Colombian culture has been heavily fragmented into five major cultural and natural regions due to Colombia's geography and years of social and political instability, Rural to urban migration, industrialisation, globalization, and internal political, social and economic issues.
Inherited from the Spanish colonization, Colombia in general maintains a large base of Roman Catholic traditions which largely influences its culture and multicultural society despite the presence of other beliefs. The Constitution of 1991 provides protection and freedom of religious beliefs. The mixture and variety of the different ethnic traditions has developed unique hybrids of musical and dancing expressions such as Cumbia and Vallenato the most reno.
Colombia also has many festivals and carnivals through out the year, most of these celebrate religious traditions. Some important carnivals include: Pasto's 'Carnival of Blacks and Whites', 'Independence day' every July 20th, 'Holy Week', and 'Christmas'.
Colombians have developed a special passion for the Football (soccer). The Colombia national football team is seen as a symbol of unity and national pride. Some famous sports personalities include: Juan Pablo Montoya in Formula One and NASCAR, Edgar Renteria in MLB, and Camillo Villegas on the PGA Tour.
Other famous Colombians in arts and entertainment include: writer - Gabriel Garcia Marquez; artist and master - Fernando Botero, and singers - Shakira, Juanes, and Carlos Vives.
The Cuisine of Colombia is a mixture of Spanish, Italian, and French cuisine. American cuisine and Latin American cuisines such as the Mexican and the Caribbean have a strong influence. Local indigenous cuisine is also popular.
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