About Colombia

Colombia is located in the top Northwest corner of South America, above the Equator, which provides a tropical climate without seasons. Colombia is the fourth largest country in South America. It is surrounded by both the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean Sea. Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador and Panama neighbor Colombia. The geography is diverse and includes mountains, jungles, deserts, rivers and lakes. There are many climates and a wide variety of plants and animals you will not find anywhere else in the world.

Colombian Flag

The flag of Colombia was adopted on November 26, 1861. It is a horizontal tri-color of yellow, blue and red. The yellow stripe takes up the top half of the flag and the blue and red take up a quarter each below. The yellow stripe symbolizes the rich resources of its ground; blue symbolizes the two oceans surrounding its coasts; and red symbolizes the blood of the heroes who fought for independence from Spain.
 

Colombian Cuisine

There are a large variety of dishes that reflect the differences in regional climate. For example, in Bogota and the Andean region, "ajiaco" is the traditional dish. It is a type of soup made of chicken, yucca root and potatoes, flavored with a locally grown herb called "guasca". Traditionally, cream and capers are added just prior to eating. The soup is often served with white rice, lemon-infused salads, avocado, or plantain chips.

Colombian Independence Day - July 20th

In Colombia, they celebrate their independence on July 20^th. Schools, post offices, and governmental agencies are closed for this special day, much like the 4^th of July in the US. Before the holiday, children in schools across the nation celebrate in school with dance and food celebrations. Finally, Colombians honor their flag and national anthem and remember their history and struggle for freedom from Spanish rule. 

Slavery, monopoly of commerce, taxes and duties-among other things- gradually gave rise to opposition and dissent. One by One, Colombian towns declared their independence. On July 20^th, 1810, the Creole rebellion broke out against the Spanish rule. This important event was a highlight in the struggle for Colombia’s independence, accomplished nine years later. The last and most decisive battle took place in Boyacá on August 7, 1819. Three days later Simón Bolivar arrived victoriously in Bogotá. Colombia had won their independence! ¡Felicitaciones Colombianos! 

The Museum of Independence resides in a corner colonial house called the Casa del Florero, of the Plaza de Bolivar. The museum displays memorabilia—documents, paintings, and personal objects—which recalls the important events of Colombia’s Independence. 

Simón Bolivar was born into a wealthy family in Caracas, Venezuela in 1783. His life was marked with death, as his parents died shortly after his birth. Shortly after his marriage his wife also died of yellow fever. A combination of his education in Europe, his time in Spain, and his visit to the newly independent United States, contributed to his passionate belief in the freedom of South America. Bolivar is credited for leading the fight for independence in 6 countries of Latin America: Venezuela, Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, Panama and Bolivia.