Popayan: The Tradition of White. We were lucky to spend a couple of wonderful days in the beautiful city of Popayán. We hadn’t expected the beauty we found among the beautiful colonial architecture and were surprised to experience the “white city” in the midst of constant rain showers.
We had learned some about the city’s vast history and upon researching for this post, was excited to discover the rich contributions made to colombia in this beautiful town.
From wikipedia:
Popayán has been home to seventeen Colombian presidents, as well as noted poets, painters, and composers. The University of Cauca (est. 1827), one of Colombia’s oldest and most distinguished institutions of higher education, is located here; that is why Popayan is also known as the “University City.” In 2005, Popayán was declared by the UNESCO as the first city of gastronomy because of its variety and meaning to the intangible patrimony of Colombian culture.The culinary history of the Cauca department was chosen because of their maintaining of traditional methods of food preparation which has been passed over through different generations orally.On 2009 September 28, UNESCO also declared the processions of the Easter Week processions as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Patrimony of Humanity.
Situated in the Andean cordillera halfway between Bogota and Quito, Popayán drew settlers who established sugar plantations along the Cauca river valley. Additionally, the mild climate attracted many became an important religious center with many churches, monasteries and seminaries, as well as a prosperous trade center. Much of the activity of the area is recorded in the Popayán Papers, correspondence between the inter-related members of the local aristocracy, plus patriotic writings from Colombia’s struggle for independence.
As the economic importance of the town waned, Popayán lost business, but retained its importance in religious and cultural spheres. The University of Cauca was founded in 1827, following the requirements established by Simón Bolívar, El Libertador, on the site of an indigenous village.
The residents of Popayán are proud of their famous Semana Santa celebrations. During the Holy Week, the city is inundated with visitors from across the country to see the processions. Although not having experienced the Holy Week in Popayán myself, I wonder if the contrast of the colorful processions have a greater contrast against the white buildings.
Lainie Liberti is a recovering branding expert, who’s career once focused on creating campaigns for green – eco business, non-profits and conscious business. Dazzling clients with her high-energy designs for over 18 years, Lainie lent her artistic talents to businesses that matter. But that was then.
In 2008, after the economy took a turn, Lainie decided to be the change (instead of a victim) and began the process of “lifestyle redesign,” a joint decision between both her and her 11-year-old son, Miro. They sold or gave away all of of their possessions in 2009 and began a life of travel, service, and exploration. Lainie and her son Miro began their open-ended adventure backpacking through Central and South America. They are slow traveling around the globe allowing inspiration to be their compass. The pair is most interested in exploring different cultures, contributing by serving, and connecting with humanity as ‘global citizens.’
Today Lainie considers herself a digital nomad who is living a location independent life. She and her son write and podcast their experiences from the road at Raising Miro on the Road of Life.
