Chicha: The ancestral corn beverage of Andean culture

Chicha, an ancestral fermented corn beverage, remains a significant cultural and nutritional element in Andean regions. In Bolivia, research from the Agruco center at the Universidad Mayor de San Simón highlights the drink's traditional value in the Cochabamba valleys. Beyond its role as an alcoholic beverage, it is recognized in rural communities for its nutritional properties and medicinal uses, such as treating colds and respiratory issues when consumed in moderation.

In Colombia, the tradition is preserved through events like the Festival de la Chicha in the La Perseverancia neighborhood of Bogotá. Now in its 28th edition, the festival celebrates local identity and the work of 'matronas'—women who maintain ancestral recipes passed down through generations. The beverage serves as a social cornerstone in local markets and community gatherings, representing an intangible heritage of the capital.