Colombia Calling - The English Voice in Colombia

For three centuries, the Cuadrillas de San Martín have taken place - a unique tradition in a tiny town in the depths of Colombia's Eastern Plains: invented by a Catholic priest and first held in 1735, these costumed horseback games are a truly surreal mix of high-speed chases, battle-re-enactment, and folkloric pageantry.    To mark this year's Cuadrillas Games, to be held this weekend, this week's episode of Colombia Calling is an audio version of Emily Hart's reporting on the event, read by the writer: she travelled to San Martín, Meta, for three days of monstrous disguises, llanero history, cowboy games, and piles of meat on sticks.   This week's Colombia Briefing is subscriber only - sign up via harte.substack.com

In this episode of the Colombia Calling podcast, Charley Jones shares his journey from Warwickshire, UK to Cali, Colombia, exploring the fusion of Capoeira with Colombian culture, his artistic pursuits, and community projects supporting youth in Cali. Discover how art, music, and social initiatives intersect in his inspiring story. Charley's experiences reveal how Capoeira resonates with Colombians, who share similar musical and dance expressions. "The fundamental theme behind Capoeira is about resistance and freedom." He describes the beautiful fusion of Brazilian and Colombian cultures, emphasizing that both nations have deep Afro roots and rich artistic traditions. Charley's story is one of passion and connection, illustrating how art can bridge cultures and foster community. To hear more about his experiences and insights, listen to the full episode of the Colombia Calling Podcast. Support the Gofundme campaign: https://www.gofundme.com/f/empowering... Tune in on audio only: https://podcasts.apple.com/co/podcast... Charley Jones on Instagram:   / charleyispainting  

Colombia Risk Analysis director Sergio Guzmán and report author Daniel Quezada discuss their study on the Colombia Calling podcast: "Colombia's Inconsistent Relationship with the Middle East." They examine how shifts in Colombia's Israel policy affect diplomatic credibility, trade and investment, and the country's relationships across the region. We discuss the Petro government, the De La Espriella government, the Gilinski family and much more. How does a US-led/ pro Israel policy benefit Colombia? Tune in for this and the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart - for subscribers only this week. https://www.colombiariskanalysis.com

"Conflict was not only played out on the battlefield, but also in the symbolic field." Emily Hart and renowned Colombian political scientist María Emma Wills Obregón discuss collective memory, polarisation and conflict resolution - and how a country can weave itself back together after decades of war. So is history always written by the victors? Who is writing Colombia's collective memory? And why does it matter so much?   Remember to subscribe to the Colombia Briefing with Emily Hart on Substack: https://harte.substack.com   And support the Colombia Calling podcast: www.patreon.com/colombiacalling 

Scottish lawyer Heather Bain shares her recent trip to Colombia with the Colombian Caravana, highlighting the challenges faced by human rights defenders, the impact of conflict, and the importance of international awareness and advocacy. Catatumbo has a reputation for being a lawless area, and Heather recounts the realities of being there. The group was advised on the importance of clothing colours, as different colours can signify affiliations with various armed groups. Heather shares a tense moment, "I was told to avoid wearing navy because it could be misinterpreted, and there had been an incident with mistaken identity just before we arrived." This sense of danger was palpable, yet the work they were there to do was vital. Heather emphasized the importance of understanding the local context and being guided by their Colombian counterparts. Heather's experiences illustrate the complex and often dangerous landscape that human rights defenders navigate in Colombia. As she advocates for these defenders from afar, she underscores the importance of international awareness and support. In closing, Heather reminds us that the work of the Colombian Caravana is not just about visiting and observing—it's about forming connections and standing in solidarity with those who risk their lives for justice. https://www.colombiancaravana.org.uk   The Colombia Briefing is reported by Emily Hart.   Support us on www.patreon.com/colombiacalling