Fish and Seafood Boom during Colombia’s Holy Week: A Look at the Tradition’s Environmental Impact

During Holy Week, many people abstain from meat as per the Vatican code of canon law. This tradition requires every Catholic over the age of 14 to avoid eating meat on this day until they are 59. While the document does not specify what type of meat should be avoided, in Colombian popular culture, deprivation is mostly associated with beef and pork. This leads to an increase in the consumption of chicken meat, fish, and seafood.

In Colombia, where 59% of adults consider themselves Catholic, the fishing sector projected a significant increase in sales for the first quarter of 2024 due to the increased demand for fish and seafood during Holy Week. However, this tradition of abstaining from meat also poses an environmental problem, as some species at risk of extinction like hicotea turtles are consumed during this time.

The capture and consumption of hicotea turtles have raised concerns among environmental organizations. The indiscriminate capture of these animals, especially during their breeding season, can have a detrimental impact on their populations and their ecosystems. State organizations like the National Police and the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development are working to combat wildlife trafficking.

Despite efforts to prevent wildlife trafficking in Colombia, numbers indicate that the problem persists and even worsens each year. Animals rescued from trafficking often suffer from physical and health conditions that make it difficult for them to return to their natural habitats. The abuse and exploitation of these animals for consumption during Holy Week highlight the need for stricter enforcement of laws and regulations to protect endangered species.

While there is no denying that abstaining from meat on Holy Friday is a significant cultural tradition for many Catholics around the world, including those in Colombia, it’s important to recognize its potential environmental consequences. As such, it’s crucial that individuals take steps towards more sustainable food choices throughout the year.

In addition to promoting plant-based diets or reducing meat consumption overall, individuals can also support conservation efforts by advocating for stronger laws and regulations aimed at protecting endangered species like hicotea turtles.

By making more conscious choices about our food consumption habits both during Holy Week and beyond, we can help ensure a healthier planet for future generations while honoring our cultural traditions as well.