Colombians are celebrating, and as a way to continue celebrating their Independence Day, which on July 20 commemorated 213 years, and which was felt in the Big Apple with the emblematic Empire State building dressed in the national tricolor, this Sunday the celebration continues.
The Colombian Cultural Center is inviting not only compatriots from the coffee country but also the Latino community in general, and all New Yorkers, to join the celebration, in the Famous Colombian Parade in Queens, which this year reaches its 23rd edition.
The event, which will feature floats, troupes, musical and cultural presentations, as well as sports groups, will begin at 11:00 a.m. at the corner of 69th Street and Northern Boulevard, and will progress for several hours until it concludes at Northern Boulevard with 86th Street.
Claiming that the event is a great expression of patriotism and a good excuse for Colombians living in New York City and other parts of the tri-state area to meet again and celebrate their festivities, the organizers promise that there will be lots of fun.
And when talking about what makes Colombians special, one of the Latino groups most present in the Big Apple, the founder of the Parade assures that it has been their history and their people skills that have always made them stand out.
“Being Colombian is a beautiful gift that makes us unique, different and special. Our history, culture and customs are admirable and make us shine wherever we go, always more for the good things than for those that are not so good”, said the Colombian. “The Colombian Parade of New York is a cultural activity that presents to the world from New York City, the traditions, folklore and idiosyncrasies of Colombians.”
It is estimated that almost 500,000 Colombians reside in New York, who through different industries and political, business, cultural and sports representation, have left their mark on the Big Apple.
One of them is Juan José Martínez, who has lived in Queens County for more than 15 years, and who assured that he will be present at Sunday’s parade with his entire family.
“We at home are a very large combo, of more than 15 people including fathers, mothers, brothers, children and nephews, and we look forward to the parade because it is a way to reconnect with our roots and to shout loudly that even though we do not live in our country and are fortunate to be in this beautiful city that has opened its doors for us, we will always carry Colombia in our hearts and souls,” said the Colombian.
The Colombian Consul in New York, Andrés Mejía, who was promoting various activities prior to the national celebration, including film events at the Consulate headquarters and discussions about the exhibitions, also issued a special invitation to his compatriots to celebrate in style.
“I have a special invitation for you: we are going to raise the flag from the place where we are and we are going to upload the photos with the hashtag #nycsevistedecolombia,” said the diplomat, while declaring himself honored to see the tricolor of the Colombian flag adorning New York from the Empire State Building.