Colombia, a nation renowned for its vibrant culture and stunning landscapes, is home to a variety of unique and sometimes peculiar customs. One such practice, found in certain rural areas near Cartagena, involves young men engaging in sexual interactions with donkeys, often referred to locally as "donkey loving" or "donkey sex." To outsiders, this custom may seem bizarre or unsettling, particularly in a region celebrated for its beauty and charm.

This article explores the cultural, social, and economic factors behind this unusual practice, offering insight into its context and its portrayal in popular media like The Grand Tour.

Cultural Roots

In some rural Colombian communities, donkey sex is considered a rite of passage for young men transitioning to adulthood. This practice, deeply embedded in local traditions, has historical roots in isolated regions where access to education and modern societal norms is limited. Various explanations exist for its origins: some see it as a way to practice sexual performance, others link it to restrictive social norms limiting interactions with women, and some attribute it to the isolation of rural life.

Local myths further perpetuate the practice, with beliefs that engaging in donkey sex enhances masculinity or even increases physical attributes like penile size. These ideas, tied to cultural notions of male prowess, make the practice socially significant in certain communities.

Social and Economic Factors

The custom of donkey sex is driven by a mix of social, cultural, and economic influences, rather than the region’s reputation for beautiful women, as some might assume. In rural Cartagena, conservative societal norms heavily restrict premarital sexual activity. Young men face challenges accessing socially acceptable outlets for sexual exploration, as premarital relationships with women are stigmatized, and the risk of unwanted pregnancies carries significant consequences.

Economic isolation also plays a role. Rural communities often lack access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities, perpetuating traditional practices. The absence of exposure to modern values or animal welfare principles further entrenches this custom in these areas.

Media Spotlight: The Grand Tour

This unusual practice gained global attention in The Grand Tour, the automotive and travel show featuring Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond, and James May. In the “Colombia Special” (Season 3, Episode 2), the hosts explore rural Colombia and briefly discuss donkey sex with locals, presenting it as a quirky aspect of rural culture. Their humorous approach sparked mixed reactions: some viewers found it an intriguing glimpse into an obscure tradition, while others felt it trivialized a sensitive topic. The episode highlights the challenge of portraying such customs to a global audience without oversimplification.

Where It Happens

This practice is not widespread across Colombia but is concentrated in rural areas around Cartagena, where geographic and cultural isolation preserves traditional customs. These communities, often cut off from urban centers, maintain practices that differ significantly from those in modernized areas. Urban Colombia, with greater access to education and global influences, shows little evidence of this custom.

Ethical and Cultural Reflections

The practice of donkey sex raises ethical concerns, particularly around animal welfare, as animals cannot consent to such interactions. Health risks, including potential disease transmission, also pose challenges. From a cultural perspective, dismissing the practice as mere ignorance overlooks its deep roots in tradition and socio-economic realities.

As Colombia modernizes, increased connectivity with urban areas and access to education may reduce the prevalence of donkey sex. Promoting sexual education, gender equality, and animal welfare in a culturally sensitive way is key to fostering change without alienating communities that view this as a longstanding tradition.

Looking Ahead

The future of this practice likely depends on Colombia’s ongoing development. As rural areas gain access to education and economic opportunities, exposure to modern values may diminish such customs. Community-driven initiatives that respect local traditions while introducing ethical perspectives could support this shift. Understanding donkey sex in rural Colombia requires looking beyond its oddity to the complex interplay of history, culture, and economics shaping these communities.