The Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, It's one of the 32 departments that make up the Republic of Colombia. Its capital is San Andrés. It is the only insular department of Colombia, the main languages spoken in the archipelago are Sanadresan Creole, Spanish and English.
| DEPARTMENT SYMBOLS |
Flag of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina |
Shield of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina |
| Click here to listen to: Anthem of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina |
| GENERAL DATA |
| Country: Colombia. |
| Entity: Department. |
| Capital: San Andrés |
| Demonym: Sanandresano(a) or Islander(a) |
| Motto: Tourist Paradise, Tourist Paradise |
| Foundation: April 27, 1847. |
| Erection as a department: July 4, 1991 |
| Number of Municipalities: 1 |
| Official Web site: sanandres.gov.co |
History of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina:
The islands, due to their remoteness and navigation difficulties, lacked permanent indigenous populations during the Precolumbian era. In 1510, Spain took official possession of the islands, initially administering them from Royal Court of Panama and then, starting in 1544, under the Captaincy General of Guatemala. Between 1629 and 1630, Dutch and English settlers established the first settlements, mainly in Santa Catalina and Providencia, naming them Henrietta and Providence.
During the 1670s and 1680s, the Morgan Pirates and Eduard Mansvelt They used San Andrés as a base of operations when the islands were part of the English colonies. In 1775, Thomas O'Neille, under the authority of the captain general of Guatemala, expelled the English and Dutch. In 1786, treaties were signed requiring the departure of English subjects from the Mosquito Coast, and the archipelago passed under the jurisdiction of the Viceroyalty of The New Granada in 1803.
During the War of Independence, the islands maintained commercial relations with the Spanish Crown until the French privateer Luis Aury took them in 1818. In 1822, the islands joined the Greater Colombia. Later, the archipelago was declared a free port, and slavery was abolished, triggering a literacy movement led by Philip Beekman Livingston.
In 1866, the archipelago went from Sovereign State of Bolívar to the central Government, creating the Territory of San Andrés y Providencia in 1868. In 1900, France recognized Colombian sovereignty over the archipelago. In 1912, the Municipality of San Andrés and Providencia was established, separating it from the Bolívar Department.
In 1928, Colombia and Nicaragua signed the Esguerra-Bárcenas Treaty, recognizing Colombia's sovereignty over the archipelago. In 1953, the General Gustavo Rojas Pinilla He declared San Andrés a free port, and in 1972, the United States renounced its claims on some keys. In 1991, the Colombian Constitution created the Archipelago Department of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, and in 2001, UNESCO declared the department Sea Flower Biosphere Reserve.
Political-administrative division of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
The Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina is made up of 1 non-municipalized area, which is the Island of San Andres, which in turn is the capital of the department, and a municipality.
| Municipalities and non-municipalized areas | Category |
|---|---|
| Island of San Andres | Non-municipalized area (Capital) |
| Providencia and Santa Catalina Islands | Municipality |
Gastronomy of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
The gastronomy of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina is totally influenced by the fruits of the sea, being an island area it is logical that this happens, however there is also a great variety of local products that are integrated into its delicious gastronomy such as cassava, the fruit of the breadfruit tree, coconut, among others. Some of the most popular dishes of island cuisine are:
- Rondón (Rundown)
- Crab molas with garlic
- Crab Backs or stuffed crabs
- Crab soup
- Johnny Cakes or Journey cake
- pig tail
- corned fish
Fairs and Festivals of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
The festivities in the archipelago reflect the search to preserve the traditions of the islands. During the year, several large-scale events are usually held, including: The “Ethnic Roots” International Theater Festival, the Green Moon Festival, the Seaflower Film Festival, El Reinado Coconut International and San Andrés patron saint festivities, among others.
(See here the complete list of festivals, fairs, parties and events in San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina)
Tourist Sites of the San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina Archipelago
Tourism is one of the main economic sources of the archipelago and without a doubt the beaches and the immense sea of seven colors are the main tourist attraction of the island. Among the main places to visit on the islands we find:
- Cocoplum Beach
- Johnny Cay or Cayo Sucre
- Morgan's Cave
- The Blowing Hole
- The Botanical Garden of San Andrés
- The San Andrés Aquarium
(See here the complete list of tourist places in the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina)
Economy of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
The economy of the Archipelago focuses mainly on tourism and commerce. Thanks to its geographical location and its spectacular beaches and sea, the islands have become one of the favorite tourist destinations in South America. Other economic activities that take place in To a lesser extent are agriculture and fishing.
Legends and Myths of the Archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina
The cultural richness of the archipelago is manifested not only in its exquisite gastronomic proposals, vibrant festivities, captivating dances and deep-rooted customs, but also finds its reflection in the captivating legends and myths that have transcended throughout generations. Among the mythical narratives that enrich the collective imagination of the island's inhabitants, the following stand out:
- Rolling Calf Legend
- legend of duppy
- Legend of Pirate Morgan's Treasure
- Legend of Buoca or Boca
- Legend of the Tree of Bread
- Legend of Boo boo (buba), among others.
These legends and myths form a vital part of the region's cultural heritage, transmitting customs, beliefs and teachings across generations among the islanders.
