Colombia's Independence Day: The Celebration of July 20

On July 20th, in celebration of Independence Day, Colombia comes to a standstill. Flags wave as the city of Bogotá fills with sounds, colors, and footsteps. Every year, on this date, the entire nation celebrates Independence Day, which evokes the first concrete act of rebellion against Spanish rule, which took place in 1810.

However, talking only about history risks reducing everything to a school exercise. Over time, the celebration has become a true collective experience, where the past is far from being experienced as a relic, transforming instead into awareness and constant presence.

There are many Colombians abroad who eagerly await Colombia's Independence Day to symbolically embrace their homeland again. In the narratives of migrant communities, an almost palpable nostalgia emerges, mitigated only by the celebrations organized in major cities across Europe and North America.

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To understand the present value of July 20th, one must immerse themselves in the context of 1810. Santa Fé de Bogotá (now simply Bogotá) was then a city under Spanish control, with a diverse population and growing social tensions. It is curious how the spark of the revolt was ignited by a seemingly trivial episode: the request for a vase on loan (the Florero de Llorente) from local patriots to the Spanish merchant José González Llorente.

The denial, interpreted as an insult and a symbol of colonial arrogance, served as the pretext for a riot that within hours involved hundreds of people.

Many scholars agree that the event was only the tip of the iceberg: beneath the surface, anger over inequalities and a desire for self-determination were already brewing. Some historians emphasize how the vase became, over time, a symbol of the ability to turn a wrong into collective political energy. But, as often happens, the reality is more complex: there are voices that downplay the role of the episode, seeing it more as a posthumous construction of the national myth than a real trigger.

After 1810, the road to independence was anything but short. Nearly ten years of struggles were needed, culminating in the Battle of Boyacá on August 7, 1819-a date that is still celebrated with fervor, although July 20 remains the true day of national memory.

The tricolor flag-yellow, blue, and red-stands out everywhere. According to the most widespread interpretations, yellow represents natural wealth, blue the sky and seas that embrace the country, while red represents the blood shed for freedom. Some historians suggest that the colors were also chosen for practical reasons related to the fabrics available at the time, while others see them as hints towards the Masonic symbolism prevalent among South American revolutionaries.

During the celebrations, the flag is not just an ornament: it is displayed with an almost solemn ritual, often accompanied by anthems. In some schools, children learn from a young age how to fold the flag according to precise rules, while in certain regions, it is said that burning or stepping on the tricolor brings misfortune to the entire community. Superstition or identity consciousness? Perhaps both.

The liberation from foreign rule is experienced as a sort of collective redemption: a sense of rebirth that renews every year during the celebrations for Independence Day.

Those fortunate enough to be in Colombia on July 20th, especially in Bogotá, will observe imposing military parades, public speeches, and a rich offering of popular music performances, from cumbia and vallenato to more modern genres, not to mention fireworks and spontaneous initiatives, varying by location.

Preparations for the day begin days in advance. Schools organize historical reenactments, while the streets are adorned with flags and garlands; shops offer special offers, and even radio broadcasts turn patriotic, alternating narratives of heroes' deeds with interviews of veterans and local historians.

In families, the eve of Colombia's Independence Day becomes an occasion for gathering. Children learn songs and poems dedicated to independence, while adults focus on preparing traditional dishes. In some families, it is customary to light a candle in memory of ancestors or to bless the home with flowers and incense. A way to remember the origins and the history from which the Colombian people come, alongside the awareness that freedom must be cherished day by day.

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For lunch on July 20th, a wide array of typical dishes that reflect Colombia's mixed roots are prepared: ajiaco (a soup made from chicken, potatoes, and corn), bandeja paisa (a rich plate of rice, meats, eggs, avocado, and arepas), tamales, along with sweets like mazamorra and postre de natas.

Each dish carries with it a memory, so much so that recipes vary from family to family, almost like personal signatures. Even those who live far away try to return home, at least for a day, to eat together and share the day with relatives and friends.

The beverages on the table for Independence Day include the famous Colombian coffee, a true national pride, often accompanied by aguapanela, a hot drink made from sugar cane. But toasts with aguardiente, the local liquor, are not uncommon.

Speaking of a single Colombia would not be accurate. The celebration takes on different nuances depending on the region. In the Caribbean areas, music and dance are protagonists: celebrations take place outdoors, with dances lasting until dawn and colorful costumes reminiscent of Afro-Colombian roots. In the Pacific, spirituality blends with religious syncretism: processions, songs, and rituals that unite Christian elements and indigenous traditions. In the Andes, the celebration takes on a more institutional tone, with official ceremonies and a strong presence of civil and military authorities.

An interesting detail concerns small rural communities. The day also becomes an opportunity to resolve old disputes, reinforce friendships, exchange handmade gifts, and tell stories around the fire. It is not uncommon for sporting tournaments to be organized, such as tejo (a traditional Colombian bowling game), serving as an excuse to spend time together and, why not, briefly forget daily difficulties.

Public celebrations mainly focus on big cities. In Bogotá, Plaza de Bolívar becomes the center of events, hosting the military parade and the presidential address broadcasted on live national television.

Beyond the official events, however, the celebration thrives on a thousand micro-events: street artist performances, markets of local products, photographic exhibitions, and workshops for children. The feeling, at least for those observing closely, is that collective memory is built as much in solemn acts as in everyday gestures.

Despite the high visibility of public ceremonies, most Colombians celebrate July 20th with family or close friends. Stories from the elders fill the homes: every object-a flag, an old uniform, a yellowed letter-becomes a prompt to reconnect the threads of memory.

Many families have a tradition of exchanging small symbolic gifts, such as a tricolor ribbon, a miniature of the Florero de Llorente, or a handcrafted item. These gifts become real good luck charms, believed by tradition to protect the home and its inhabitants until the following year.

It is common for the evening to conclude with a collective prayer or a traditional song, perhaps improvised by one of the guests. In some regions, children light paper lanterns and let them fly, hoping they will bring luck and prosperity.

In recent years, Independence Day has managed to reinvent itself, also thanks to the massive use of social networks and digital platforms. Many communities of Colombians abroad organize streaming events, share videos of patriotic songs, and post photos of their private celebrations.

In cities like Madrid, New York, Miami, London, or Milan, Colombian cultural associations work year-round to keep ties with the homeland alive. The boundary between tradition and innovation is thin, but often the best solution is to mediate between the past and the present.

One of the aspects that captivates those involved in popular culture concerns the legends surrounding July 20th. It is said, for example, that the original "Florero de Llorente" was secretly preserved for years by a family of artisans, only to be returned to the Independence Museum in Bogotá in the twentieth century. True or false? Sources differ, but the tale remains intriguing.

Another curiosity concerns the role of women in the revolt. Often forgotten by official historiography, they were actually active protagonists, fundraising, supporting the fighters, and in some cases participating directly in the riots. Only recently have public recognitions begun to be given to the women who contributed to the independence process.

Popular beliefs abound. In some regions, it is said that those born on July 20th will have a lucky life, while in others, it is believed that lighting three candles on the night of the celebration protects the home from malevolent spirits for the coming year. A mix of history, folklore, and a touch of irony contributes to making the day unforgettable for both young and old.

Today, discussing Independence Day means confronting the reality of a Colombia in motion, increasingly interconnected with the world. From celebrations broadcast live on major international networks to collaborations with world-renowned artists (such as concerts like Shakira's in 2010), the celebration has become a true global stage. And yet, despite its international resonance, it remains a deeply felt occasion at the local level.

If there is a lesson that Colombia's Independence Day seems to suggest, it is the ability to preserve the past without fearing the future. Every year, July 20th renews a silent pact between generations: the promise not to forget, to celebrate freedom, and to build together a memory that is, first of all, a conscious choice.

Each time one has the opportunity to witness the celebrations-whether in Bogotá, a small town in the Andes, or a community hall in London-the vitality and enthusiasm with which this tradition is kept alive is surprising. After all, as seen in old archival photographs, history is a story worth rereading, rewriting, and, above all, sharing.