Popayán
Department
Flag of the city
The flag of Popayán draws its significance directly from the city’s coat of arms, which was bestowed upon the city by the Spanish Crown. In 1558, King Philip II granted this emblem to the city through a Royal Certificate, issued when the capital was Valladolid. This honor was in recognition of the city’s unwavering loyalty to the Crown and the invaluable services it rendered.
It was only 20 years later that the coat of arms was officially adopted during the era of the province of Popayán. The design of the flag, inspired by this shield, adheres strictly to present-day guidelines. It’s stipulated to have a length of two meters, consisting of three bands. The topmost and bottom bands, both in gualda (a shade of yellow), are each 45 centimeters wide. The middle band, colored azure (a deep blue tone in heraldry), measures 30 centimeters in width.
Four Jerusalem crosses embellish each corner of the flag’s yellow bands. Typically, a Jerusalem cross comprises a central Greek cross surrounded by four smaller ones, though they appear slightly modified on this flag. Historically, these crosses are emblematic of Christianity.
Each hue on the flag carries symbolic weight. Gualda stands for glory, azure for ideals, and the red of the crosses symbolizes sacrifice. As recorded in the city’s archives, the flag epitomizes “The glory of lofty actions and noble ideals, adorned by the cross of sacrifice”.
Slogan
Popayán, often revered as “La Ciudad Blanca” or “The White City,” stands as a testament to Colombia’s rich colonial heritage. This moniker has been bestowed upon the city in homage to its beautifully preserved historic architecture, predominantly painted in an elegant white. This captivating city is not just defined by its colors but by the stories etched in its walls, streets, and the hearts of its residents. While “La Ciudad Blanca” serves as a timeless nickname, for the most current slogans or campaigns related to Popayán, one might consider visiting the city’s official online portals or reaching out to its tourism department. Dive into Popayán and embrace the beauty of “The White City.”
History
While tangible records of the pre-Hispanic history of Popayán are scarce, the presence of the ancient pyramid, El Morro del Tulcán, speaks volumes. This pyramid, which stood abandoned by the time the Spanish explorers arrived, is thought to have been a site of significance, perhaps a ceremonial or burial ground. Dental analyses suggest that those interred at the pyramid likely belonged to their society’s elite.
On 13 January 1537, Spanish conquistador Sebastián de Belalcázar marked a pivotal point in Popayán’s history with his arrival. Throughout the 16th and 17th centuries, Popayán functioned under the governance of the Royal Audience of Quito, a segment of the expansive Viceroyalty of Peru.
A depiction of Popayán in 1615 was crafted by the renowned Inca artist, Guamán Poma, and can be found in his masterpiece, “Nueva corónica y buen gobierno,” housed in Denmark’s Royal Library.
Positioned strategically between major hubs like Lima, Quito, and Cartagena, Popayán thrived as a significant conduit for the transport of gold and other valuable resources destined for Spain via Cartagena. Additionally, its rich mineral deposits led to Popayán establishing itself as a central colonial mining site. From 1760 to 1819, the city minted a variety of gold escudo coins and silver reales, a tradition that continued post-independence for the Republic of Colombia after 1826.
Popayán’s resilience has been tested by numerous earthquakes, with the 31 March 1983 quake leaving the most indelible mark. This devastating event, lasting a mere eighteen seconds, decimated the city, necessitating a decade-long rebuild. This tragedy also spurred Colombia to establish its first seismic design code, ensuring greater architectural resilience in the face of future natural disasters.
Popayán’s historic center is a time capsule of baroque architecture, preserved meticulously for over 400 years. While many cobblestone streets were modernized with paving in 1937, there is a renewed interest in restoring sections of the city to their authentic, historical appearance.
Geography
Popayán, serving as the capital of the Cauca department, is nestled in southwestern Colombia, lying at the foot of the Puracé Volcano, which reaches an elevation of 15,603 feet (4,756 m). Positioned on a tributary of the Cauca River, the city sits at an altitude of 5,702 feet (2,241 m) above sea level. Established in 1535, Popayán has long functioned as a hub for administration. Throughout the colonial times, it was a favored dwelling for land magnates and mining moguls, bestowing upon the city immense cultural and religious stature and shaping its architectural style with pronounced Spanish influences. Educational endeavors in the city are marked by institutions like the University of Cauca, founded in 1827.
However, the economic trajectory of Colombia post-independence has somewhat dimmed Popayán’s economic luminance. Now, its industrial activities predominantly revolve around food processing, beverage production, clothing manufacturing, and building material creation. Popayán stands as the southern end of the railway that stretches northward to cities like Cali and Medellín. Moreover, it’s a pivotal point on the Simón Bolívar Highway and a segment of the Pan-American Highway, forging a connection between the Cauca valley and Ecuador. It also serves as a major junction for a vast web of roads within the department. Indigenous communities make up a substantial portion of its inhabitants. As of 2007, the estimated population was around 230,642.
In terms of geographical location, Popayán is approximately 135 km (84 miles) south of Cali and about 664 km (413 miles) southwest of Bogotá.
Population
328,217 (2020)
318,059 (2018)
One photo representative of the city
The Cathedral Basilica of Our Lady of the Assumption, often referred to as the Popayán Cathedral, is a Catholic sanctuary devoted to the Virgin Mary, known here as Our Lady of the Assumption of Popayán. Situated on the western side of Caldas Park in Popayán’s historical heart, within the Colombian department of Cauca, it holds the titles of both Metropolitan Cathedral and Minor Basilica. Serving as the primary church of the Archdiocese of Popayan, it is the residence of the Archbishop and the Metropolitan Chapter.
In 1546, Pope Paul III sanctioned the establishment of the Diocese of Popayan with the Papal Bull “Super speculates Militantis Ecclesiae” dated September 1. Juan del Valle of Segovia, Spain, was nominated as its inaugural Bishop. Over the years, the cathedral underwent various significant events. Notably, its vast collection of art and artifacts was confiscated by Antonio Nariño. However, on December 12, 1909, it proudly showcased an organ imported from Paris, which at the time was among the finest in South America. Following a restoration in 1953, Pope Pius XII bestowed upon the cathedral the ceremonial designation of Minor Basilica on April 25 that year. Furthermore, the cathedral, along with the surrounding historical district of Popayán, was recognized as a National Monument of Colombia by Law 163 on December 30, 1959.
Etymology
The name “Popayán” is derived from an indigenous language, and its origin is subject to various theories. One interpretation suggests that the word breaks down into: Po: “Two”; pa: “reed”; and yan: “village”, translating to “Two villages with reed roofs”. Another hypothesis posits that “Popayán” is named after an indigenous leader, Payán, who once resided near what is now known as Las Tres Cruces Hill, formerly called Eme Hill. Historian Arcecio Aragón offers a different perspective, proposing that the name comes from the Quechua term “Pampayán”: with “pampa” meaning valley and “yan” indicating river. This would make “Popayán” signify the “valley of the river”, in this context, referring to the Cauca River.
What the city is known or famous for
The Holy Week processions of Popayán stand as some of Colombia’s most ancient traditions, tracing back to the colonial times. From Tuesday to Saturday preceding Easter, the town is illuminated from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. with a sequence of five processions. These processions, each dedicated to Mary, Jesus, the Cross, the Laying in the Tomb, and the Resurrection, trace a two-kilometre path through the heart of the town. Central to each procession are the pasos, or reliquary floats, meticulously crafted and arranged in accordance with intricate guidelines. Decorated with detailed statues from the late 18th century, these floats narrate the Easter tale. Devotees, donned in special attire and bearing candles, line the path on both sides. Noteworthy for their craftsmanship, sounds, and aromatic incense, the processions are the culmination of a year-long preparation. These traditions, handed down through generations and even taught to children as young as five, are embedded with specific terminologies and expertise. Roles are distinctly assigned, ensuring everyone knows their part. A segment of the town’s population, having established an assembly dedicated to preserving this heritage, collaborate with authorities and organizations to facilitate these events. Drawing global attention, these processions are not just a spectacle but are integral to the community’s unity and shared identity.
