Greek Colombians

Greek Colombians (Greek: Ελληνοκολομβιανή, Spanish: Griego-colombianos) are Colombian citizens of Greek descent or Greek-born people residing in Colombia. They are located in Bogotá, Barranquilla, Cali, Cartagena, and Manizales.

History
The first Greek immigration to Colombia began from 1920 to 1930, while others came after the Second World War because of hardships in Europe. Among the first Greek immigrant to arrive in Colombia was Spyridon Galakatos, an engineer of Cephalonian origin. Most of them came from Smyrna, Crete, Peloponnese, and Cyprus. Included are Aromanians and Megleno-Romanians, who became adjusted to Colombian society because of the linguistic similarities between Aromanian, Megleno-Romanian, and Spanish, as well as Latin identity of Aromanians and Megleno-Romanians. Greek immigrants in Colombia introduced products from Greece, including olive oils and olives.

From 1980 to 1990, many Greeks escaped Colombia during the years of insecurity caused by Pablo Escobar's war on drugs. After 1990 when Colombia became more of a secured nation and began to have good economic results, all Greeks returned and started doing innovative businesses.

Culture
Balalaika, the largest underwear companies that is located in Medellin and is owned by Takis Bersis, which is currently open in all markets and shopping centers throughout the nation.

Spiros Kongas is another example of Greek entrepreneurship in Colombia. he decided to create Greek sugar cookies (kourambiethes) well known in Colombia. His company, called "EL Greco", is a manufacturer of sweets that among other products produces kourambiethes that can be found in all supermarkets.

Notable people

 * Spiros Stathoulopoulos, film director who directed the film PVC-1 in 2007 and Meteora in 2012.