GENERAL INFORMATION
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LITERATURE
Colombia is very proud to be the home of 1982 Nobel Prize for Literature winner
Gabriel García Márquez. His novel One Hundred Years of Solitude is considered
one of the world's foremost literary masterpieces, and his other books are also
excellent — read Love in the Time of Cholera while you are in Cartagena (where
it takes place). Literature during colonial times revolved around religion, but
during 19th and early 20th centuries, Colombians were known for writing poetry
— Rafael Pombo's children's verses are still recited, and the words to Colombia's
national anthem were written by Rafael Nuñez, who was also elected president.
During the 20th century, literature about peasant life and criticism of society and
the government became popular. Current award-winning Colombian authors
include Héctor Abad Faciolince, Jorge Franco, and Laura Restrepo — each have
works translated into English.
MUSIC
Wide varieties of music can be heard throughout Colombia. Salsa, vallenato and
reggaton are popular forms of modern music that are heard in bars, clubs and
discos. These three forms of music are referred to as crossover when played in
bars and clubs. These and other forms of Colombian music that have roots in
African, Spanish, indigenous and Caribbean cultures, and can be heard
throughout Colombia.
FILM
Colombia has a film industry that produces a small number of movies every year.
Colombia has several film festivals that take place in major cities every year.
Blockbuster Hollywood films find their way into Colombia cinemas to delight
large crowds. Unless they are for children, non-Spanish movies are subtitled
rather than dubbed.