Latest News

Colombia Rescues 17 Minors From Ultra-Orthodox Lev Tahor Sect

By The City Paper Staff - November 23, 2025

Colombian authorities have rescued 17 minors belonging to Lev Tahor, an ultra-Orthodox Jewish sect widely accused across several countries of child abuse, forced marriage, kidnapping and extreme coercive control. The operation — carried out by Migración Colombia in coordination with the Army’s Gaula Militar — was triggered by international alerts and concerns that the group […]

Bogotá’s International Sacred Music Festival Returns with Four Weeks of ‘Glory’

By Richard Emblin - September 4, 2025

Bogotá will host the 14th International Sacred Music Festival from September 10 to October 5, featuring 750 artists from 16 countries in 40 concerts, lectures, and workshops. Centered on the theme “La Gloria,” the festival spans 20 venues, with Verdi’s Nabucco opening and Brahms’s German Requiem closing.

The iconic Christmas tree at Rockefeller Center in New York. Photo: Andrew Dallos/Creative Commons.

Why the Christmas tree is a tradition older than Christmas

By The Conversation - December 21, 2022

Evergreens have long served as symbols of life during the bleakness of winter. But Queen Victoria spurred the tradition that has become a global phenomenon.

Durga Puja in Bogotá to tribute Colombia’s frontline health workers

By The City Paper Staff - October 21, 2021

Bogotá chef Arun Pal is hosting his seventh Durga Puja charity event in which more 200 meals will be donated to the city’s frontline COVID-19 health workers.

Bogotá to adopt Vatican protocols during Easter Week

By The City Paper Staff - March 11, 2021

In order to avoid a spike in coronavirus after the experience of Christmas, Mayor López has banned in-temple services and processions during Holy Week.

Bogotá churches to offer ashes as a precaution to the start of Lent

By The City Paper Staff - February 16, 2021

Churches around the world will celebrate the beginning of Lent by adapting strict biosecurity measures and avoiding physical contact through ashes.

Bogotá’s churches closed with coronavirus, but “English spoken” will resume

By Emma Jones - April 6, 2020

Bogotá’s many houses of worship are closed with the coronavirus outbreak, but once their doors re-open English services for expats will also resume.

Pilgrimages and processions mark Holy Week in Bogotá

By Jacqueline de Klerk - March 26, 2018

As the most important week for Christians around the world, Bogotá’s has its share of processions and pilgrimages for the faithful to celebrate the Semana Santa.

Gallery: “Semana Santica” in Mompox

By Richard Emblin - March 19, 2018

Before the start of Holy Week across Colombia, the colonial town on Mompox celebrates Semana Santico, a week-long religious festival in which children lead the processions.

Curiosity on Bogotá streets: Magic is in the Soap

By James Green - September 20, 2017

Magic is more than skin deep for those who believe. Strange bars of divine cleanliness can be found on Bogota? streets.

Editorial: “Thou shalt not steal”

By Richard Emblin - September 13, 2017

Pope Francis’ recent trip of Colombia was marked by a huge outpouring of affection and millions of faithful attending religious services across the country. But will the message of reconciliation and anti-corruption hold?

Pope Francis begins historic five-day visit to Colombia with message of reconciliation

By Richard Emblin - September 6, 2017

Pope Francis arrived Wednesday afternoon in Colombia’s capital as part of a five-day trip to spread a message of hope and reconciliation as the country ends 53-years of conflict with the peace agreement with FARC.

Vatican announces Pope Francis will visit Colombia on a six-day trip in September

By The City Paper Staff - March 10, 2017

The Vatican has announced that Pope Francis will visit Colombia for six days in September to show his support for the peace process with FARC and the importance of reconciliation.

Search continues for Colombian Catholic nun kidnapped in southern Mali

By The City Paper Staff - February 9, 2017

Search and rescue operations continues in southern Mali to secure the release of the Colombian Franciscan nun, Gloria Cecilia Narvaez Argoti, taken by a gang of armed jihadists.

125-year-old organ returns to Bogotá’s Cathedral after monumental restoration

By Jared Wade - July 7, 2016

A 125-year organ returned home to the Primatial Cathedral of Bogotá after a restoration that took three years and cost 2.5 billion pesos.

The sacred chants of Colombia’s Pacific proposed for UN patrimony

By The City Paper Staff - October 6, 2015

The Colombian government has established a working group to present the sacred chants of the Pacific as intangible patrimony of humanity.