In Colombia, what is a Paisa and, what does it mean to be Paisa?
More often than not, I have found Paisas (the people from Medellín, Colombia and Antioquía) to be warm, kind, funny and welcoming people.
When I was planning my trip to Colombia for the first time, I had no idea about the Paisa culture and how significant it actually was and is.
Not only in Colombia but this ‘Paisa effect’ as it were, also has ripples in the rest of Latin America. In some cases, it has even spread as far as Japan.
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What is a Paisa?
In this guide, I want to answer the question: what is a Paisa? I will also go into more detail by sharing other observations that I learned on my travels.
After spending time in the Paisa Region, also known as the Antioquía Region (but not limited to it) I feel compelled to be able to share all this.
So, let’s start with the short answer before we get into more detailed things to know about the Paisa culture and why it’s worth understanding.
Did you know? A Paisa is anyone who is from the Antioquía in Colombia and contrary to what people think, Paisas are not defined by skin color.
According to this dedicated page on Wikipedia the word Paisa derives from “Paisano,” which means a person from the same country. But in this case, it identifies individuals who are from the Antioquia region of Colombia!
In fact, Paisas have a strong culture that is impossible to ignore. They seem to carry their cultural traits with them wherever they go, whether traveling abroad or interacting with people outside their home region.
What makes A Paisa different?
The Paisas in Medellín and surrounding cities such as Sabaneta or Periera, and are very active and tend to live outside (when it’s not raining).
If you’ve been planning a trip and wondering what to do in Medellín and/or really want to experience local life, you’ll want to know this information!
The lifestyle in Medellín for example compared to the life of the Paisas in the pueblos such as Santa Fe de Antioquía or Jardín varies alot.
I recommend you head over to places like El Centro, Envigado, Sabaneta, the Laureles neighborhood or even Comuna 13 for a stroll around.
Laureles is an area popular with ex-pats in Colombia. Others who are considering moving to Medellin like to reside in this area too.
Facts About The Paisa
On any trip to Antioquía, you quickly learn that the Arepa is one of the most versatile foods you can eat as part of a healthy diet in Colombia.
In Antioquía, the Bandeja paisa the most popular dish and some may even argue that the Bandeja Paisa is the national dish of Colombia.
Below are some curious facts about Colombia, some of which are more specific to the Pasia culture that you may not have known:
- As far as territory, Medellín, Manizales and Armenia are the main cities of the Paisa region (although the latter two are not in Antioquía).
- Paisas are known to speak Antioqeñan Spanish, which is distinct in Colombia Culture. You can even refer to it as ‘Paisa Spanish’.
- Both men and women in Medellin and surrounding areas in Antioquia are proud of their cultural identity and embrace it openly.
- The Bandeja Paisa a dish from the Antioquia region is sold in Colombian restaurants around the world, even in the UK. They are also famous for other foods they eat, such as the Arepa Paisa.
Typical Paisa Names
Many of the Paisa family names are from Spain traced to colonial times and are typically Basque families as well as other surrounding provinces
Whether considered “Antioqeñan” or “Paisa”, many families would have entered the port at Cartagena and migrated to the Antioquia department.
These settlers brought their traditions, work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit to shape the region creating the foundation of modern Paisa society.
Here are some typical Paisa names you’ll see around the region:
- Aguirre
- Berrío
- Castañeda
- Gaviria
- Londoño
- Marulanda
- Montoya
- Ochoa
- Ospina
- Urreta
- Zabala
- Zuluaga
There are families who are located in other coastal cities, some of which are within the borders of the Antioquia region such as Necoclí or Turbo.
How to Speak Like a Paisa
As a cultural traveler in Latin America I thrive on learning locality so I’m able to understand people, and ‘the collective’ which for me is interesting.
I live by the idea of not only meeting locals whilst traveling but the idea of speaking like a local to be able to connect even further and learn more.
I’ve spent hours practicing Spanish conversation basics on my travels.
Put it all into practice each time I’d return to Latin America. By. doing this, it has allowed me to create my own dictionary of words along the way.
📕 This practice makes perfect series I used was very helpful for me too.
Paisa Slang
Out of all the accents in Colombia, my favorite accent has been that of Paisa. It is speedy but soft, and endearing making conversations feel lively and welcoming which for me was perfect for local interactions.
In fact, out of all the Spanish accents I have encountered on my travels in Latin America – it has been my favorite for listening to and learning from.
Words and expressions I learned in the Antioquia region:
- Palante
- Sánduich
- Vecino
- Quihabido
- Qué ha hecho
- Plias!
- Man
- Mal Parido
- Loca
- Hinchada
- Chao
- Chichigua
Other words heard in the Antioquia region I liked:
- Lenteja
- Guyabo
- Dar Papaya
- Hinchada
- Chambón
- Bobo
- Camellar
- Parce
- Eavemaría
- Tinto
- Berraco
- Aguardientero
Paisa Culture: Final Words
With this guide, you now have a clearer idea of what a Paisa is in regard to Colombian culture and experienced a taste of their unique traditions.
Not only have I shared infomation on what a Paisa is, but also some words and expressions the Paisa’s say, and some popular regions you may visit to get a deeper insight into the Paisa culture and connect with locals better.
If thinking about backpacking Colombia or traveling to learn Spanish along the way, just see my other guides dedicated to this magnificent country.
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