Colombia is well-known for its rich history of religion, festivals and folklore, even more so in the coastal region. Almost every town on the coast has its own legend, song or festival that brings the community together and creates identity. Carnaval and El Hombre Caiman (the Caiman Man) are two of my favorite cultural practices on the coast because of their uniqueness and overwhelming popularity. They both encompass the most beautiful and niche aspects of what it means to be from the coast here in Colombia.
When I arrived in Colombia, one of the first traditions I learned about was Carnaval. Carnaval was originally a celebration led by slaves in Colombia and is rooted in a combination of pagan and catholic traditions. Today, this week-to-month-long event celebrates the dances, art, and music of European, African and Indigenous ancestry.
Once I moved to Plato, the first tradition I learned was the legend of El Hombre Caiman. The legend tells the story of a man who wanted to be a caiman (like a crocodile), so he could spy on women bathing in the Magdalena River. However, this man permanently transformed his torso and legs into a caiman after spilling potions he had bought from a witch. The story is often associated with the greed of men.
