Bolívar is a rich cultural melting pot. 

Sandwiched between mountains and the Carribbean coast, descendants of African slaves,  indigenous people and Spanish immigrants mixed to create a valuable textile legacy and unique musical heritage.  

This began with the Spanish invasion that decimated much of the indigenous population in this region, with African slaves brought over to fill the labour gap. The violence continued in this region that was hit particularly hard by Colombia’s internal conflict. The result has been massacres,  kidnappings and displaced people. 

Today, much of the violence has subsided but the scars can still be seen with half of the population in certain parts of the region living in conditions of misery. 

There is no water supply or water sanitation services in some of Bolívar’s towns. Residents collect water in tanks or, if they are among the privileged few, rely on expensive deliveries. 

Strikingly, given the misery and trauma, local people still have an unwavering resilience. The warmth and generosity of Bolívarians is truly uplifting and inspirational.