tradition of the Colombian Caribbean now Cultural Heritage of Humanity

The Living Paintings of Galeras, in the Colombian department of Sucre, were declared Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

These are living representations of some important event or the daily life of the town of Galeras, anchored on the banks of the immense Ciénaga El Roble in the north of Colombia, formed by the arms of the Magdalena River, the main river artery of the country.

In the first days of January, the 24,000 inhabitants of the town take ownership of this spectacle collectively and spontaneously decorate their streets with these living paintings for two hours each night, throughout the five days that the festival lasts.

“Making paintings in Galeras means a lot, it is something innate. From a very young age we started with that tradition, with that custom, and day after day we leave traces on our children so that our culture continues to be maintained,” said Óscar López, member of one of the groups that organizes the staging of the Paintings. Live from Galeras.

“This recognition by UNESCO as Cultural Heritage is a triumph for all of us. The people who are no longer here and who worked to make this celebration a legacy, wherever they are, should feel very proud,” López added.

In this cultural expression, the actors recreate figures in the open air such as a fisherman, a vallenato singer, a midwife or matron, reigns, or any other event of a religious, historical and satirical nature.

“Hours before UNESCO gave the news that it had declared us Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, I was like when I was going to get married: full of nerves, because this recognition is very big,” commented Edwin Payares, cultural manager of Galleys.

According to the Colombian Ministry of Culture, the tradition of Living Paintings was introduced by Catholic priests in the second half of the 19th century to evangelize peasant and indigenous communities in the region of La Mojana, in the Caribbean.

“The Living Painting is an experience that is lived, that is enjoyed, it is a feeling, a thought. It is not showing with words, but with living images some fact. It is a tool that serves to show the feeling of a people, its culture, all its traditions,” explained Kelly Luna, creator of Cuadros Vivos.

“I am the creator of Living Paintings, I have believed since I was in my mother’s womb, because the Living Painting is that feeling that each inhabitant of Galeras possesses and defends,” Luna concluded.

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