Colombian Australians are Australian citizens of who trace their nationality or heritage from the South American nation of Colombia.
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Causes of migration
Economic problems and violence led to an emigration of Colombians to Australia in the 1980s. Colombians are one of the largest South American migrant groups to Australia. Like other South American immigrants and unlike Central American and Caribbean Latino immigrants, Colombians tend to come from urban areas.
Ethnic composition of Colombians in Australia
Ethnically, Colombians are a diverse population including Colombians of Indigenous descent, Afro-Colombians, Colombians of European descent (mainly Spanish ancestry). However, most Colombians are mix of the three ethnicities. In addition, a significant percentage of Colombians of Middle Eastern descent, notably Syrian and Lebanese, also compose Colombian society.
Cultural traditions
The main musical interests are vallenato, salsa and cumbia. The vast majority of Colombians are Roman Catholic; younger Colombians are significantly more secular than the older generation. Colombian food is highly varied. Popular dishes are bandeja paisa, sancocho (stew), empanadas (meat-filled turnovers), pandebono (a type of cheese-bread), and arepa (corncake). Like most immigrants raised in Australia some children will seek Australian sports. Another popular pastime, especially among the older generation, is parqués.