Colombia Independence Day
Colombia Independence Day
There are Independence Day parades throughout the country on July 20, some with uniformed cavalry performing acrobatic feats on horseback. Schoolchildren march in their uniforms, and dancers perform in the costumes of their region. In the afternoon, people watch athletic games and listen to singing groups perform their favorite folk songs. Because July is a winter month in Colombia, almost everyone wears ruanas, which are square shawls of brightly colored wool with a slit in the center for the head, and alpargates, or rope-soled canvas sandals.
When Colombia first became a republic in 1819, it included Venezuela, Ecuador, and Panama as well. Venezuela and Ecuador became separate states in 1830, and Panama withdrew in 1903.
Colombian Embassy
2118 Leroy Pl. N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
202-387-8338; fax: 202-232-8643
www.colombiaemb.org
AnnivHol-2000, p. 120
NatlHolWrld-1968, p. 117