How Magali Cuvillier Fell for Colombian Culture
Magali Cuvillier of Quebec isn’t simply a traveler—she’s also an ambassador and storyteller through dance, an example of how passion can make people feel at home far away from where they grew up. Popularly dubbed as “la QuilleraNadiense”, Magali made lasting connections between Colombians and audiences worldwide by celebrating Barranquilla Carnival culture with passion, energy, joy, and authenticity.
For more on Magali’s journey and her connection to Barranquilla Carnival, watch this video on youtube: The ‘QuilleraNadiense’ came to enjoy the Carnival.
From Quiet Quebec to the Streets of Barranquilla
Magali was constantly exploring her world since she was young, which inspired her to visit Colombia’s Caribbean coast following all of the stories about it she heard during 2014. When Magali finally made it there in 2014 she discovered much more than beautiful places; something truly resonated with her spirit!
She stayed in Barranquilla and nearby coastal cities for three years, diving headfirst into local life. She didn’t just observe; she experienced it first-hand. Learning coastal Spanish expressions, participating in festivals, and experiencing firsthand how a community celebrated life through music, dance, and color was both captivating and inspirational for her. By the time she returned home, she no longer considered herself just another tourist but was part of its rhythm!
Dancing Her Way Into Hearts
- Immersed in local rhythms: Magali learned champeta and salsa, two of the most lively and soulful dance styles in Barranquilla.
- Sharing joy online: She posted videos of herself dancing with pure enthusiasm, which quickly went viral, spreading smiles far beyond Colombia.
- A visible connection to the city: Her signature cap that says “I love Barranquilla” became a symbol of her affection for the city.
- Singing and celebrating: She brings Carnival spirit wherever she goes by injecting her videos with fragments from Caribbean Colombian songs that capture its spirit, no matter where life may lead her.
- A nickname earned with love: Fans called her “la QuilleraNadiense”, a playful way of acknowledging how deeply she embraced the culture.
- Authenticity above all: Her passion comes through naturally. She dances and sings not to perform but because she loves the culture.
- Bridging cultures: Magali connects her Canadian roots and Colombian traditions, showing how cultural exchange can be both joyous, sincere, and inspiring.
Bringing Carnival to the Newsroom
One moment that cemented her fame came when she visited EL HERALDO, one of Colombia’s premier newspapers. Without hesitation she danced salsa and champeta to cheers, claps, laughter, singing fragments from Caribbean Colombian songs while spreading Carnival spirit among everyone present.
Magali showed what it means to truly embrace another culture with her heart, joy, and celebration of that culture in that newsroom.
Why People Fell in Love With Her
Magali’s story resonates because it’s real. She didn’t learn a few steps or phrases just to make a video. She lived the music, danced the dances, and embraced the people. Her social media content reflects curiosity, respect, and joy rather than trying to impress anyone.
Her authenticity has won her fans not only in Barranquilla but around the world. People see her videos and feel her excitement. She is a reminder that connection to culture is not about where you are from—it’s about how fully you immerse yourself and share that experience with others.
What Makes Her So Loved
- Lived experience over performance
She committed years to local life, festivals, and traditions. - Respect shown through action
She learned by listening, practicing, and participating daily. - Joy that feels genuine
Her energy feels natural, not staged or rehearsed. - Culture first, attention second
She highlights music, people, and community before herself. - A bridge between worlds
She connects Canadian roots with Caribbean traditions seamlessly. - Belonging earned, not claimed
Her nickname reflects acceptance from the community, not self-branding.
Carnival, Culture, and Connection
Barranquilla’s Carnival is recognized by UNESCO as a Masterpiece of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity. Every year before Lent begins, celebrations with parades, costumes, music, and dance can be found all throughout the streets—featuring Cumbia, Salsa, or Champeta rhythms as part of this festive event.
Magali doesn’t just dance to the music—she lives it. Her movements, her smiles, and her videos bring the energy of the Carnival to audiences far beyond Colombia. She demonstrates that culture isn’t tied to geography; it travels through passion, respect, and joy.
Through her presence, Carnival becomes more than a seasonal celebration. It becomes a shared experience. Magali carries its rhythm into everyday spaces, turning streets, newsrooms, and screens into places of connection. Her work helps preserve the spirit of the Carnival by keeping it visible, respected, and alive for audiences who may never experience it in person.
Today and Beyond
Her video content, public appearances, social media activity (including posts), and active presence on multiple platforms have established Magali as “la QuilleraNadiense”, which is a tribute to how deeply her love of Barranquilla and Caribbean Colombian culture remains even after returning home.
Magali Cuvillier’s experiences exemplify the potential for cultural exchange to transcend mere tourism, becoming a deeply personal and enriching endeavor. Her narrative illustrates how cultural exchange can be both personal and purposeful, facilitated by dance, singing, and her captivating energy, leaving a lasting impact wherever she travels.
