What is a Paisa?

If you’ve encountered the term “Paisa” in Colombia and are curious about its meaning, rest assured, it’s not some obscure Italian word. Instead, it’s used to characterize a distinctive group of people that inhabit beautiful mountainous known as the Paisa Region (in the past there was a time it was called Paisa Nation). Parts of the departments of Antioquia, Caldas, Risaralda and Quindió in the heart of Colombia’s western region make up the Paisa Region, with Antioquia and its capital city Medellin being the most emblematic of the Paisa people.

So, what does it mean to be a Paisa?

It’s akin to peeling the layers of a fascinating onion, with Paisa culture and the enchanting Raza Antioqueña at its core. These Paisas truly stand out in the mosaic of Colombian diversity.

To be candid, people from various regions, no matter their origin, naturally possess unique quirks and characteristics. For Paisas, they’ve crafted a distinct reputation. They’re renowned for their hard work, infectious cheerfulness, and entrepreneurial spirit. Occasionally, they might even be as charming as snake oil salesmen, weaving tales with a hint of hyperbole. They are incredibly friendly, proudly bold, unflinchingly courageous, and, above all, refreshingly straightforward.

Paisas take pride to a whole new level.

Paisas gush in pride particularly when it comes to their beloved Medellín in the state of Antioquia. They boldly proclaim that they possess the most enchanting, organized, and efficient city, along with the finest weather, the only metro system in the entire country, and the most beautiful women. In their eyes, they’re champions in every category.

Venture beyond Paisa territory, and you may detect a hint of rivalry – at least, that’s how other regions perceive it. To Paisas, there’s simply no competition. The “Rolos” in Bogotá, the “Caleños” from Cali, the “Costeños” along the coast in Cartagena, Barranquilla, and Santa Marta, and even the “Pastusos” from the city of Pasto near the Ecuadorian border all delight in accusing Paisas of living in their own bubble of arrogance.

The Grand Quest to Uncover the Secrets of Paisa-ness.

To settle the never-ending banter and mysteries surrounding Paisas, a monumental scientific study took flight. Imagine assembling the academic Avengers, featuring elite scientists from top universities across Colombia, all striving to unravel the essence of being a Paisa. They meticulously dissected what defines a Paisa and what propels them to think, act, and boast in their unique way.

After months of relentless research, countless brainstorming sessions, and deep introspection (mostly about their own Paisa identity), they arrived at a verdict: Paisas had been right all along. Yes, you read that correctly.

(Full disclosure: The scientific team leading this grand quest, as well as the author of this playful blog post, were all proud Paisas too. But honestly, who can blame them?)