Providencia Culture

On the island, you will have an opportunity to experience the native culture.

The natives of the island are the Raizal people. Although they are proud to be Colombian, their first loyalty is to the island. The main spoken language is Creole English which is spoken at home while all learn Spanish at school. The Raizal heritage is a mixture of European colonists, Pirates, African slaves, Miskito Indians from Central America, and shipwrecked travelers. It’s a true melting pot of cultures and backgrounds. The Raizals

  • Horse Races on the Beach – Saturdays often feature horse racing, drag race style down the beach at Southwest Bay. This usually happens around 3 or 4 o’clock in the afternoon and will bring out race enthusiasts from around the island.
  • Catch a Concert – The music is as unique as the island itself, A Caribbean rhythm with African and Spanish roots. Guitars, drums, and the horse jaw make for a sweet sound.
  • Black Crabs – Providencia is home to a land crab that is a local delicacy. The most popular part is the claws which are called “crab toes”. The crabs make an annual migration from the mountains to the sea to spawn. During this migration, part of the road system is closed so the crabs can pass safely.
  • Sailing – The traditional sailboats of the island are called Cat Boats. While most of them were destroyed during Hurricane Iota there are quite a few being rebuilt by local craftsmen and should be ready to sail soon. Keep an eye out for “Cotton Boat Races” where the local mariners race scale models of their Cat Boats.
  • Have a bowl of Rundown – Best described as a seafood stew in a coconut broth. Its never the same twice but always delicious.
  • Jus’ Chill – Just as good as it sounds. Take some time for yourself in a
    hammock and just relax.
  • Enjoy Middle Day – Like much of Latin America, on Providence most shops
    and activities shut down from 12-3 in the afternoon. Giving a chance to
    relax, enjoy time with friends and family, and beat the heat. This is a
    great time to take a lap around the island or enjoy a shady spot on the
    beach.

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