Exploring Boyacá: Identity, Culture and Challenges of Colombia's Hidden Gem

The Heart of Colombia: Introducing Boyacá

Nestled in the center of Colombia lies Boyacá, a department often overlooked but rich in history, culture, and natural beauty. Despite its proximity to Bogotá, the nation's capital, Boyacá remains one of Colombia's poorest regions, facing numerous challenges in infrastructure, economic development, and political representation. However, the people of Boyacá, known as Boyacenses, possess a unique identity and cultural heritage that sets them apart within the diverse tapestry of Colombian society.

The Boyacense Identity: Reserved Yet Proud

Boyacenses are known for their reserved nature, a characteristic deeply rooted in the region's history and geography. The mountainous terrain and cold climate have shaped not only the landscape but also the temperament of its inhabitants. Lorena Estupiñán, a professor and proud Boyacense, explains:

"We are like the 70% of our territory is located in the mountains. Because of the cold, we need to become more reserved, more silent, and more careful."

This reserved nature is not just a product of the environment but also a result of historical factors. The Spanish colonization left a lasting impact on the Boyacense psyche:

"Because of the presence of the Spaniards, we became more careful about what we say. We don't want problems, so we became like that."

Despite this reserved demeanor, Boyacenses harbor a deep pride in their heritage. This pride, however, is often expressed in subtle ways rather than overt displays. The use of "sumercé," a unique pronoun in Boyacá, exemplifies this quiet assertion of identity:

"It's a more nice way to speak to another person. It's not 'you,' it's not 'yours,' it's like something in between. It's a comfortable pronoun, and you use it when you really want to be close to someone but in a respectful way."

The Challenges Facing Boyacá

Despite its rich cultural heritage and natural resources, Boyacá faces significant socioeconomic challenges:

Economic Disparity

Despite its proximity to Bogotá, Boyacá remains one of Colombia's poorest departments. The wealth of the capital has not spread to its neighboring region, creating a stark contrast in development and opportunities.

Agricultural Struggles

Boyacá is a major agricultural producer, particularly in fruits and vegetables. However, the region's farmers often struggle to receive fair compensation for their produce. This economic pressure has led to significant social unrest, as evidenced by the 2013 agrarian strike.

Infrastructure Deficits

The lack of adequate infrastructure hampers Boyacá's development. This includes not only transportation networks but also educational facilities, particularly in rural areas.

Political Underrepresentation

Boyacá often feels overlooked in national politics. The region's concerns and needs are frequently sidelined in favor of more vocal or economically powerful departments.

The 2013 Agrarian Strike: A Turning Point

The 2013 agrarian strike marked a significant moment in recent Boyacense history. This event brought the region's struggles to national attention and challenged the traditionally reserved nature of its people.

Lorena recalls:

"During those times, people for the first time became aware that Boyacá exists. We also became aware that no one is interested in what happens to us."

The government's response to the strike, particularly then-President Santos' dismissive statement that "The strike doesn't exist," further galvanized the Boyacense people:

"We really felt it. I was in Bogotá at the time, talking to my parents, and they said there was no food. It was really a hard time. When the president said there was no strike, we changed our mindset. We went out to protest in Bogotá."

This event marked a shift in how Boyacenses viewed their role in national discourse, prompting many to become more vocal about their region's needs and identity.

The Indigenous Heritage of Boyacá

Boyacá's identity is deeply intertwined with its indigenous heritage, particularly the Muisca civilization that once thrived in the region. However, this aspect of Boyacense history is often overlooked or misunderstood:

"When the Spanish arrived, they located themselves in the same places the Muisca kingdom was located. In Boyacá, we had really important communities located in what we call the province of Tundama."

The Spanish conquest was particularly violent in Boyacá, forcing many indigenous communities to flee to remote areas:

"They had the need to go far and farther to places where they were capable of hiding themselves and silencing themselves just to avoid the Spaniards and the violence of the conquest."

Today, indigenous communities like the U'wa continue to face challenges, particularly related to resource extraction in their territories:

"Unfortunately, they are located in a zone that is really important for gas extraction. So they are still battling with another conquest, and that is really hard."

Understanding and acknowledging this indigenous heritage is crucial to fully appreciating Boyacense identity and the ongoing struggles of the region's indigenous populations.

Boyacá's Cycling Legacy

In recent years, Boyacá has gained international recognition through its cyclists, most notably Nairo Quintana. These athletes have become a source of immense pride for Boyacenses, offering positive representation on the global stage.

However, the story behind Boyacá's cycling success is complex, intertwining economic hardship with natural advantages:

"It's really interesting when you see the context. It's not that happy because many stories are really histories of fighting against the odds."

The region's high altitude and challenging terrain, combined with economic necessity, have contributed to producing world-class cyclists:

"Nature is part of that. We are really up above sea level. So these children using bikes just to go to school or to work, they are in better condition when they arrive at these places at high altitudes."

While celebrating these athletic achievements, it's important to recognize the socioeconomic conditions that have contributed to this phenomenon.

Education and Rural Development in Boyacá

Education plays a crucial role in Boyacá's development, particularly in rural areas. The challenges faced by students and educators in these regions highlight broader issues of rural development and opportunity:

"People want their children to go to school, but there are only schools in the capital of the provinces. For going to a secondary school, they need to go far. So the bike was the instrument they needed just to go to school."

Lorena's research focuses on the role of "street-level bureaucrats," particularly school principals in rural areas, in driving change:

"I was able to see that politicians are not interested in those topics and to really change the lives of people. But people like my mom, these street-level bureaucrats, are the ones that are really changing lives."

Understanding and supporting these local change-makers is crucial for Boyacá's future development.

The Future of Boyacá: Challenges and Opportunities

As Boyacá looks to the future, it faces both challenges and opportunities. Key to its development will be:

1. Increased awareness and pride in Boyacense identity and history
2. Greater political representation and attention to the region's needs
3. Investment in infrastructure, particularly in rural areas
4. Support for agricultural communities and fair trade practices
5. Preservation and celebration of indigenous cultures
6. Leveraging the region's natural beauty and resources for sustainable tourism
7. Continued support for education and local change-makers

Lorena emphasizes the importance of understanding Boyacá's past to shape its future:

"We need to pay attention to that past to feel a better future. We are in a loop of wrong political decisions, and we need to be more aware and really work to change."

Conclusion: Boyacá, Colombia's Hidden Gem

Boyacá, with its rich history, unique culture, and stunning landscapes, remains one of Colombia's hidden gems. Despite facing significant challenges, the region's resilient people and abundant resources offer hope for a brighter future.

As Lorena passionately states:

"I really want everyone to know what Boyacá is and come to Boyacá. Boyacá is a really peaceful and beautiful land, and everyone deserves to know what is magical about Boyacá."

By understanding and appreciating the complexities of Boyacense identity and the region's ongoing struggles, we can better support its development and ensure that this vital part of Colombia receives the recognition and support it deserves. As Colombia continues to evolve and grow, Boyacá's unique voice and perspective will be crucial in shaping a more inclusive and prosperous nation.

Article created from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_C95Z4Gb_8