Full of life and natural charm the residents of San Andres and Providencia are very different from the rest of Colombian society. Proud of their dark skin and diverse ethnic origins, the islanders remain socially and culturally unique, thanks to the remote isolation of the Archipelago’s geographic location.
Islanders from three main groups are represented in the Archipelago. The Raizal people of African and British origin who speak Creole and English; the Continentals who preserve the Colombian culture and speak Spanish as their mother tongue; and foreign immigrants mainly from Israel and Lebanon.
The Colombian Constitution acknowledges English as the mother tongue of the native islanders. It also grants the archipelago two official languages – English and Spanish. The English/Creole speakers refer to themselves as native islanders in clear distinction from residents who migrated from mainland Colombia. There is a greater use of English/Creole in southern parts of San Andres island while in the north social chatter is usually conducted in Spanish even by native islanders. On the island of Providencia, English/Creole is spoken as primary language pretty much everywhere.
Today, the modern-day inhabitants of the San Andres Archipelago reflect its turbulent history and the diverse mix of races and cultures that have settled on the islands over the centuries. Many islanders are devout Baptists, attending church in their Sunday best each weekend. Parlor games, afternoon tea and dancing the foxtrot are other telltale legacies of the archipelago’s historic ties to England.
“Descubra y disfrute el estilo de vida de los natives”
Explore and enjoy the lifestyle of the island natives.