Colombians made themselves felt with their parade in Jackson Heights, the enclave of this community in Queens. And it is precisely this Sunday that marked the rebirth of this traditional celebration that celebrated its twenty-third edition.
After a three-year hiatus due to the pandemic, the singular cadence of the clarinets, flutes, accordions and drums that give life to cumbia and vallenato, sounded like glory. These and other emblematic rhythms of the coffee country set the festive tone for the celebration for the 213 years of Colombian independence along Northern Boulevard.
Gabriel Rodríguez, from Bogotá, who lives in the area, agreed that the most important thing is to meet again and enjoy life.
“We have to thank God for allowing us to celebrate, not only our national holiday, but the fact that we are here today,” Peña said.
Colorful floats and folkloric groups gave way to the tour that began on 69th Street and ended on 87th Street.
To the cry of Juepa je!
Acclaimed by the public that cheered with the ¡Viva Colombia! And the ¡Juepa jé!, the vibrant comparsas that came from Colombia showed the rich and diverse culture of this country. Among the most striking were the delegations of the Barranquilla Carnival, the Manga de Cartagena comparsa and the Canela orchestra.
“There is nothing more beautiful than representing our land and showing its cultural traditions abroad. We feel blessed to be able to parade in New York,” said Clara González, a member of the Barranquilla Carnival delegation.
González, originally from Quindío, in the Colombian coffee region, added that Colombians feel highly recognized for the opportunities that this country offers them.
“We come to give our hearts to our compatriots who live in the United States and also to promote the culture of Colombia,” said Celeste Pérez, a member of the Bahía de Manga de Cartagena comparsa.
“We celebrate the independence and unity of Colombians in the United States,” said Martha Hernández, from the Barranquilla Carnival dance school in New York.
Reunion and fellowship
“Well, more than anything, one takes advantage of these moments to reconnect with their people, with music and culture. On this day when we see so many Colombian flags in New York, we feel great pride because we understand that we are recognized as a community,” said Andrés Gómez, from Cali, who came with his entire family from Elizabeth, New Jersey, to meet his family who lives in Queens and enjoy the parade.
“It had been a while since we had experienced this. It was time to go out and shout at the top of our lungs, Long live Colombia!, said Esperanza Aristizabal from Barranquilla, alluding to the three years that the pandemic lasted and these public celebrations did not take place.
The participation of the dance groups of the tri-state area of Carnival of Barranquilla USA, with its director Luz Mery Machado; the Cumbiamberos from New York, led by Mauricio Montes and the salsa groups Super Star group and Rhumbon kaleño.
A legacy for history
The Colombian Cultural Center said that the Twenty-Third Edition of the Colombian Parade in New York is part of the cultural legacy of Colombians living in the area.
Rafael Castelar, president of the entity, highlighted the effort made to redevelop the event after the three-year break due to the pandemic.
The singer Duey Mesa, tied the ribbon as King of the Parade and Rafael Orozco, winner of the ‘My name is’ contest, joined as a special guest.
The day was framed under a clear blue sky and pleasant temperatures.
“Once again, the colors of Colombia take over Jackson Heights to ratify the consolidation of Colombians as one of the most thriving communities in New York,” said Castelar.
The veteran activist took the opportunity to thank the city authorities for facilitating the return of the Colombian Parade.
“It was three years of absence but we have come back more firm and enthusiastic. The parade is already a New York summer tradition,” added Castelar.
The Colombian Cultural Center distinguished as International Sponsors Ximena Hidalgo, Manuel Lebrón, police officer Michael Mienko, Queens court judge Néstor Díaz and some retired officers of the Salvadoran army. Among the National Godparents were Major Rafael Rodríguez Castelar, Colonel, Federico García from Colombia. As National Godmothers, Senator Jessica Ramos, Assemblywoman Catalina Cruz, Martha Zawady from Tele Caribe, Glenda Arboleda from the Colombian Navy and María Temilda González, judge of the New York Civil Court.
Special participation in the parade was that of the Colombians in the police force, in the mounted police, as well as in the New York Fire Department.
Colombians in the area exceed 500,000, they constitute one of the most prosperous Hispanic communities in the Big Apple, with businesses in the restaurant sector and various services, they have also been consolidating their presence in local and state government, as well as in the police and fire departments.