Chivas - Kolumbiens bunte Busse (360° - GEO Reportage)

Colombia's buses – the Chivas – are wonderfully colorful and a symbol of the South American country. Painted in rich detail, these vehicles, some of which are decades old, travel to the most remote villages, making them the most important means of transportation. In competition with modern buses and jeeps, the Chivas drivers are increasingly under pressure. They are looking for a future for their colorful heritage on the mountain roads. Without Chivas, Colombia would no longer be what it is. A film by Stefan Richts © 2013, License MedienKontor / ARTE Season 15 - Episode 21 Subscribe to wocomoTRAVEL: https://goo.gl/tIk2Qc Follow us on Facebook:   / wocomo   Press release: Andes, a small town in the Colombian mountains, is the center of Chivas culture. The buses are converted trucks and are painstakingly hand-painted. They are also called "buses de escalera" – roughly translated as "ladder buses" – because for decades, in addition to carrying passengers in the cabin, the Chivas have also been transporting all kinds of goods and agricultural products to and from the fincas outside of the major cities. The goods are usually hoisted onto the roof using ladders and stowed there. This has long ensured the survival of the Colombian hinterland. 360° - GEO Reportage traveled with them. One of the most experienced Chivas drivers is Humberto Restrepo, nicknamed Frijoles, which translates as "little bean" because the 46-year-old loved beans as a child. He has been driving his bus for 27 years on paved and unpaved roads and paths across Colombia. Frijoles is currently driving a friend's bus while his own Chiva is being repainted. The bus hasn't been overhauled in 15 years, and a complete repaint will cost five million pesos, or almost €2,000. Alejandro and Humberto Serna – the painters who give the buses their distinctive character and also look after Frijoles' Chiva – are stars in Colombia. The brothers learned the art from their father and have continued the family tradition since his death in 2010. In about two months, they create a masterpiece on two axles. For Frijoles, the five million pesos are a vital investment: only a convincing Chiva look will successfully attract passengers. Furthermore, the annual Chivas parade and competition is coming up soon in the district capital of Medellín. Frijoles' Chiva should be finished by then and hopefully perform well.