FESTIVAL OF WIND AND KITE IN VILLA DE LEYVA!

Festival of Wind and Kite in Villa de Leyva! 

In August, I called in Colombia Month kites due to strong winds at this time, the skies of Villa de Leyva is full of dots of many colors that move in all directions by the wind. 

In the beautiful colonial setting of Villa de Leyva Festival of Wind and Kite, during which the participants not only have fun but also have the opportunity to observe the professional contestants in the town square made ​​impressive showings are made, competing in different categories. 

History of Kites 

Kites have accompanied man throughout more than 25 centuries. 

The story goes that the idea of ​​comets born in China where they were used in religious, metaphysical, artistic, military and scientific activities 

Origins of the Festival 

The event was born on August 7, 1975 and since that time has been conducted every year. 

The story goes that in 1980 kite models in Europe and America brought: deltas do not need glue or winds, acrobatic two or four strings to juggle and three-dimensional geometric. After this, in Villa de Leyva began arriving international tourists.

Skills Festival 

The Festival takes place over three days. Saturday is called "soft day" during which participants compete in the following categories: 

• HandMade Kite, 

• night flight 

• kite art 

• kite show 

• Children sport kite, 

• vertical flight, etc. 

On Sunday, the town square is completely full, because it is the "strong day" and the most expected competencies for the public: 

• Individual flight 

• far flight, 

• giant comets 

• flight equipment. 

The Festival brings together fans, producers, experts on comets and lovers of this sport that full of emotions, enjoy the happiness of playing and for a moment, become children.

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Villa de Leiva BOYACA

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS Villa de Leiva BOYACA

In Colombia, the night of 7 to 9 December is a unique time of year. 

Tonight, the city streets are flooded with lights and sidewalks, balconies and terraces of the houses are filled with candles. This is the traditional Night of the candles. 

At this time it is full of tourists from across the country to enjoy the spectacle and colorful Contest Games Pyrotechnics, in a magical setting of colonial streets. 

The Festival is an event aimed especially to families with children and is an excellent opportunity to feel the spirit of Christmas in Colombia, thanks to the varied program of the event: competition lanterns on display in the religious procession of the Immaculate conception, Christmas choir performances and of course, fireworks displays provided by the renowned polvoreros of Colombia. 

Best polvoreros comprise the various figures and participate in the competition, receiving scores in accordance with: 

luminosity, 

height, 

openness, 

creativity, 

sound effects, 

and duration of pyrotechnics. 

History of the Festival

The Festival of Lights in Villa de Leyva was created in 1986 in order to promote tourism in the region and rescue the tradition of Day of the Immaculate Conception, celebrated by the Catholic Church on December 8, with candeladas, the candles and lanterns. 

The night of the candles 

In the Catholic Church the candles spread in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, the time when America was colonized by the Spanish who began to celebrate the religious feast of the Immaculate Conception in the New World, where fire that appeared during the holidays had more folk, fun and festive than religious and symbolic significance. 

The Night of the candles joined traditional religious festival, brought to America with candles, fire and all the festive significance of these peoples, giving the European celebration Dec. 8 Colombian heat and light.

The Aguinaldo Boyacense

The Aguinaldo Boyacense

Is an event held in the city of Tunja, Colombia between 16 and 22 December each year. It is the oldest party in the country, his first release was in 1955, and is a major event in religious and cultural character that identifies the region and is part of its history. 

In the Plaza de Bolivar for 7 days over 20 groups and local, national and international orchestras besides parades floats, costumes and individual ensembles, events, culture, art, sports, children's competitions are met, among others. 

A Christmas full of color and character The creation of Aguinaldo as an official holiday Boyacense Department Police Sergeant Carlos Julio Umana Torres who came up with some police disguise to bring Christmas to the streets should be. In 1959 the festival was institutionalized. 

During the seven-day feast can be enjoyed a number of events and attractions such as parades of floats, costumes, music, cultural events, arts, sports and children's competitions, among others. Butchers: Devils are doing satirical masked dances and play with the kids who watch the streets. 

They are inspired by the Italians who did parodies matachin war dances and the situation of their country. Parade of Floats: Different entities participating in the contest floats competing for their originality, creativity and beauty. They are inspired by current events, celebrities and Colombian myths and legends. Parade of Troupes: Groups of people dressed around a specific topic, design their costumes to satirize some current problems. 

Costumes: Months of preparation participants costume contest in which their own dresses are designed to represent various characters are taken. Caravan Harlistas: Part of Tunja and Bogota to through the main streets of the city to entertain people with its fantastic motorcycles and distribute gifts to the vulnerable population. 

Pyrotechnic Competition Games: The night of lights and fantasy is one of the most anticipated, as a contest between professionals and authorized over on Independence Stadium Tunja pyrotechnic done. Ninth Aguinaldos: The whole city stops activities and celebrations to make room for the prayers and share family time, seasoned custard donuts and Christmas carols to the rhythm of dishes. 

Festivals: are held at the end of each day to enliven the evenings with music and dancing led by more than 20 different orchestras and Colombian groups. It is a free show that takes place in the Plaza de Bolivar Tunja. 

Horseback riding: More than 400 copies of Boyacá horses and other departments through the streets of Tunja. During Boyacense Aguinaldo also performed a military parade, a children's ride on the back of wooden horses, exhibits arts and crafts, musical events of various genres, folk samples, cries, theater, sporting events like the Carrera Athletic Open of Visually Impaired Boyaca ciclísticos circuits and audiovisual displays. The Plaza Mayor of Tunja is the largest Hispanic populations in America. Attend this memorable celebration is a chance to meet the main square of Tunja, recognized as the largest among the Hispanic populations in America and to acquire boyacenses crafts, one of the products that make them stand out in this department. You can find a wide variety of ceramics, baskets and jewelry of Indian inspiration, fabrics made of cotton and sisal and even pieces made of Tagua

TYPICAL DRESS BOYACENSE

TYPICAL DRESS BOYACENSE 

The origin of the costume tasqueño go back to the early days of the Spanish-chibcha acculturation, with innovations that were made later. 

  But being this suit or dress that used? 

What did the farmer boyacense man wears? Denim pants, cotton shirt, cachanga initially and then listed, hat rammed and woolen poncho; in some cases the overburden wool. 

For the holidays rich peasants wore loin cloth bag or jacket or blanket "Samacá". 

Boyacense peasant shirt is usually cotton fabric. 

Another key element in the typical costume is boyacense poncho, personal dirt concentrator; however it was still employed to become one of the indispensable elements in costume boyacense both regionally and in our town 

Boyacense peasant hat is made ​​of rammed earth braid "palmiche" and palm fibers branch or sisal., The rich peasant used the hat jipa 

And what is the traditional dress of women Tasqueña ?. The fields boyacense woman wearing a cotton skirt with wide black flight to the ankle; cotton blouse with embroidery, shawl or mantellina hat cane or rammed earth; alpargates white, tied with black gallon. the wealthy peasant accustomed boyacense an outfit with high quality fabrics and fine ornamented cloth of Castile, cashmere or gasket. 

Until recently peasant embroideries reveal liked hanging from inside skirt, for which the wound in the waist so that uneven stretches remaining a longer skirt the outer parts and look so delightful little white lace parts that are hidden anxious before returning shy and sneak peek. A series of red and white peasant wore petticoats, which showed when crouched. The number of petticoats gave the social position of the peasant boyacense; was a real treat to use up to eight ten petticoats. 

The peasant blouse boyacense is usually white. 

With these same costumes but the new stylish were used for the holidays and prepare to dance.

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURE BOYACÁ

INTERNATIONAL FESTIVAL OF CULTURE BOYACÁ

The International Cultural Festival of Boyacá also known by its acronym 'FIC' is a major international cultural event held annually in Colombia. Managing various program areas of Music, Theatre, Dance, Literature, Academy, Visual Arts, Film - audiovisual, Cultural Heritage and cultural exchange meetings at various stages in the city of Tunja. The Festival was founded in 1973 under the name "International Culture Week". In 1981 it adopted its current name and eventually went on to become one of the most important events in Latin America. The fund brings together thousands of artists and has more than 300,000 visits to nearly 500 events per version. The Festival was conceived to meet different cultural and artistic events of the international order, which is prologue to 1990 for two weeks, and has enjoyed presenting concerts in which they participated: symphony and chamber orchestras, choirs, soloists and equally folk and classical ballet, traditional groups and street theater and puppet shows, conferences and cinema, art exhibitions, folk art, conferences and book fair. 

The receptiveness of the city has been instrumental in the success of the prestigious event, and no doubt the cultural level that old tradition has identified Tunjanos, year after year, increased their attendance and participation at all levels.

http://www.festivaldecultura.com/ 

CHARACTERS DEPARTMENT OF BOYACÁ

THANKS TO ALL, IT WAS A PLEASURE TO HAVE A LITTLE HISTORY OF MY LAND.

COMPOSERS AND SINGERS

Emilio Murillo (1880-1952), composer, pianist, treble player. 

Great musician and promoter of Colombian folk music. Among his many compositions, perhaps the best known are The mill, Gualanday, The guatecano, Bogota Nights and Rumichaca. 

He founded the Academy in which Murillo was taught music for free. He received many awards. In 1935 he was awarded the Cross of Boyaca. 

Some historians place his birthplace in Guateque. Others say he was born in Bogotá. 

Orlando "Cholo" Valderrama, composer and singer. 

It is one of the best known performers of plains music. In Venezuela he was named "Florentino de Oro" Honoris Causae prize. Born in Sogamoso in 1951. 

Jorge Veloza, composer and singer. 

Great promoter of folk music of Boyacá. Group Director Carrangueros Ráquira, applauded throughout the country. Veloza Ráquira born in 1953.

ATHLETES

Mauricio Soler, cyclist. 

Champion mountain in the Tour de France in 2007 Champion of the Vuelta a Burgos 2007. 

In his first participation in the most important international competition cycling, young rider won the toughest tours of competition. 

Soler was born in 1983 in Ramiriquí. 

Nairo Quintana, cyclist. 

Champion of the 2014 Giro d'Italia is the first Colombian to win important cycling competition. He was second in the Tour de France 2013 also received the sweater the better runner lunar mountains and white sweater for best young rider. 

He trained as a rider the club Editions Sea and entered the Boyacá team. 

In 2010 he won the Tour de l'Avenir with Café de Colombia Colombia team is passion. He received the President of Colombia Cruz sporting merit. 

He won prizes mountain of the Tour of Catalonia in 2011 then entered the Movistar Team World Tour. In 2012 he was the winner in the Tour of Murcia. 

Quintana Arcabuco born in 1990.

CHARACTERS DEPARTMENT OF BOYACÁ

ARTISTS 

Carlos Martinez Rivera (1902) painter. 

Renowned naturalist painter. 

In 1955 he exhibited 50 oil paintings in the National Library of Bogotá. The most attention were "storm" and "Desolation" in which there was a sharp criticism of the government of General Rojas Pinilla intent. He later held numerous exhibitions in Bogota. He taught painting at various art schools. Martinez was born in Tunja. 

Carlos Lopez Ruiz, painter and cartoonist. 

The pictorial style López Ortiz is the figurative expressionism. He was also a great cartoonist. His works are private galleries. Born in Chiquinquirá in 1918. 

Pedro Moreno Monroy, painter. 

Renowned artist. He was chosen to represent Colombia in the First Exhibition of Latin American Art in Paris in 1962 Participated in group exhibitions at the Museum of Modern Art in the city. 

Some of his works are in galleries in New York and Paris. He was born at Miraflores, in 1936. 

Helena Fúquene Merchan, sculptor. 

This great artist has presented his works in galleries in Colombia, Italy and Spain. 

Works in all techniques of sculpture but the most famous are its sculptures made ​​of wood traditional themes. Born in Duitama. 

Jaime López Correa, painter, sculptor and ceramist. 

Renowned muralist and sculptor. He has been awarded numerous times. 

He has exhibited in various galleries. His paintings are the most prominent of his murals. These protrude from the Universidad de los Andes in Bogotá and the University of Tolima. Ibague. Born in Chiquinquirá.

SIGHTS OF BOYACA

RÁQUIRA 

Ráquira is a Colombian municipality of Ricaurte Province in the department of Boyacá.  Ráquira is considered artisanal capital of Colombia and was honored by the National Corporation for Tourism in 1994 as one of the most beautiful towns of Boyaca, thanks to the quaint decor of their homes.
Known as the People of the Olleros, land is handcrafted excellence. Ovens remain attached throughout the year making all kinds of pottery and clay ornaments and constitute the main tourist attraction of the municipality. 

So crockery, pots, bells, famous figures and goats, which are decorated with animals and very typical of our country fruit carts are appreciated. 

Ráquira is a mall and exporter of crafts in clay, which in its picturesque houses, painted in colors, welcome thousands of tourists admiring the works of his hands are born. 

This town is located 80 km from Tunja and is one of the most important craft centers, accompanied by a beautiful museum of arts and traditions and the Monastery of La Candelaria. 

SIGHTS OF BOYACA

FLORA AND FAUNA SANCTUARY IGUAQUE

Created in 1977, is one of the 46 natural areas of the country, located at 2400-3800 meters above sea level, cold weather, temperature 12 degrees, with an area of ​​6,750 hectares. 

The nature walk is approximately lasts for 2 hours through trails leading to the Laguna de Iguaque one of eight lakes that are found in this sanctuary. 

Where according to the accounts of the Muisca mythology Bachué emerged with a child who had to grow up with her children thus populating the earth. 

It is located 15 kilometers from the population via Arcabuco or the same distance from Villa de Leyva and 39 kilometers of Tunja has a cottage with services Lodging, Camping Restaurant and Parking, currently managed by the Special Administrative Unit National Parks Natural (Environment). 

Its main objective is to preserve the Andean Forest, there is variety of flora and fauna, abundant streams, soils and vegetation has different conformation.

Sierra Nevada of Cocuy

This National Park of 306,000 hectares is located in the east of the Eastern Cordillera, between the departments of Boyacá (Cubará municipalities, Chiscas, -corregimiento- Las Mercedes, El Espino, Güicán Cocuy and Chita) Arauca (between the municipalities of Tame and San Lope -corregimiento-) and Casanare (between the towns of La Salina and Sacama). With a temperature ranging between 20 ° and -4 ° Celsius Celsius, the Park is a unique place to meet a different kind of nature as it is connected with the mountain range in the west and the plains on the east. 

The park can be reached by Arauca in the southwestern sector via Tame -Sacama (2 hours) and noriental sector via Cubará 'The Chuscal (indigenous U'wa Reservation) (1 hour). From Bogotá you can reach via the Tunja - Duitama - Bethlehem - Boavita - Uvita - San Mateo - Macaws - Panqueba - The Cocuy or Bethlehem - Tipacoque - Capitanejo - El Espino - Panqueba - The Cocuy (11-12 hours). 

In the Sierra Nevada you will find various ecosystems; forest in the piedmont plains Andean forest and snowy wasteland with perpetual snow. Wildlife Park aracteriza by animals such as the spectacled bear, paramo tapirs, deer, golden eagles and ocelots. Regarding the flora, highlighting the area frailejones moorland and trees such as Yellow Cedar and Totumo's in Andean flora. 

In the area noriental Sierra Nevada is an indigenous territory inhabited by the indigenous U'wa. This group retains its traditions intact and are great allies in protecting the park. In western inhabitants of rural culture of the Andes is encuebtran, which unfortunately and due to agricultural activities that develop, have endangered ecosystem conservation area. 

In the Parque do ecotourism, but the park does not pay the hosting service, so it is necessary to get inn in rural homes or guides in the region. 

In the Sierra Nevada you can find places of interest like the same Sierra Nevada and the snowy Cocuy Güican, where you can see over 20 snow peaks, glacial lakes, pristine moorland characteristic fauna and flora of the Andean forest. 

Some recommendations when visiting the park are out climbing equipment and camping in the mountains, insulation, sleeping bag and cold weather clothing; Move only by authorized trails and accompanied by a licensed guide. For safety entering the park people over 60 and under 10 years is not recommended. Nor do people who suffer from ill health. 

It is not allowed to enter or removal of animal or plant material, as well as the entry of aerosols or pollutants, firearms, traps or any object for trapping. Out of respect to the place you are visiting, it is forbidden to listen to music at high volume. Dispose of plastic bags for biodegradable wastes no kind to be carried out of the park.

SIGHTS OF BOYACA

THERMALS PAIPA

Hot baths is one of the great attractions of the city. Besides being a source of entertainment, provide great health benefits. 

Coming to   aquatic complex is reached by the road that passes in front of Lake Sochagota and  around Pantano de Vargas, just 5 minutes from the main Paipa park.

VILLA DE LEIVA 

It is a clear example of the preservation of colonial architecture in the country. It was founded by Don Andrés Díaz Venero de Leyva and declared a National Monument in 1959. 

Population peaceful and serene, home of the first President of the New Kingdom of Granada, which later became recreational site viceroys and presidents. 

Currently visitors can scroll through the main square and cobbled streets, visit the Cloister of the Discalced Carmelite Sisters, Cathedral, Casa de Nariño Antonio, Casa de Juan de Castellanos and the Museo del Carmen, one of the art museums Colombia's most prestigious religious and also enjoy the richest embroidery around or acquire and own handmade crafts of the region as the ceramic Ráquira and points of Boyacá and country candy. 

Main Plaza: 
The center of the village, fully paved, with 14,000 square meters is considered the country's largest. A source that supplied drinking water to the population for many years is in the center. 

Vargas Vila House: 
The famous journalist, critic and novelist José María Vargas Vila moved to Villa de Leyva in 1885, putting the teaching in public schools. The house is located on the main square in front of the church. 

Museo del Maestro Luis Alberto Acuña: 
In the main square museum featuring acrylic and oil paintings, charcoal drawings, sculptures in concrete, acrylic murals, etc. is It is located next to the house of Vargas Vila. 

Los Portales: 
The elegant romantic architecture that adorns the northeastern side of the square was built by Don Juan de Castellanos. Upstairs some restaurants mayor and works on the ground floor. Don Juan de Castellanos wrote 150,000 verses, stanzas, the story related to the struggles of conquest with the Indians. 

Casa del Cabildo: 
On the south side of the square, is the home of the council, one of the historical relics of the village. 

Casa de Nariño: 
In this house died precursor Antonio Nariño independence on 13 December 1823 The house is located between the terminal and the main square. 

Ricaurte Birthplace: 
It is a tribute of admiration and affection for the Hero of San Mateo. The FAC (Colombian Air Force) acquired the property in 1970 and installed him as a military museum in honor of his patron who believes. 

Paleontological Museum: 
Leaving the town, on the road to Arcabuco, is the oldest mill wheat Colombia. Today is a museum which displays fossils from 120 million years. 

House of General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla: 
In the south eastern corner of the Plaza del Carmen house he lived former President General Rojas Pinilla is. On one of his visits, the General issued and signed, along with all of his ministers, on December 17, 1954, Decree N. 3841, by which he declared to Villa de Leyva as a National Monument. 

Museo del Carmen: 
Works of religious art from the seventeenth to twentieth centuries are exhibited. It was founded in 1971 by the PP. Carmelites, who pulled out of the privacy of the convent cloisters these treasures are a historical record of the life and culture of their Order. 

Fossil: 
A fossil impressive 20 meters of a quensladicus kronosaurus with about 120 million years. On the way to St. Sophia 5 ½ Km. 

Parish Church: 
Symbol and Villa de Leyva Boyaca Shield this population. It is located in the main square. He rose in the first half of the seventeenth century personal expense of the King of Spain and the residents of the town. 

Church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel: 
Built in 1850, is an authentically Andalusian cross of two chapels. The smaller the primitive and is dedicated to the Virgen del Carmen. Most popularly known as "Mama Linda Church". 

Ecce Homo: 
Convent founded on March 14, 1620 by the Dominicans PP as a center of evangelization in this region, then heavily populated by indigenous peoples. With stunning architecture, is currently under renovation. On the way to Santa Sofia 14 km of Villa de Leyva. 

Convento de la Candelaria: 
From Ráquira is 7 Km. Religious is the first monastery in America, founded in 1604 by the Augustinian Matthew P. Delgado in gathering together the hermits living in caves scattered around. In the cloister paintings, artwork, antiques, etc. are displayed 

The Infiernito: 
Muiscas Astronomical Center, where you can see fragments of the observatory and phallic monoliths as a symbol of fertility. On the way to St. Sophia 8 ½ Km. 

Cave Factory: 
Natural cave formed by an underground river. Ideal for caving site. Being slightly damp but not many stalactites are in certain places. It is inhabited by small bats. On the way to St. Sophia at 20km. 

The Hayal: 
A spectacle of nature, a giant cave (150m high) with water drops over 25 meters. It has a small cave. By way of St. Sophia Moniquirá 6 km. Hagia Sophia. 

Waterfall Periquera: 
Natural wonder, with a fall of 15m. Following the course you can visit other equally wonderful waterfalls. On the way to Gachantivá 14 km. 

Iguaque: 
In the Sanctuary of Flora and Fauna, the cradle of humanity as Muiscas, you can hike to the lagoon where Bachué became a serpent. With heights ranging between 2400 and 3600 meters you get on the road to Arcabuco to 12 Km. 

Desert Villa de Leyva: 
Villa de Leyva entering the left side of the desert Villa de Leyva, where motocross practiced contemplated, mountaineering and cycling where you can still find fossils. 

Cave Paintings: 
On the right bank of the river Sáchica is one of the largest collections of Indian painting registered Chibcha territory.

Typical foods of Boyacá

Typical foods of Boyacá

Drinks: 

Chicha and the juice of corn are the oldest. Seventeenth century masato of rice, Kumis and sugar water (or agüepanela); nineteenth is beer (numerous brands that have made history: Bavaria, Andean, coastal, Costeñita, Pilsen, Eagle, etc, etc) and soft drinks, as traditional Colombian.

Snacks and principles:

Arepas jenesanences, almond biscuits, cotudos, fig empanadas, pan de yuca, Canches San Ignacio, chiroza onion, almojábanas Paipa, suck Creole potato wrapped cob, sausage, potatoes blasted, boyacense tamal curd with molasses (molasses)

Soups: 

Cuchuco corn, wheat cuchuco copartisan backbone (euphemism for not mentioning the pig), changua soup with sliced ​​lamb casserole bread soup, broth rib.

Dishes: 

boyacense stew, covered rice, lamb head stew, cooked peasant, roasted lamb ribs, pork chops, kiddo porridge, sausage of Sutamarchán, red sausage, black pudding, fried potato native.

Desserts: 

Cake Curd foamed curuba, ripe bananas roasted, ripe bananas roasted and stuffed with cheese and sweet (sandwich) guava, apple pie, sweet guava Tibasosa, dates of Soatá, veleño sandwich with cheese, coconut candies sweet blackberry ...