Generation Z in Colombia is transforming how culture, fashion, and tourism are perceived. Unlike previous generations, these young people, born between the late 1990s and mid-2010s, seek authentic, sustainable experiences rooted in national identity. From their clothing to their travel destinations, this new generation is reclaiming Colombian traditions with a modern, conscious, and digitally connected perspective.
Generation Z and its connection to Colombian identity
Generation Z has grown up in a globalized environment, but also in an era where pride in local culture has gained strength. In Colombia, this group stands out for valuing ancestral knowledge, regional customs, and cultural expressions that previously seemed relegated to rural areas.
This trend is evident on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok , where young creators share content about traditional cuisine, artisanal fashion, cultural routes, and projects that promote Colombian-made products. They're not just looking to consume culture, but to experience and reinterpret it .
Some examples of this cultural resurgence include:
Young designers who combine indigenous fabrics with contemporary cuts.
Travelers who prefer rural or community experiences over crowded urban destinations.
Local businesses that revive traditional techniques of embroidery, ceramics or hat making.
This movement is aligned with the rise of cultural tourism in Colombia , one of the fastest growing sectors according to data from the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Tourism .
Fashion with roots: how young people are reinterpreting tradition
Colombian fashion has always been colorful, diverse, and rich in symbolism. However, Generation Z is giving it a new meaning: using fashion as a channel for identity and cultural activism .
Emerging brands in cities like Medellín, Bogotá, and Cali are incorporating Wayuu textiles, Pacific Coast prints, and sustainable materials such as fique and organic cotton into their collections. These elements are not used as mere decoration, but as a manifestation of cultural pride .
Examples of trends driven by this generation:
Revaluation of artisanal textiles: Wayuu backpacks, Boyacá ruanas and vueltiao hats are used with modern outfits.
Sustainable fashion: use of natural dyes and textile recycling.
Regional inspiration: colors and patterns taken from Colombian biodiversity.
In this context, fashion ceases to be merely aesthetic and becomes a cultural narrative that connects the ancestral with the contemporary.
Tourism with purpose: rediscovering Colombia from a local perspective
Traditional sun and beach tourism is giving way to more meaningful experiences. Colombian Generation Z prefers purposeful travel: learning, contributing, and connecting with local communities.
The rise of rural, ecological, and cultural tourism is a clear example. Regions like Boyacá, Santander, the Coffee Region, and La Guajira are being rediscovered by young travelers seeking authenticity.
Some popular experiences among young people are:
Routes of artisanal coffee and cocoa.
Ancestral tourism in indigenous and Afro-descendant communities.
Ecological volunteering and environmental conservation projects.
Sustainable accommodations that promote responsible practices.
In this way, traveling through Colombia becomes a way to preserve tradition and support local economies .
You can find more ideas about destinations and traditional celebrations on our Colombia Calendar blog.
Social networks and the role of digitization
Generation Z is characterized by its mastery of technology and social media. Thanks to these, Colombian traditions are reaching new audiences and formats.
TikTok, for example, has become a platform where young people showcase their heritage through traditional dances, cuisine, fashion, and local tourism. Similarly, Instagram and YouTube serve as showcases for cultural ventures, craft workshops, and virtual tours.
Digitizing heritage allows traditional practices to be preserved and reinterpreted for a new era. This has strengthened the sense of community and fostered a deeper connection with the past.
Social and economic impact of cultural rescue
The revival of traditions driven by Generation Z is not only an aesthetic trend, but also an economic opportunity . By consuming local products and experiences, young people contribute to:
Reactivate the artisan economy.
Promote environmental sustainability.
Generate employment in rural communities.
Promote responsible tourism.
This combination of social awareness, innovation, and pride in local culture makes Generation Z a key agent of Colombian cultural change .