Santiago de Cali, Colombia: Culture, Salsa and Coca Leaves.
The colorful graffiti in the streets of Cali, Colombia.
Cali, the most populated city in south west Colombia with 2.3 million residents is the capital of Salsa dancing. Cali is the capital of the Valle del Cauca department in Colombia. Cali is also well known from the movies for the Cali Cartel. Cali is considered also the gate to the Pacific Coast of Colombia and the way to Ecuador for land passing. The founder of Cali was Sebastian de Belacazar on 25 July 1536. His statue can be witnessed in the center of the old city close to the La Merced church.
Inglesia La Ermita, Cali, Colombia.
We decided to visit Cali during the day to explore the city and museums. We were advised not to go around after 7 pm evening time and specifically not in the dark or in certain parts of the city. Cali is highly visited by tourists. A lot are arriving just for a short time to explore the main center, to enjoy Salsa dancing classes and discover the colourful graffiti in the streets.
Inglesia La Ermita, Cali, Colombia.
In the morning, we joined a group to visit the Gold Museum located in the old city and the cathedral located 10 minutes walk from the museum.
Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Visiting Cali is very pleasant. We enjoyed the different markets in the city and the main market where you can have typical Colombian food, such as arepas, chicharron, and other delicious food made of crops that are grown in the area. In the main market, you can also find brujas and spiritual shops. Many tourists as well as local Colombians are visiting the market and using the service of those spiritual ceremonies and materials.
Spiritual store in the local market of Cali, Colombia.
The city of Cali has its own beauty with the river crossing the city and the boardwalk where many can enjoy the cafes and bars. The population in Cali is a combination of indigenous from the time before the Spanish arrived, the local Colombians and the Afro-Caribbean in Colombia.
Exploring the city center in front of the Negro Gato of Cali, Colombia.
The history of the indigenous using coca leaves and ritual chants, dances and speeches as seen in the Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Indigenous woman with typical body tattoos as seen in the Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
In our days, Cali has been famous for having its young generations very professional and investing in modernization. In comparison to other cities in Colombia, Cali is definitely more intense and has more diversity in populations. You can witness the signs of a big city such as people in the streets of Cali.
During my visit, I enjoyed talking with locals, sitting for mass in the church and just enjoying the smell and the flowers of what the city has to offer.
Indigenous tribes in the early ages of Valle del Cauca as seen in the Gold Museum in Cali, Colombia.
Beautiful graffiti in the street of Cali, Colombia.
