Colombia

Welcome to Colombia, a tropical country of incredible diversity and charm. Its ever-changing geography, a history loaded with mystery and adventure, its people and cultures, have fascinated the world for centuries.

Although its excellent coffee and the purity of its emeralds have made the country famous, Colombia is also the homeland of the El Dorado Legend and the magical universe of Garcia Marquez’s Macondo.If you still have not been here, you can browse our portal and realize how much you have been missing. Coming to Colombia is discovering a completely new world.

Colombian flag

Colombian people have many reasons to be proud of their country. Our contrasting natural regions, their profuse flora and fauna, the ethnic diversity of our people and the richness of our cultural and artistic patrimony are some of them.

We also recognize ourselves in multiple symbols and icons that identify us in front of the world. They are present in our everyday life, in our celebrations, events and solemn occasions. Their meaning is the pride we feel to be Colombians, our belonging and origin. They state our presence and comfort us in face of adversity. These symbols make up an indivisible unity out of our diversity.

Created by General Francisco de Miranda, the Colombian flag fluttered for the first time on March 12 1806 at La Vela harbor, and was officially adopted on November 26 1861. The primary colors, yellow, blue and red, inspired it. Yellow stands for our country’s richness. Blue, for our coasts on the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, while red evokes the blood of our Independence heroes.

Coat of arms

The Republic of Colombia’s oat of arms has three horizontal stripes. The condor, bird of our Andes, means freedom. It stands frontward, wings extended and looking to the right. A green laurel crown and a waving ribbon hang from its beak. On the ribbon are written the words “Libertad y Orden” (Liberty and Order), the national motto.

On the upper third, there is an open gold grenade on a blue background. It evokes the Nueva Granada, name of the country during the XIX. Century. On both sides, there are cornucopias: the right one is full of gold and silver coins, the left one tropical fruits. They symbolize the richness and prodigality of our soil.

In the middle stripe, there is a Phrygian cap over a platinum background, which stands for freedom. In the lower stripe, two ships with unfurled sails appear on both sides of the Panama isthmus, symbolizing the country’s two oceans. Unfurled sails stand for our international trade. Two national flags on both sides surround the coat.

National Anthem

Italian composer Orestes Sindici wrote the music, to celebrate the Cartagena Independence on November 11, composed it in 1887, with lyrics by Rafael Nuñez.

To listen, download it from here.

Source: Colombia Travel