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Every February 21, on the International Mother Language Day established by UNESCO, Creole Day is celebrated in the archipelago of San Andrés, Providencia and Santa Catalina, a holiday institutionalized by Ordinance 003 of 2016, which seeks to recognize, defend and promote this characteristic language of the islands.
San Andres Creole, born from the linguistic encounter between British English and African languages in the period of conquest and colony and within the framework of the transatlantic slave trade, currently has around 100,000 speakers, most of them which reside in the archipelago.
During this day, the inhabitants of the islands participate in various activities. Conferences and forums are held on the history, development and perspectives of this language, as well as traditional music and dance presentations and gastronomic fairs that offer typical dishes of island cuisine.
These events are not only a sample of the culture of San Andrés and Providencia, but also an effort to keep the Creole language alive, an essential part of the Raizal identity.
Creole Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of linguistic diversity in Colombia.
Through this celebration, respect and appreciation of the cultural identity of the Raizals is encouraged, promoting coexistence and understanding between the different communities that inhabit the archipelago. It is a date of pride and reaffirmation of the cultural identity of the islanders.
