Colombian Food & Music

Being half-Colombian I really would like to bring in a little Latin flavour into our wedding festivities. Just how wedding traditions here in the United States vary from region to region, the same can be said of weddings in Latin America. We even make our empanadas different depending on whether you are talking to an Argentine, a Colombian, or a Venezuelan (all three variations are great). Jack loves all things Colombian (which immediately endeared him to my Mom) and it goes a long ways in helping incorporate the other half of my family that I adore and love. Here's a little snippet of typical Colombian food and music we hope to include:

1. Torta Negra or "Black Cake": Instead of the traditional white wedding cake, Colombians eat a dark fruitcake called Torta Negra. This dark rich fruitcake is studded with candied fruits, nuts, and spiced with molasses to give it extra flavour and texture. To make the cake look "bridal" it is usually covered in white frosting of some sorts. Fortunately there is a delicious bakery or "panaderia" here in Chicago called Mekatos Bakery that makes Torta Negra that I could bring down with me to New Orleans for people to try. {image source}

2. Food & Drink: I could eat Colombian food every day until the day I die. It's delicious, hearty and healthy. The Colombian diet is comprised of rice, potatoes, beef and chicken (seafood for the Costenos) and most foreigners that try it expect a variation of Mexican food but it's unique in its own way. In Medellin, where my mother's family is from, we have this amazing dish called "La Bandeja Paisa"-it is a typical dish that comprises the essential "Paisa" meal; grilled steak, fried plantains, beans, chorizo, chicharron (fried pork rind), arepa (corn patty) among other things. We are thinking of serving empanadas, arepa and chorizo for appetizers if we can. Like in most cultures, champagne is traditionally served for toasts but for after we drink Aguardiente. It really gets the party going. It's a strong anise flavored liquor that should be imbibed lightly, like a sip instead of a shot. Only in Colombia they like to hold on to the bottle:) {Image Source}


*On a side note; I have to share something really funny. The first time Jack attempted to say "Bandeja Paisa" it came out as "Pendeja Paisa". Let's just say you don't want to be saying "Pendeja" in front of your in-laws:)

3. Music: Bring on the Vallenatos y Cumbia!! Colombians in general, despite their many problems are a very happy people and they love to dance, drink and celebrate with the best of them. Vallenatos, a typical folksy music or as Jack likes to refer to as "Colombian Polka" is commonly played. Well known musicians like Carlos Vives have put this style of music on the map. Another typical Colombian music is the Cumbia- a different tempo that is fun and easy to dance to- anyone can do it. It's a very traditional style of music and dance. Boleros are a must have- they are beautiful slow romantic ballads. Here's a photo of woman dancing the cumbia in traditional Cumbia costume: {image source}


4. As I said in my bridesmaid post, we just don't have them. Just two witnesses or your padrinos to guide you through your marriage ceremony. I'm planning a compromise; have our maid of honor and best man at the alter with us and the rest of the bridal party in the front row.

I'm curious: are any of you planning a multicultural wedding and if so how are you deciding to incorporate your cultural traditions?