Silvia is a small Andean town in the department of Cauca, surrounded by green hills and known for its strong Indigenous Guambiano and Misak cultural presence. The town’s central market remains one of the best-known in the region, drawing residents from nearby mountain communities dressed in traditional clothing. During Holy Week, the streets and plazas take on an even more ceremonial atmosphere shaped by religious gatherings and local traditions.
We visited Silvia on a day trip from Popayán in April 2026 during Holy Week. Many people wore the town’s characteristic purple traditional attire, which gave the streets a distinct atmosphere throughout the day. We walked through the market, around the town center, up Belén Hill, and near Chimán Lake, stopping often to photograph daily life and the surrounding landscape.
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