A culture is expressed through the art, literature, music, and cuisine of the region. Diversity is characteristic to the culture of Colombia. The cultures of different countries influenced the culture of Colombia.The culture of Colombia lies at the crossroads of Latin America. Rural to urban migration and globalization have changed how many Colombians live and express themselves as large cities become melting pots of people (many of whom are refugees) from the various provinces that have hit Colombia through out its violent history, more recently is the displacement caused by the Colombian armed conflict to cities and other countries.
The Colombian art ranges right from the sculptures and paintings of ancient times to the modern-day films, theatre and various other forms of art. Colombia has produced artists like Alejandro Obregon and Fernando Botero. Gold work, stonework and pottery constituted the pre-Colombian sculpture.Colombian literature of the colonial period focused on religion. Most of the expressions involved Spanish influences. Literature of the post-independence period was based on political thoughts and movements.The Colombian Constitution has granted freedom of religion to its people. Before 1991, Catholicism was the official religion of Colombia. During the colonial period, the health as well as the education facilities came under the Catholic Church. The culture of Colombia has accepted the freedom of religion and it is apparent in its diversified population.The depiction of Colombia in popular culture, especially the portrayal of Colombian people in film and fiction, has been asserted by Colombian organizations and government to be largely negative and has raised concerns that it reinforces, or even engenders, societal prejudice and discrimination due to association with narco-trafficking, terrorism, illegal immigration and other criminal elements, poverty and welfare. These stereotypes are considered unfair by many Colombians. The Colombian government-funded Colombia es Pasión advertisement campaign as an attempt to improve Colombia’s image abroad, with mixed results.