Colorful life on the world's most crowded island

The magical life on the most crowded island on the planet is interestingly recorded by writer Charlie Cordero of the Guardian (UK).

The tiny, cramped island of Santa Cruz del Islote seen from the air. Photograph: Guardian/Charlie Cordero

Santa Cruz del Islote Island, located near Morrosquillo Bay in Colombia, has a total of 18 families living in 97 houses, a school, a harbor and a small square in the center of the island.

The island's population is very large, about 1,200 people living on an area of ​​0.012 km². The population density here is 4 times higher than that of Manhattan, New York, USA.

The family economy on the island mainly depends on fishing and tourism revenue. Life on the island is still difficult, some people have to move to neighboring islands to make a living, work in restaurants and take tourists on tours.

The quality of life of islanders needs more attention such as lack of clean water, contaminated wastewater and waste pollution.

The good news is that there is now an urban engineering company contracted by the local government to handle waste on the island, with recycling and environmental protection programs being a top priority.

Photo: Guardian/Charlie Cordero

Photo: Guardian/Charlie Cordero

The island's youth population accounts for about 65%, while adults, including their parents or grandparents, have chosen to settle down and live a comfortable life on the mainland.

Solar panels on the island provide electricity for the people. The development of the internet on the island has helped young people gain more knowledge and broaden their vision of the world.

Each person has his own life, with different activities that create a colorful picture on the island. The rhythm of life on Santa Cruz del Islote is always lively and seems to never stop. Young children have learned to swim and practice fishing and rowing.

Local authorities say there have been no cases of violence or fighting on the island and people do not have to worry about crime or theft.

Street life on the island is bustling: children run and play together carefree, playing traditional games, and teenagers listen to Spanish rap music at loud volume, while adults sit in the shade, chatting about everything from life, boxing and preparing family meals.

Young men and boys love to play soccer in a mini field regardless of the temperature up to 40 degrees.⁰C at noon, while adults and girls like to play cards in the afternoon.

Whenever there is a funeral, people hold a grand party, sometimes lasting 2-3 days. During the party, they play dominoes, drink beer or rum cacique, and at night they dance enthusiastically to music like champeta or vallenato.

Visitors to this island will be impressed by the energetic life and colorful houses on the island.

"I was impressed by the colorful walls and costumes of the islanders, the bright colors of the fabrics contrasting with their skin color" - author Charlie Cordero said.

In addition, visitors will be surprised by the hairdressing profession on the island. Ms. Lucero, one of the best hairdressers on the island, spends most of her free time doing makeup and hair with many creative styles for girls.

Virgen del Carmen is the patron saint and protector of the islanders. On the festival day, people will carry the Virgen del Carmen and parade around the island to pray for blessings and peace.

However, according to author Charlie Cordero, the most valuable thing about Santa Cruz del Islote Island is that the people are honest and have great neighborly relationships. When in trouble, relatives and neighbors immediately help.