Big Picture

A Landscape of Loss: Forty Years After Armero

Forty years after the catastrophe that erased Armero from the map, the landscape where the town once stood has taken on the quiet, uncanny stillness of an eroded manuscript. Vegetation has woven itself into the…

RICHARD EMBLIN November 11, 2025

Over 1,200 indigenous protesters occupy Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar

Some 1,200 Indigenous people from Colombia’s southwestern departments have gathered peacefully in Bogotá’s Plaza de Bolívar for a third consecutive day, calling for a meeting…

RICHARD EMBLIN April 3, 2025

From the Sacred to Spectacular: Bogotá’s Walkable Christmas

Bogotá’s "Caminar la Navidad" offers a festive, walkable experience along Carrera Séptima, featuring immersive performances and installations, celebrating Christmas with art, music, dance, and environmental…

RICHARD EMBLIN December 14, 2024

Río Atrato: A watery lifeline at the heart of Colombia’s Pacific

The Atrato River, flowing over 500 kilometers from the Farallones de Citará in Antioquia to the Gulf of Urabá, serves as a crucial waterway for…

RICHARD EMBLIN November 11, 2024

Sardinata and the ancient burial ground of the Chitarero

In Sardinata, Norte de Santander, local farmers have found archaeological artifacts of the Chitarero indigenous peoples, an extinct group that played a pivotal role in…

RICHARD EMBLIN July 26, 2024

Colombia’s tall-ship ARC Gloria on the River Thames in London

Colombia's tall-ship ARC Gloria majestically sailed through London's Tower Bridge on the same day both Colombia and England reached the semi-finals of their respective football…

THE CITY PAPER STAFF July 6, 2024

Estoraques de Floresta: A natural wonder in the Boyacá highlands

A stunning natural rift valley with towering limestone columns is one of many unique attractions for those visiting the department of Boyacá.

RICHARD EMBLIN June 18, 2024

A giant canvas with works by artist Fernando Botero was suspended from the Colombian Congress to mark the funeral ceremony of the world-famous artist. Photo: Richard Emblin

Bogotá in the eyes of Fernando Botero’s “Mona Lisa”

A giant canvas depicting some of Fernando Botero's most famous works covers the façade of the Colombian Congress in Bogotá. The artist will receive the…

RICHARD EMBLIN September 23, 2023

20 de Julio: Celebration of Independence and a nation’s heroes

In Bogotá, the Veinte de Julio Independence Day celebrations include a grand military parade, fly-over by the Air Force, and aeronautical display of the Army's…

THE CITY PAPER STAFF July 17, 2023

Guests at the inaugural runway presentation of designer Humberto Cubides and his latest collection for Cubel. Photo: Richard Emblin

Bogotá Fashion Week in the light of Vermeer

Showcasing the creations of 110 independent fashion designers and brands, the sixth edition of Bogotá Fashion Week was inaugurated with a collection by Humberto Cubides…

RICHARD EMBLIN May 11, 2023

Members of Colombia's Indigenous Guard occupy the steps of Congress in a defiant act after President Petro warned lawmakers that should government reforms be limited there could be "revolution." Photo: Richard Emblin

Indigenous Guard occupy Bogotá’s historic Plaza de Bolívar

In a defiant act to pressure the Colombian Congress in approving the National Development Plan and Health Reform of the government of President Gustavo Petro,…

RICHARD EMBLIN May 7, 2023

The Nevado del Ruiz volcano taken from the heavens

This stunning image captured from the International Space station by NASA captures the grandeur of the Nevado del Ruíz volcano.

THE CITY PAPER STAFF March 25, 2023