The Antioquenian Paisa

Paisas, people from Medellin and in fact beyond Antioquia, including Caldas, Risaralda, Quindio, Tolima and Valle de Cauca departments, are fairly regionalist to say the least. Chatting over a little too much rum or Aguardiente as night sets in, I'm frequently asked what I think of Medellin and Antioquia, especially compared to Bogota. This is the perfect time to exaggerate, lie a little, twist the truth of whatever you want to call it. Medellin and Antioquia are the best. End of story.

Antioquia, has been historically isolated from the rest of Colombia due to the Andes mountains and ranges from snow-capped peaks to a small strip along the Caribbean coastline. In Medellin, I find that people really are a little cut off in terms of their culture, cuisine and attitudes. The family is at the heart of life and roles fairly traditional in terms of women taking care of home and family and men out at work.

They are generally very hospitable, warm, welcoming and know how to enjoy life.

Paisas are very proud of their identity and see themselves as hard working and entrepreneurial. There is in fact, a strong sentiment among a fair few, in favor of Antioquia as an independent nation state. During the recent economic crisis (2007 - present), Antioquia was said to be one of the districts of Latin America with the highest growth, not having slipped into a recession during this period. They are known to be good business people and excellent negotiators.

They live in one of the wealthiest departments of Colombia where the Coffee region (Zona Cafetera) is located. Additionally, they have a lot of hydroelectric, mining, agriculture and of course, the huge textile and fashion industries of Medellin.

Return from Paisas to Antioquia