Viche’s Triumph: How Colombia’s Afro Communities Saved Their Sacred Drink
The story of Viche begins with enslaved Africans who brought their knowledge of fermentation and distillation to sugarcane cultivation. Women, in particular, became the keepers of its recipes, blending medicinal herbs and aromatic plants into the spirit. Its name traces back to the Bantu word bichi, meaning unripe fruit—though the sugarcane used is fully mature.
Today, Viche is more than a drink—it is a symbol of resilience and heritage. Its legal protection ensures that Afro-Colombian women, the guardians of its secrets, can continue their traditions. The 2021 ruling guarantees that future generations will inherit both the craft and the cultural legacy of Viche.
