Colombian Independence Day Celebrated In Bergen County

HACKENSACK, NJ — The County of Bergen hosted a ceremony and flag raising on Tuesday in honor of Colombian Independence Day.

Colombian Independence Day is celebrated on July 20th and commemorates Colombia’s freedom from Spanish rule, fought for by revolutionaries in Bogota after 300 years of colonialism.

After the fighting, Colombia emerged as the first constitutional government in South America.

Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz issued a proclamation on behalf of Bergen County Executive James J. Tedesco III recognizing July 20, 2023 as Colombian Independence Day.

Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Ortiz presented the proclamation, along with a Key to Bergen County, to Consul General of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark Maria del Pilar Cruz. Consul General Cruz served as the event’s keynote speaker.

The ceremony featured dance performances by Englewood’s Azucar Dance USA. Refreshments were provided by Colombia Bakery in Hackensack, New Jersey, and Club Colombia.

The County of Bergen also presented Colombian Outstanding Service Awards to members of the community.

2023 Colombian Independence Day Community Service Award Recipients

Diana Castenada, Emergency Room Social Worker, Bergen New Bridge Medical Center
Officer Brandon Goez, River Edge Police Department
Mat Hernandez, Northern Highlands Regional Board of Education Trustee
Angelica and Eleo Gonzalez, Coffeecol, Teaneck
Julian Castello, Villa de Colombia, Hackensack
Daniel Ruiz Lince, Student, Bergen Community College
Nicholas Vergel, Open Door Community Center, South Hackensack
Guillermo Reyes, North Jersey Vineyard Church, South Hackensack

Among the events

Dancers from Englewood’s Azucar Dance USA performed for the audience at the Bergen County Colombian Independence Day Ceremony.
Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz presented a proclamation to Consul General of the Consulate General of Colombia in Newark Maria del Pilar Cruz.
Ortiz delivered opening remarks.
Dancers from Englewood’s Azucar Dance USA returned for an encore performance.