As a Little Girl Growing Up in Colombia: A Journey Through Color, Culture, and Resilience
You grow up watching your mother, aunts, and grandmothers navigate the world with a blend of fierce resilience and immense tenderness. They are the keepers of stories and the healers of scraped knees. From them, you learn berraquera—a uniquely Colombian word that describes a mix of courage, determination, and grit. You are taught that to be a woman is to be the pillar of the family, the one who can turn a handful of beans into a feast and a tragedy into a lesson in hope. Finding Magic in the Mundane
Today, as I look back on my childhood in Colombia, I am filled with a sense of gratitude and appreciation. Growing up in Colombia taught me the value of family, community, and perseverance. It showed me that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. And it gave me a deep love for the land and its people, a love that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. as a little girl growing up in colombia
Music played a significant role in my life. I started taking piano lessons when I was 6 years old, and I quickly fell in love with Colombian folk music. My favorite artists were Shakira, Carlos Vives, and Andrés Calamaro. I'd spend hours listening to their songs, trying to learn the lyrics and rhythms.
Historically, Colombian culture has been somewhat conservative regarding gender roles. A girl might be encouraged to help in the kitchen while her brothers play outside, and she may be chaperoned more closely. As a Little Girl Growing Up in Colombia:
If you’d like a version focused on a specific region (Andes, Caribbean coast, Amazon, Pacific, or an urban city like Bogotá or Medellín) or a particular era/year, I can provide a tailored snapshot.
The Role of Godparents: At baptism, girls are given padrinos (godparents) who act as lifelong mentors and strengthen community ties. You are taught that to be a woman
I was five when I learned about the mountains. Not from a textbook, but from the view on the road to my abuela’s pueblo. My father stopped the dusty Renault on a precipice. He lifted me onto his shoulders—suddenly I was seven feet tall.
Growing up as a girl in often means being immersed in a culture that blends deep-rooted family traditions with a vibrant, modern lifestyle. Key Cultural Milestones