On Saturday, from 1 to 10 pm, Jordan Park in Utah was transformed into a vibrant celebration of Colombia’s cultural heritage.
Filled with music, dancing, food trucks, and stalls featuring traditional Colombian hats (Sombrero Vueltiao) alongside popular Colombian soccer jerseys, the event marked Colombia’s Day of Independence.
This year celebrates an impressive 215 years since the region declared its independence from Spain on July 20.
The Colombian-American community in Utah is rapidly growing, and Colombianos Unidos UT (Colombians United UT) has been pivotal in connecting these communities with resources and events for the last five years.
Partnering with over 50 vendors and performers, Colombianos Unidos turned out an impressive event for the Independence Day celebration.
Johanna Moreno, representing the organization, encapsulated the event’s goals, stating, “Our intention has always been to show Colombian culture to the world.
We want people to go beyond prejudices, and we want to show that Colombia is dance, music, delicious food, and other things.”
As attendees strolled through the festival, they were treated to a wide array of delicious foods, including savory arepas, empanadas, hogao hot-dogs, buñelos, and a variety of flavored limonada.
The performances showcased a mix of traditional Colombian dances by the Colombian Dance Company, modern interpretations of popular songs by homage artists, and local reggaeton artists.
Various resources were also available, including services from Communidad Materna en Utah, which provided financial, insurance advice, and immigration services.
Among the vendors was Angie Mora, an entrepreneur from the Guajira region of Colombia.
Surrounded by shelves of intricately designed, 100% handmade woven bags, Mora explained her mission since starting her business just this past April.
“We collaborate with the Wayuu community in Colombia,” she noted.
“A big part of what we generate here in sales, we return to Colombia.
It’s a help to the Wayuu community.
Why? Because they are who earn the least in our country, they are the ones who work the most, who are the most dedicated, but earn little.”
This year’s celebration took on added significance against the backdrop of increased tensions within immigrant communities.
With mass ICE detentions and changes to immigration policy, many undocumented individuals, even those with legal paperwork, have faced unjust treatment, including racial profiling.
Both Moreno and Mora emphasized the importance of free public events like this one for fostering community and bringing people together.
“In this moment, these types of events are important because we are in a situation where immigrants or people from other places are ‘criminals’.
And in reality, we are working people who come to contribute,” stated Moreno.
She further expressed how events like this allow Colombians to connect, network as entrepreneurs, and share their cultural products.
“It makes us remember where we come from and allows us to come together as Colombians, as entrepreneurs,” she said.
Mora illuminated the joy inherent in the Colombian spirit, stating, “I love the unity; I love the joy of the people.
I think that is my favorite part about the Colombian.
The Colombian is someone happy.
You always see the Colombian smiling and laughing despite the adversities, fear, loneliness, and many things.”
The celebration at Jordan Park not only honored Colombia’s independence but also showcased the resilience and enduring joy of the Colombian people.
image source from：dailyutahchronicle
