Cartagena Sure Does Know How to Celebrate Culture
I know I sound like a broken record when I return from traveling because I always say that the place I visited holds a special place in my heart. But Cartagena is something special.
Cartagena is good for the soul!
If you’ve researched to plan a trip here, I’m sure you’ve heard about the city’s intense heat, constant and persistent hagglers, and ridiculous traffic, but all of that noise is overshadowed by a uniqueness I have not seen elsewhere.
From the vibrant street art that celebrates Afro-Colombian culture to the rhythmic beats of champeta music that fill the air and the traditional African-inspired cuisine that tantalizes the taste buds, Cartagena sure has a way of celebrating culture, and I am specifically referring to black and brown culture for this post.
Outside my travels to Africa, I have not seen such a purposeful display of blackness. As a black traveler, this was good for my soul. Experiencing the city gave me a beautiful epiphany, and celebrating culture is a great way to build a sense of community and belonging, which is why we all love to travel, right?
My Favorite Quote
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
African Proverb
The above is an old African proverb, one of my favorite quotes.
We, as humans, are genetically modified to be social creatures. Many of you feel better about yourself when you see yourself (or at least parts of yourself) in someone else.
As we navigate life, humans have attempted to create spaces where we can be our true, authentic selves. We choose the path of least resistance, choosing the spaces where we feel most at home and most complete.
Culture Safe Havens
There may be a word better suited for what I am describing, but let’s call them “cultural safe havens” for now: places where you can go without worry or fear of retaliation for freely expressing yourself and everything that shapes you.
Community & Belonging
That’s what culture is: the various factors and stimuli that shape you and your community. And Colombia helped reiterate to me the importance of community and belonging. See, travel serves a more extensive purpose than just providing an escape.
It teaches lessons that the four corners of your comfort zone and familiar surroundings could never.
So, the divisions we have created only serve as barriers to our critical need to co-exist. It’s lovely when we find ourselves surrounded by people who celebrate us, but indeed, it’s a step above extraordinary when you can walk the streets of an entire city and see YOU.
Amazing Street Art
What an incredible way to break down those barriers! This is the first time I have seen this outside of the African continent.
As I expand my travels, I’ll look for more of these “cultural safe havens”, but Cartagena takes the top spot in my book for now. You don’t have to take my word for it—you know I always provide evidence.
Browse through the pictures below and virtually immerse yourself in the culture. Trust me, the street art will be the highlight of your visit!
Final Thoughts on Cartagena
Obviously, you can still travel to Colombia and have a fantastic time even if you don’t share African roots. The country has so much to offer, from nightlife to outdoor activity and everything in between, and I recommend you go out there and experience it all.
However, I am just highlighting a part of travel we usually do not discuss. I’m big on inclusion regardless of background and social class, but sometimes black and brown travelers need a level of reassurance that only we can understand.
I get what it is like to travel while black; the Google searches to inquire about racial encounters, getting used to the stares in public places, and the worry about my safety from loved ones back home. We are tired.
But rest assured that Cartagena, Colombia, will pour into your soul. The photos posted in this blog prove Cartagena is a beautiful city, but I needed to structure the words so you could feel the city’s spirit.
It is lovely inside and out, and I am honored to have been able to explore it.
Cartagena, thank you for celebrating us and everything we embody. I cannot get enough of the city’s colorful display of us through its art.
Also, thank you to the talented artists who took the time and precision to create these heart-warming and inspiring depictions.
Side Note: The artists usually include their Instagram handles in their artwork. If you like their work, reach out to them and give them a follow to help support them and let them know! Based on my interactions in the city, I’m sure they would greatly appreciate it!
Cartagena by Drone
I’ll leave you with this beautiful video of our experience in Cartagena! I’d greatly appreciate a share if you got something of value from this post. Please reach out if you need any assistance planning a trip to Colombia!