Ahead of the Christmas season, ten Afro-Colombian and Indigenous youth from the Fundación Cultural de Andagoya embarked on a transformative cultural exchange programme in Washington, D.C. Supported by Colombia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Colombia in the United States, the initiative celebrated Colombia’s Pacific heritage while fostering meaningful cross-cultural connections.
The agenda featured a series of enriching activities:
Concert of Alabaos and Gualíes at the Museum of the Americas and the Colombian Embassy auditorium. Alabaos are Afro-Colombian spiritual chants sung during funerals to honour the deceased and guide their souls to peace. Deeply rooted in Colombia’s Pacific region, they reflect the resilience, spirituality, and cultural unity of Afro-Colombian communities.
Gospel music lesson led by the Director of the Howard University Gospel Choir. By connecting Alabaos with African-American gospel traditions, the session underscored the shared strength and artistic expression within the African Diaspora.
Masterclass on the history of the African Diaspora with visits to the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the Sankofa Bookstore. Guided by historian Dr. Msomi Moor, participants explored the enduring struggles and achievements of African-descendant communities in the Americas.
A professional recording session of Alabaos at Asparagus Studio ensured these ancestral chants were captured in high-quality format, preserving their spiritual and cultural significance for future generations.
Art workshop and Kennedy Center tour, where participants explored creative expression and experienced the convergence of traditional Afro-Colombian heritage with contemporary artistry.
Cultural exchange with bilingual students at Shirley Chisholm Elementary School, fostering dialogue and mutual appreciation between Colombian youth and their American peers.
Ambassador Daniel García-Peña emphasized the importance of the programme, stating: “This initiative not only celebrates Colombia’s cultural richness but also strengthens the ties that unite us through shared histories and traditions. Championing the creativity and resilience of our youth ensures that our nation’s legacy thrives for generations to come.”
This cultural exchange underscores Colombia’s commitment to empowering its youth and preserving Afro-Colombian traditions while promoting cultural dialogue on a global stage. For the Fundación Cultural de Andagoya, it marks a milestone in their mission to honour and safeguard the ancestral heritage of Colombia’s Pacific region.