Patchwork Designs > HISTORICALLY SPEAKING PATCH PROGRAM

HISTORICALLY SPEAKING COLOMBIA PATCH PROGRAM
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1. Colombia is a country in South America. It is located in the northwestern part of South America. The word “Colombia” comes from Christopher Columbus, and was a name given to the entire area of land under the Spanish and Portuguese rule. However, after many years, “Colombia” refers to only now the country. Locate Colombia on a map and its Capital. Identify its flag. The Capital City of Colombia is Bogota. Colombia’s flag is yellow, blue and red striped.

2. The official language of Colombia is Spanish. However there are over 80 other languages spoken in Colombia by indigenous tribes and ethnic groups. These languages are declared official, but only in the regions in which they are spoken. Learn some Spanish words and phrases, or count to ten in Spanish.

3. Colombia’s cuisine varies depending on the region. Colombia is very well known for its coffee because of its high standards in taste. Another popular food that is often found in Colombian cuisine is Aborrajado (deep fried plantains stuffed with cheese) and many other dishes full of native fruit, meats and beans. Try some foods from Colombia or make a recipe from Colombia.

4. There are many celebrations that go on every year in Colombia. The most famous of the celebrations are the Cali Fair, Barranquilla Carnival, and the Flower Festival. The celebrations vary from festivals, holidays, carnivals, pageants, folklore and religious celebrations in Colombia. Visit a cultural celebration or re-creation of a holiday event OR learn the background of the celebrated holiday or festival. You may also create a drawing or art project, or prepare a food. Other examples: Carnival of Blacks and Whites, Candlemas, St. Joseph’s Day, Corpus Christi, and The Colombian Folklore festival.

5. Music and dancing are very popular in Colombia. Many dances reflect back to earlier traditions, such as the Cumbia. The Cumbia is also a style of music, as well as a dance that reflects the steps of a courtship ritual. This dance is performed by only women and is done to music. Other traditional dances include the Yonna, El Garabato and the Vallenato. Watch a dance or learn more information about a dance and try your own moves. Check out our links on the website for you tube videos to view.

6. Legends in Colombia are based on fictional creatures and folktales told orally for hundreds of years passed on by generations. Many of the legends are similar to other Latin American legends. The stories are sometimes about people, animals or spirits. Read a story, legend, OR listen to a legend or play.

7. There are several stone figures, some are over 500 years old, located at San Augustin Archaeological Park. The artistic carvings resemble animals like frogs and eagles while others have human features. They have also found gems, pottery and jewelry at this site held in a local museum. View images of the statues or items found at the park OR create your own drawing of a statue according to pictures viewed OR create an art project OR have a pretend archaeological dig.

8. The geography of Colombia is divided into five natural regions of land: The Andes Mountain Range, The Pacific Coastal Region, the Caribbean Sea coastal region, The Llanos (plains), and the Amazon rain forest region. Colombia is also the only country that share a coastal region with both the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Choose [3] animals, trees, OR plants from Colombia to learn more about OR complete a craft about one. Examples include: Tapir, ocelot, armadillo, irara, toucan, dolphins, stingrays, hummingbird, and orchid.

9. Colombian artists have created pieces hundreds of years ago that are made of gold including masks and statues. Some of the traditional items made today are made from natural materials such as clay, bamboo, leather, plant fibers, wool, wood due to the diverse resources available on their land. Handicrafts created today include household items, pottery, paintings, macramé, jewelry, dolls, puppets, hats, Mola fabric and clothing. There are also a variety of creations made artisan products in Colombia due to the large range of regions all across the country. Create a craft or project using a traditional a skill, product OR item representing Colombia, OR observe someone creating a handicraft OR view them on the internet or books OR purchase an item made in Colombia.

10. Ladies style includes a skirt with a colorful border design on the bottom, long sleeved blouse with flowers on it and a big ruffle, a straw hat, and tan slippers. Men’s style includes casual pants, white shirt, knotted scarf around the neck OR blue loose fitting pants with a flair, tan slippers, solid colored sash around the waist, white long sleeved shirt, straw hat, and a chain around the waist carrying the whip. Draw a picture of the clothing, dress up in a Colombia themed costumes, create an accessory, complete our paperdolls OR view traditional clothing through books or the internet or our country manual.

11. There are a variety of sports and games played in Colombia by children. The favorite sport played in Colombia is soccer. A popular game that is played by children is called “hitting the frog”. There is a plastic frog on the box and slots with points to take score. Learn a traditional game OR play a game that symbolizes Colombia. Some examples include: A la rueda rueda, (ring around the rosie), Shouted out Presents, El Anillo en la Cuerda, (ring on a string), Oba, Stop! and Rayuela (hopscotch).

This patch program will help its participants learn more about the history and sites in this country. If you have the privilege of visiting this country, you can complete some of these requirements there. It would be helpful to learn more about the country prior to your visit. Use the library and the internet to research more.