Fiestas de San Pacho in Quibdó!

Colombia is one of the most diverse countries of the world – and certainly when taken its size  into account. Quibdó is located a mere 120 km west of modern Medellín with its high rise buildings and mainly white population. It is the capital of the Chocó department that is almost exclusively an immense rainforest, and the wettest place on earth (the record being 13,3 meters per year!). Chocó has a predominantly black population and – unfortunately – widespread poverty, that will unavoidably give you the impression of having arrived in Africa. The main reason for this feeling is however what Colombian writer William Ospina has said about “the joy that stems from the children of Africa; whose color richness, whose sensibility and sense of rythm have bewitched our culture”.

Here in Quibdó the 100 000 inhabitants celebrate Las Fiestas de San Pacho (Saint Francis of Assisi) every year between September 20 and October 4. Golden Colombia is present at this year's celebration and will present more material on this page in the coming days.