Plato is known as the Land of the Hombre Caiman because of the legend's popularity in town.
While these two traditions are technically separate concepts, in Plato, El Hombre Caiman is integrated into Carnaval celebrations in numerous ways.
Carnaval is an integral part of coastal culture in Colombia, most notably in Barranquilla. It brings people together to celebrate the ethnic diversity that exists on the coast and preserve cultural dances, songs, fashions and other arts.
El Hombre Caiman is Plato’s town legend and shapes the town's individuality. Almost everyone I have met on the coast talks to me about Plato as the Land of the Hombre Caiman. Every year, Plato holds a big festival to celebrate the legend. There is even a man who has dressed up as the “official” Hombre Caiman for the last 60 years, as well as a song dedicated to the story.
The celebration of Carnaval is not directly connected to nature itself, but many of the dances and fashions incorporate elements of fire, water, plants and food items that reflect the cultural and economic ties to the land.
The legend of El Hombre Caiman is tied to the environment through the Magdalena River. The story is deeply rooted in the connection that Plato has with the river and how it feeds and connects the community. Caiman are often seen swimming along the swamps of the river, and the animal is symbolic for many river towns.
