Love Letter to Colombia

Why is Colombia “Tierra Querida”?

Colombia is not just a beloved land; it is a magical land. Its people, history, and identity have inspired countless intellectuals who have beautifully captured the essence of this incredible country. Take Gabriel García Márquez, for example. With his unique perspective, he drew from his own hometown to create a literary style that would be impossible to understand without recognizing that Colombia is, indeed, “Tierra Querida.” Through his Nobel Prize-winning work, he depicted the unreal and the magical as part of everyday life. That is exactly what happens in the streets of Colombia—filled with music and light—where the exceptional becomes ordinary. How lucky are those who get to walk these streets every day.

People often say that places are special because of the people who inhabit them. That is precisely the case with Colombia—it is blessed to be filled with Colombians. Their warm, welcoming, and generous nature makes the country a truly special destination. At least, that’s how it appears from the other side of the world, where I am, across an ocean. In Europe, we are fascinated by the incredible creativity that thrives within Colombia’s borders—borders that have given rise to some of the greatest musicians, writers, and artists in history.

Even in Spain, we get glimpses of Colombian gastronomy through specialized restaurants. The flavors of these dishes are infused with the essence of this “Tierra Querida.” Colombia is synonymous with nature, and for centuries, it has preserved its breathtaking biodiversity—the very source of its extraordinary flavors. The country’s climate, unique to each region, shapes the quality of its ingredients in a way that does not happen in other parts of the world, where seasons dictate the weather.

The hardest part for me is trying to cook traditional Colombian recipes. They are on another level. These dishes have been passed down from generation to generation: arepas, lechona, bandeja paisa—an explosion of flavors. I know they are not easy to prepare; you need authentic local ingredients and the expertise of those who have been making them their entire lives. My personal favorite is sancocho because I love hearty soups. And then there’s puchero bogotano, the perfect dish for Bogotá’s chilly nights.

Ultimately, what makes Colombia “Tierra Querida” is its people. Let’s end this letter by dancing—enjoying those unique rhythms that Colombians have mastered, celebrated, and sung like no one else: cumbia, puya, chandé… But the most beautiful sound of Colombia is not music—it is the sound of its beaches. I could go on forever with this love letter. I hope to read it one day while lying on the sands of Tayrona. Colombia is, and always will be, “Tierra Querida.”

Roberto Mecedonio, Journalist and News Anchor in Spain.