and diverse allergies to things that look a bit out of the ordinary.) Also, be prepared to be offered something to eat when you are visiting, regardless of the time of day. Finally, lunchtime at the school for Colombians (especially the workers) is SACRED. They will leave the office at 12:00 and return at 1:00. It’s considered rude to discuss business during this time. This also applies to most other Colombians, in and out of school. There is no such thing as the business lunch here.
Meetings: It is not considered improper for a Colombian to arrive later than the designated time for an appointment. (Except in the city, where promptness is more closely observed.) North Americans’ idea of strict punctuality is not traditionally emphasized and people are considered more important than schedules. In addition, don’t be put off if the “scheduled” meeting never happens the first time (or the second) or if the deadline you have given is not met. This writer is still not used to this, but I have learned not to get too upset. Gentle reminders usually get the job eventually done. Finally, Colombians have a tendency to offer more than they can deliver. They want to be helpful, and generally, they will have a brother, etc. who knows someone, etc., who can help you with your problem. The general rule of thumb is not to expect too much, although if they can help solve the problem, they will do everything possible; however, it might not be within your time scheme. Finally, waiting for a doctor or other professional might be longer than you expected.
Gestures: Yawning or stretching in front of strangers is considered impolite. People beckon others with the palm downward, waving the fingers or the whole hand. Scratching the cheek means that a thief is present. Rubbing the elbow means that someone is “tacaño,” or cheap. To ask someone to look after something, point first at your eye and then at the object you want looking after. Finally, Colombians will gesture with their mouths when giving directions, nod to beckon someone, etc. It’s all quite colorful.
Holidays: (Most local holidays are celebrated on the following Monday) New Year’s Day (January 1); Epiphany (January 6); St. Joseph’s Day (March 19); Labor Day (May 1); Ascension (May 13); Corpus Christy (May 31); Sacred Heart (first Friday in June); Sts. Peter and Paul (June 29); Independence Day (July 20); Battle of Boyaca (August 7); Assumption (August 15); Columbus Day (October 12); All Saint’s Day (November 1); Independence of Cartegena (November 11); Christmas (December 25)
Families: The family plays an important role in Colombian society. If anyone of the extended family has a resource, such as a good job or a nice home, he considers it his obligation to share his good fortune with his relatives. “Dropping in” on someone is not usually considered rude, and you, as host, should make your visitor feel very welcome as if they were expected and are not interrupting anything. Calling to make an “appointment” to visit is not as common here as in North America. In addition, for most Colombians (including our students), the family is THE most important part of their lives. Weekends, especially Sundays, are family days and should not be mixed up with work.
Personal Appearance: Colombians are usually quite formal in their manner of dress. Men in almost all professional occupations and on most occasions wear a suit with shirt and tie. Dresses are most appropriate for women, although you might be surprised at the type of clothing worn by many women on the streets (a bit risqué, to say the least). Casual dressing is popular among the youth. In most situations, be careful how you dress. During the week, you should be more “formal” than on the weekends. Especially at night, you should wear long pants. Even the workers at school will wear their best clothes to school, change into their work clothes, and then dress again for the return trip home, even if nobody else will ever see them. One thing that I might mention is that Colombians (especially our students) pay a lot of attention to our and their own personal cleanliness. This means not smelling funny (using deodorant), taking a bath or shower in the morning, tucking in your shirt, combing your hair, etc. Many Colombians believe that North Americans are not that clean and do not shower that often.
Dating and Marriage Customs: Dating usually starts at ages 15 or 16, depending on the family custom. There are no chaperones on dates. The family no longer arranges marriages; the individuals involved make the decision. You might be surprised that some of the students in your classes are dating men much older than they. This is common. (This, of course, does not pertain to Preprimary and Primary teachers.) In addition, petting between the students (massaging and hair twisting) is very common and should not be confused with any sexual or courtship ritual. Finally, new female teachers may be surprised (and a little offended) by the way men stare, make comments, and whistle on the streets. Don’t be put off by it too much, and don’t be frightened. Their bark is always worse than their bite. Remember, that for many men here chauvinism is still alive and quite healthy.
Diet: Breakfast often consists of juice, fruit, eggs, and pastry, or a smaller “continental” breakfast is served. Lunch, generally served between 12 – 2 p.m., is usually the big meal of the day and the time when the family gathers. Currently, however, many families are switching to the large meal in the evening, as in the U.S. Soup, rice, meat, potatoes, salad and beans may be served. There are few desserts, but a variety of fruits instead. Water is not usually served with meals. Supper is usually at 7 – 8 p.m.
Recreation and Sports: Bullfights, soccer, basketball, cycling, and volleyball are the most popular sports. For those who live on the coast, swimming and fishing are common sports. Members of the small upper class often belong to clubs where they enjoy golf, horseback riding, and tennis.
History and Government: Ruled by Spain for 300 years, Colombia won its freedom in the revolt of the Spanish-American Colonies, which took place from 1810 to 1824. The Liberator Simón Bolívar established the Republic of Gran Colombia in 1819, from which Venezuela and Ecuador withdrew in 1829-1830, leaving the Republic of New Granada. New Granada became the Republic of Colombia under a constitution dated August 5, 1886. The legislature consists of a House of Representatives and a Senate. The president is elected by direct vote for four years and is ineligible for the following term. Colombia recently introduced a new constitution, which heavily emphasizes human rights. This new document is now being put to the test in the courts, but already changes are being felt throughout the country.
Economy: Variations in climate give Colombia a diversified agricultural economy, including coffee, bananas, rice, cocoa, sugar cane, cotton, tobacco, and grains. Coffee, however, represents over 30% of the total agricultural production and about 70% of the country’s exports. Livestock raising is also important in Colombia’s economy. Colombian emeralds are world famous. National production of petroleum is the second largest in South America, after Venezuela. Finally, Colombia is also well known as an exporter of flowers. The monetary unit is the peso. The new Apertura Economica recently introduced will have profound effects in Colombia, not only on the variety and price of import goods but also on local manufacturing and production.
Education: Primary education in Colombia is free and compulsory, with the number of rural schools increasing. Many schools are private, and girls and boys are often separated. The literacy rate is estimated at about 85%. Secondary and vocational schools, as well as universities, exist in most of the cities. Colombia has a proud record of scholarly achievement. Literary, scientific and cultural movements centered in Bogotá won for the capital the title “Athens of America.”